****Pleae check with your doctor*****
If you are on steroids for your bronchitis then you really need to check with your anesthesiologist.
If you have had a very recent exacerbation of bronchitis and still have a lot of sputum or a fever then it is a possibility that the surgery will be postponed until you are better.
However, if you are mainentance steroids all the time or you are on a low-dose steroid after being weaned from an exacerbation of bronchitis from a while ago then it is very important that you DO NOT STOP the steroids until you check with your doctor.
Many people with chronic bronchitis will get worsening of their respiratory symptoms when they stop them abruptly. In addition there are certain side-effects which can be life-threatening if your body is dependent on steroids and then you stop them all of a sudden.
Certainly taking steroids has some side effects and consequences for surgery compared to those women who do not need them, but generally speaking, if you are 'dependent' (not addicted - two different things) it can be worse for you to stop. sometimes your dose of steroids may be increased a bit for a few days after surgery to help your body cope with the stress of the surgery. Your doctor will advise if this is necessary.
All women are a bit different, and their reason for the steroids may be different too. Check with your doctor and see what he/she says. Gook luck
xxx
PS, this advice does not usually apply to the inhaled steroids taken for asthma and bronchitis - which should be continued as well, but tend to have less overall effects on the body than steroid tablets
Steroids & Surgery?
