Awaiting the big day

I am 37 years old and scheduled for LAVH next Tuesday, November 20. I am a bit nervous because not only am I a smoker (I've cut back but not quitting because last time I quit I coughed terribly for 3 days and I don't want to have a cough after my hysterectomy) and I suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. My surgeon hopes to be able to perform my hysterectomy vaginally but it will depend on the size of my uterine fibroids and barring any problems he might discover with other organs. Has anyone else had a hysterectomy who is a smoker and, if so, what complications might I expect as a result of this? Aslo, the surgery is supposed to take approx. 4 hours. I understand that LAVH actually takes longer to perform than an abdominal and because I am also anemic I am concerned I might need a blood transfusion afterwards. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Hi, I also am a smoker and I had no problems with my surgery because of it. Everyone is different , try to cut down as much as you can until surgery. It's hard right now what with being nervous and everything. Best of luck with your surgery.

Thanks Cote,

I had a vag done on Oct. 23 2001. I tried to cut back as much a possiable before the surgery. The Dr. said that everything had gone well with no problems. How ever when I woke up I was on ?Oxigen?. I have had several surgerys and have never had to have that before. However my sincius were acting up just a few days befoe surgery. They also sent me home with a thingie to help increase my lung compasity. I hope that helps.
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AngRed1

Yes, that helps a lot. I hope to quit smoking altogether after the surgery so this gives me the motivation to do so and since I won't be allowed to smoke in the hospital I should be fine after I get home. It's always a good to have some sort of idea what to expect in terms of complications, though. I am relieved to hear yours went well.

Hi Karrin! :smokin:

I'm a smoker, too. I was instructed to refrain from smoking for at least 12 hours (or more if possible) prior to my surgery time.... Be sure that you let your anesthesiologist know that you're a smoker, too.

I did not have any problem during or after my surgery. Just a bit of a dry, sore throat, which I think even some non-smokers experience.

One thing I did do after surgery was the breathing exercises... my nurse gave me this breathing apparatus and instructed me to do the exercises as often as I thought of it, preferably 10 times per hour. This really helped prevent congestion and coughing.

I was hoping I could quit for good after my surgery, since I had absolutely NO desire for a cigarette the whole 3 days I was in the castle.... alas, I'm still struggling --