Smoking & Anesthetic

Blowpop27Blowpop27 Posts: 201
Forum Member
I have to have a general anaesthetic on Monday..I know I can't eat or drink for 6 hours but what about smoking.

Before you all start telling me i shouldn't smoke at all..I know, I know, but can I just get advice about the anaesthetic please. lol

Comments

  • DarthchaffinchDarthchaffinch Posts: 7,558
    Forum Member
    It won't make much difference, make sure you tell the docs though.
  • Keefy-boyKeefy-boy Posts: 13,613
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    as said above, they need to know, it is the fact that you are a smoker that counts, and stopping that day ain't gonna help much!
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 12,830
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    Best not to smoke within 24 hrs of surgery, because of increased risks.
  • hanndavhanndav Posts: 2,809
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    petertard wrote: »
    Best not to smoke within 24 hrs of surgery, because of increased risks.

    Of what?

    Don't worry about it. They will already know you're a smoker likely, and if there were any risks at all, with your info about not eating it would say not to smoke as well.
  • Blowpop27Blowpop27 Posts: 201
    Forum Member
    Yeah, they know I'm a smoker, they didn't mention anything about it - only the food issue.

    I will just keep it to a very bare minimum I guess. It would be hard to not smoke at all, very nervous about the op.
  • mimi dlcmimi dlc Posts: 13,423
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    Not a great time to try and quit, but I would try and smoke the absolute minimum between now and then.
    What's the longest you can go between cigs at present?

    Not sure if using nicotine patches before op is recommended or not.

    Why not give NHS Direct a phone call?

    No disrespect to DS members, but you may get the best advice there.


    Good lucK for the op.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 13,497
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    I have had a few operations for an ongoing condition. When I was still a smoker they used to recommend trying to avoid smoking for at least 12 hours before the op, to reduce the risk of breathing difficulties during the operation.
  • DarthchaffinchDarthchaffinch Posts: 7,558
    Forum Member
    Agree with the above!!

    The fasting aspect is so you don't vomit or aspirate you stomach contents and choke to death! (Don't worry about this though!!)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 2,251
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    No, don't smoke.
Sign In or Register to comment.