Smoking before surgery

[ytjones23]

Has anyone smoked weed before surgery or did everyone stop if you did? Dont judge it really helps with the pain.

[selmaS]

  Hi I agree with the above poster in letting your Dr know and decide when you should stop prior to surgery...as not only smoking affects coughing but can cause the veins and other structures to constrict and make surgery more difficult.....

I agree a pillow for the drive home was very helpful. Also a hat to protect the scar tissue from getting sunburned.

PS- if you would like a Prayer thread posted...please post your surgery date on the thread for dates....I will bump it up. Wishing you all the best <3

[Lottida]

Most anesthesiologist that I've encountered will request no smoking for 24-48hrs prior to surgery (I quit smoking cigarettes 1 yr ago).  Also make sure that your doctors are aware of your marijuana use (not that it will make any difference), but smoking can increase coughing post surgery which is contraindicated if getting a durapatch.  Coughing can increase intracranial pressure & you definitely want to avoid that at all costs postop!!!   Also make sure that you bring some comfy clothes either button up or loose pull over.  I brought a gel pillow & a neck pillow the kind that is shaped in a U.  I used the neck pillow at first since it allowed my incision to be free of pressure (I layed the neck pillow flat on the bed so that my incision would fall in the open area).  I also used the neck pillow for the ride home......I wrapped it around my neck with the open area to the back so it would serve like a neck brace & it was a life savor!!!!!  You can buy them at Ross, Marshals, Target or Walmart.   There is a list on this forum which is a good guide of what you will need for the hospital stay.  Good luck with your surgery & wishing you a speedy recovery!!!!!