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Asthma and General Anesthesia

Posted , 7 users are following.

melissa53667
melissa53667

Hi,

I have to have surgery in 10 days and was horrified to find out that I need full general anesthesia. I have never had general anesthesia before, only propofol or sedation. My asthma is active (not symptomless) and I do use my Ventolin inhaler throughout the day- usually when exercising and using cleaning products. 

I currently take 2 puffs of Advair twice a day, 10mg of Singulair at night, and Ventolin as needed (which is daily).

All I read are horror stories of people with active asthma and general anesthesia, bronchospasm from the tube in the windpipe, etc.

Has anyone ever had general anesthesia and NOT had an issue with their asthma? 

Melissa

 

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • nigel28138
    nigel28138 melissa53667

    Posted

    Hi Mellisa I have in the last 5years had 6 operations under full anaesthetics each time the doctor looking after you will be very aware you are asthmatic and will take care of you during my last ops I had nebulisers while under and also when in recovery I am sure that that you will monitored very carefully and looked after very well, I wish you well and trust you have a speedy recovery regards.
  • GrammyBea
    GrammyBea melissa53667

    Posted

    Hello Melissa

    I have had several general anaesthetics in the past few years.  

    The anaethetist will come and speak to you before your operation and this is your opportunity to go over your drugs and your concerns and to ask as many questions as you need to put your mind at rest.

    You will be monitored extensively and I really would not be overly concerned - there are many asthmatics with sometimes quite complicated drug regimes and everything will be taken into account.

    Do ensure you ask those questions, though!

    Regards

     

    • melissa53667
      melissa53667 GrammyBea

      Posted

      GrammyBea and Nigel,

      Thank you so much for your encouragement. I have never had general anesthesia before so it is a little scary in itself- then to add Google's asthma horror stories into it is making me so anxious.

      Thank you again for your kind words.

  • Aschm32186
    Aschm32186 melissa53667

    Posted

    Hi glad you have ppl reasure you on your up coming surgery and what to expect. Keep us up to date and tell us how it all went smile Good Luck and speedy recovery 

  • yvonne72269
    yvonne72269 melissa53667

    Posted

    keep taking your asthma medication and keep your self healthy the anaethetist will answer all your questions that are worring you . i have had many anaethetics and have been fine as long as you talk to the anaethetist  all be well.
  • Wheezy_1
    Wheezy_1 melissa53667

    Posted

    Just make sure they know your asthma  is a real concern and they will watch you very closely and bring you out of it as soon as they can.I pray that all will go well and you will conpletely. Mary Helen
  • melissa53667
    melissa53667

    Posted

    Hi everyone... surgery went well and I am alive! Lol.. no issues with the general anesthesia!! They woke me up before removing the tube from my windpipe, although I don't remember it. She said it would be best if I were awake because it would minimize coughing- hence less trigger to the asthma. Thank you all for your encouragement.. now I'm on my road to recovery.

    I had a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy at age 30, btw.

    Not a fun procedure, but totally do-able!

    • keepertony44
      keepertony44 melissa53667

      Posted

      Hi Melissa,

      Really pleased to hear you are alive!!!!! (i would be worried if not given your lovely response to my own post.) Didn't realise till reading your post here that you had the adenoids removed also. You must be so proud of yourself for persevering with these.

      Stay strong and positive (i will endeavour to do the same with regards to my wife.) Take good care.

      Tony

    • melissa53667
      melissa53667 keepertony44

      Posted

      LOL this made me laugh! I was convinced I was going to die going under anesthesia (hello, anxiety). The anxiety was so bad years ago I couldn't even get in the car and go to the grocery store... so I've made quite a bit of progress in the anxiety zone. Thank God.

      Sending your wife many well wishes.

    • keepertony44
      keepertony44 melissa53667

      Posted

      Thank you Melissa. Will pass your wishes onto my wife.

      Laughter is supposed to be good for the soul. We should do it more often.

      I am all but housebound due to my anxiety - hearing your progress is reassuring and shows small steps can be made. Keep going strong.

  • nigel28138
    nigel28138 melissa53667

    Posted

    Hi I am pleased that all went well and wish you a speedy recovery regards
  • GrammyBea
    GrammyBea melissa53667

    Posted

    Hi Melissa

    I am delighted to see that all went well with your surgery.

    I think that there is so much dud information 'out there' and that we can all scare ourselves witless by reading the horror stories.

    It seems as if you had good, understanding doctors who listened to your concerns and treated you accordingly.

    You can go mad and have as many surgeries as you like now!

    Regards

     

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