Ashma and Hyster Surgery

I am 59 years old and will be having a hysterectomy in late June (I don't have a date yet). I am also an Ashmatic, developing the condition just a couple of years ago. My doc is sending me to a pulmonary specialist before the hyster for surgery clearance. I know that I need the hyster and that I will feel much better once recovery has been completed, however, I am now a little scared because of the ashma. Has anyone else had the surgery who has ashma and how did things work for you?

Make sure you take any asthma medications with you to the hospital. I made sure that everyone was aware that I have asthma, and they had me use my inhaler prior to surgery. (During a previous emerg surg a couple of years ago, of course I didn't have my medications with me, so when I started wheezing from nerves as they were taking my into surg, they called for some ventolin to be administered with my anaesthetic.) Afterwards when I was back in my room, a pharmacist came in, made sure that I had my medications with me and left an aerochamber for me (I have one but I don't use it). The nurses made sure every day that I was using my flovent twice a day, even watched me the first couple of times. I've never had a serious attack necessitating being hospitalized, but as long as the nursing staff is aware of it, they will take the necessary measures to ensure that you are all right.

My surgery was April 16, 2002 and yes I have asthma. I made sure everyone knew it. My doctor had me bring my inhaler with me to surgery since I was going to try spinal instead of general. I also take pills and she had me bring them to hospital and I took one every night just as if I were at home. Just make sure you spread the word and all should be okay. Good wishes to you.

I have adult onset asthma and have never had a serious problem with surgery. Like the others say, bring your inhaler with you and make sure EVERYONE knows that you have asthma - especially your 'A' Dr. In fact, one of the best things is that if you have an attack while you're in the hospital, you're in no better place for them to take care of it.

It's pretty cool that I saw your post today because I've been having a really bad 2 days as far as breathing goes - and with my surgery only 12 days away, I was getting jittery from more than just the meds.

Good luck - my thoughts and prayers are with you. Maybe we can 'hold each other's hand' through this.

s

Elaine

It shouldn't be a problem. Your doc probably sent you to the pulmonary specialist as a precaution, and your age may have prompted some extra precaution. Asthma is fairly common, and the anestiologists are quite used to managing asthma patients in surgery.I have asthma, and did just fine with a TAH and general. I was told to bring my meds to the hospital. When you go for your preop, the form asks about your health. The preop nurse and anesthesiologist will read it and discuss with you.

Debbie (and everyone else):

If yoy have an Aerochamber, USE IT! You get your full dose of medication. If you don't use it, most of the medication gets deposited on your tongue and the back of your throat, rather than your lungs. Using your Aerochamber ensures that you get the full dose.

I've had asthma most of my adult life, and my husband's specialty is pulmonary medicine (but pediatrics, not adults). He rags on me every time I use any of my inhalers without the device.

Audrey

HI
A pulmonologist is a very good idea.
I get sinus infections all the time. They are now throwing me into an asthma flare up that can be bad. The best thing my GP did was to get me to an allergy/asthma/pulmonlogist. He is so great. He listens to his patients and actually cares about them. Infact I am home now due to a major flare up after a sinus infection and he has been watching me closely.
I was to have surgery tomorrow, but didn't pass the pulmonary tests, plus my body is to weak from being down two weeks now.
Hopfully you can find a dr with the same caring, and gentle bedside manner.

He also told me he is worried that I am on a cylic thing. He wants me to have the surgery soon. He said he sees a lot of premenopausal women going into full blown asthma attacks that never had asthma before. He said asthma can be hormone induced.
Let me tell you, after the last two weeks I have had, if this is the case of being hormone induced, I have a new definite reason to get this surgery done!

I agree with the other posts, take your meds, let everyone know and you will come thru fine. Remeber to speak up when you go to the castle, we are the best protection for ourselves, we need to take care of ourselves, don't worry about repeating yourself to the nurses.

Take care

Marylee