LymeNet Flash: Having surgery=am I at increased risk b/c of LD?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Having surgery=am I at increased risk b/c of LD?

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Topic: Having surgery=am I at increased risk b/c of LD?

bv
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9578

posted

I am going to have some elective surgery. Somewhere I heard (I think) that LD increases the risk of surgical complications & delays healing.

Anyone have any info? Thanks in advance for all responses.

Posts: 213 | From ohio | Registered: Jul 2006 | IP: Logged |

karatelady
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7854

posted

I had elective surgery before I knew I had lyme about 7 years ago and it didn't make me feel any worse. I took a lot of things like Cat's Claw, Echinacea, etc., but ask your doctor if that's okay first.

The one thing I remember over the years of having other surgeries (sinus, babies, etc.) was when they gave me the Demoral or whatever they give you before they put you out, it was the only time I didn't have any pain.

It was the most wonderful feeling! Also, when I woke up I didn't have the usual muscle and joint pain ~ just the pain from the surgery.

I hope you do okay,

Sandy

Posts: 686 | From Northeast Georgia | Registered: Sep 2005 | IP: Logged |

healthywealthywise
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 8595

posted

When I was misdiagnosed, I had surgery for both breast cysts, ovarian cysts (benign thank goodness) and thyroid surgery.

I had a really hard time afterwards, which I thought was due to the anesthesia. DUH.

I now believe it was the IV antibiotics I got during and after surgery that made me so weak and sick. I'm pretty sure it was a bad herx both times from abx.

Just let your surgeon know what is going on.....it may affect the way you are treated.

Good luck!

Posts: 867 | From PA | Registered: Jan 2006 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

Be sure to take ALOT of antioxidants before and after surgery, eat right, drink tons of water....and good luck!!

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

bettyg
Unregistered

posted

I've had 11 surgeries before I knew I have chronic lyme for 34 years. Most had complications each time including 2 staph infections.

Last surgery I had a epidermal back injection for pain; really helped a lot!

Yes, keep surgeon/PCP informed of your lyme and ALL ALLERGIES including surgical tape if you have them.

Tape tore off my skin EVERY TIME IT WAS USED!

epidermal MD got tape happy to my back; I suffered a lot from all the skin being taken off my back every time NEW tape was applied.

best wishes to you! Bettyg [Big Grin]

IP: Logged |

8man12
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7664

posted

Dont let them give you any steroids.

Posts: 510 | From NEVERLAND.USA | Registered: Jul 2005 | IP: Logged |

trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620

posted

yes, no steroids, no cortizone! You have to tell them this--each and every doctor including the anasthesiologist. I no longer tell them why-- I just say I am allergic to it. This prompts NO further questions.

I have had many surgeries since KNOWING I had lyme. Some went well, others did not. I dont think the lyme had a direct result on things, but I can tell you that I do take MUCH longer to recover than most and the road to recovery is a lot bumpier. I dont mean in the recovery room. I mean for the weeks following.

Take you time with recovery.
Be gentle on yourself.
stay on your abx or herbs for lyme!

Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001 | IP: Logged |

pattilynn
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 8065

posted

I had spine surgery last year which is what set this illness off BIG TIME!!! I've never been right since.

Posts: 340 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2005 | IP: Logged |

jif
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9215

posted

if scarring is a posibility or concern, let them know.

I unfortunaterly found out the hard way that i am a bit hypertrophic, meaning I don't heal as well as I did and scars are stiffer and wider--but there are things that a dermatolgist or surgeon can do to limit scars if they are thinking of this before hand, like apply silicone strips that would flatten the scar as you are healing.

I don't know where on your body your surgery is, or if you care about scars, but I think due to the vascular problems, or hyper-coagulation of the blood (not sure that is a word but you know what I mean) problems some of us have, scarring can be an issue.

if you care, bring it up with the doctor.

jif

Posts: 208 | From Santa Fe | Registered: May 2006 | IP: Logged |

typhoon_sheri
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 10325

posted

Hi bv,
I was suppose to have surgery on my spine.
When I mentioned this to my LLMD he said no way.

I did have a stomach scope a few months ago, and whatever they gave me to put me out, did just that. I slept for almost 3 days straight !

Whatever you decide , I hope it goes well for you.

Posts: 116 | From state of lyme | Registered: Oct 2006 | IP: Logged |

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