SURGERY AND COPD

My grandmother just had a triple bypass two weeks ago, her COPD had them a bit concerned....they normally try to get the patient on their feet asap...but they had to wait an extra day for her, had to keep the respirator in longer than they wanted to.

How old is she?

seventy-five

That is encouraging. I am 74. Did she have a pre-op evaluation before the surgery?

Yeah I thought you were about the same age....it was more of an emergency type surgery, she went to the hospital about 6pm, and around 10 they decided to operate...but not until the next morning.

Other than the COPD...well, and the heart problems, but that was new to all of us....she is in pretty good health. They did tell us that the COPD could cause problems, but they would be watching her very carefully.

I have COPD, and I've had several surgeries. Despite all the planning and care taken, my asthma acted up each and every time I had anesthesia. I got past the problem, but it was not a good situation.

I don't mean to scare you. I'm just letting you know what happened. Each person is different. Each case is different. Each reaction is different. It's possible that my COPD is worse than yours. That my condition was worsened by previous surgeries and illnesses.

My brother was diagnosed with stage 4 emphysema about 4 years ago and had knee replacement surgery about 18 months ago. He had surgical complications from blood clots in his legs, but I don't think it was related to his COPD. He's 54.

I had oral surgery last year to get rid of some bad teeth and I did not have a problem with the anesthesia. There are no pulmonary specialists on the Big Island and I had a nervous surgeon. I am seeing another surgeon this week.

I read some stats that doctors le 45,000 people a year die because they are high risk for surgery and are afraid of malpractice suits.

I remember your mom talking about his surgery. I'm glad he is okay.