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Isolation before surgery

March 09, 2010
posted by  OperaJoyce


A couple of days ago I read Michelle's blog where she stated she was in isolation leading up to her surgeryl. It has occurred to me that some of you may have some good comments on the subject. Rather than rewriting it, I shall copy and paste my message to her on this blog.

 

"I was interested in your remark about being in isolation. Last Saturday while attending my daughter-in-laws birthday party, I became aware that one of the guests might be sick. I warned Bill immediately. We both stayed away from the guest and tried not to handle any utensils that he had touched. But it started me  wondering! When did you start you isolation, how strict is it, and did your physician suggest it? I have several exciting events scheduled for the next 2 weeks that I planned to use to keep the willies away. Now I am wondering.

 

This surgery means so much to me; I have been trying to get Medicare to approve it for several years." Joyce

 

I will appreciate any input from you. I don't know whether the idea of  germs or the nagging anxiety creeping into me bothers me most. I cannot imagine sitting around just waiting for the surgery. I want to be out with my family and friends. Joyce

 

 

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Comments

 
grammaK

March 09, 2010

Joyce, I can't really say that I was in isolation before my surgery, but then mine was in July when most people aren't having colds, etc. I always take precaution anyway, like washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer when out in public, staying away from someone who appears ill, cleaning the handles on shopping carts...it's not uncommon see some people out wearing masks during cold & flu season. I don't know if one really has to go into total isolation before surgery, but just take a few extra precautions and make sure you're getting enough rest and proper exercise to keep youself healthy. ~Karen
 
EllenBR

March 09, 2010

Joyce I experienced a sinus infection 3 weeks before surgery. I contacted my local physician and rec'd antibiotics. They weren't working so I called my surgeon. He ordered very strong antibiotics which knocked it out. Fortunately I was well for surgery. I recommend what Karen says, be careful but don't isolate yourself. If you do feel something coming on get in touch with your surgeon right away. Your surgeon wants you healthy, too! Ellen
 
JoEllen

March 09, 2010

I know I was in total isolation because I caught the H1N1 and had it for 2 weeks and after I got over that... a week and half later.. found out I caught regular seasonal flu. All with in 3 months of surgery. When I went under to be implanted, I hadn't been sick for a week and half. So I experienced it.. wasn't fun. And I missed a ton of things. But I haven't exactly been well since then. And I have another surgery tomorrow.. thank goodness I am getting my tonsils out!!! Hopefully you wont get sick and I am praying that you don't cause it is a miserable feeling. And a scary one at that.
 
JoEllen

March 09, 2010

And and with what everyone else said.. if you do.. call the surgeon.. he will jump on it. :)
 
Ann in Colorado

March 09, 2010

Hi Joyce, I wasn't in isolation per se, but I did try to avoid being around people with colds. I visited relatives a couple weeks before my first surgery, and my nephew had a nasty cold. I remember worrying that I would get it and not be able to have my surgery. As it turned out, that surgery was postponed for a week because my surgeon came down with something! --Ann
 
Rustycms

March 09, 2010

Hi Joyce , It's a matter of personal choice ~~ mine was that ~ I didn't isolate myself but I did avoid "crowds" ~ flea markets ~ and gatherings with people in close proximity .Christmas shoppers heheeh!! Like you the surgery was so important ~ mine was Dec 28th 2009. I didn't do the usual "people watching" at the mall LOL. I'm not prone to getting sick , but I was very careful anyway. Good Luck , brave lady , whoo hooo ~~~ Hug's , Rusty
 
Lissa

March 09, 2010

A week or so before surgery, I went to my grandparent's house and my cousins and family was there. My cousin was ill so I had to stay in one room whilst she was there just to make sure I didn't get the illness.
 
SharonC- Cochlear Awareness Volunteer

March 09, 2010

Hi Joyce Rusty is right it is a matter of personal choice. The only time I worried about it was when I was going to nursing home as the worry of the H1N1 was around and seems to be more ill people in nursing home. So starting 2 weeks before the surgery did start wearing one of those masks they provide at the home. I didn't want to take any chance of picking up something from there. Other than that like the others I stayed away from sick people. Not really prone to getting sick, but stayed on the side of a little caution. SharonC
 
Kencutus

March 09, 2010

Washing hands are your best defense against germs and colds. Every hospital in the nation will tell you that. I have to wash hand often during my shift everyday at work.
 
CherylO

March 09, 2010

Joyce, working in school with students sneezing and coughing all day in my lab I managed to stay healthy by washing hands constantly and i have a purell dispensor in lab so everytime I pushed in a chair or neatened up computer station I would sanatize hands. As it turned out I did have a minor sore throat and sniffles day of surgery but no temperature and surgery went well.
 
kittykat

March 09, 2010

I didn't isolate myself,but was worried about getting a cold. So I didn't go out the last week-end before surgery. I managed not to catch anything. Like you, this surgery was so important to me. I washed my hands a lot and used sanitizer. Kathy
 
MargoK-Cochlear Volunteer

March 09, 2010

I've never worried about catching a cold or flu prior to my ci surgery. I just felt that it I did catch a cold/flu my ci surgery would just be postponed until I was well. I had 4 school age children and volunteered in their classrooms when I had my first ci surgery. I stayed well and my ci surgery went on without a hitch. With my last ci surgery in 2008, I was still working in our farm market up to the surgery and again just didn't worry about getting sick as I know there really is nothing I can do to prevent a cold/flu other than using good hygiene/hand washing practices. I was fortunate and stayed healthy for ci surgery. I was actually more worried about how my kidney disease would be affected by surgery and was reassured that my kidneys would be fine and they were. Just stay calm, contact your dr. should you get sick, and realize that should the unexpected occur, your ci surgery can be re-scheduled. Be kind to yourself and look forward to this new adventure in hearing. with double ci joy, Margo
 
Shelley E -Cochlear Volunteer

March 09, 2010

Joyce, I agree with what has been said. Since my last surgery was the beginning of February, I was worried about catching something especially from one of my grandchildren. I didn't isolate myself but I also avoided large crowds and washed my hands frequently or used hand sanitizers when out. I also tried to keep my hands off my face.
 
Karen K.

March 10, 2010

Sometimes things happen that you can't prevent. All you can do is rest, sleep, and take care of yourself! For instance, I fought a cough and cold with rest and sleep along with zinc pills and vitamin C pills (per doctor's advice) a week before the surgery. I was fine on Friday just three days before Monday's 2nd CI surgery. I saw the doctor that Friday and he gave a "go" for the surgery. Afterwards, I went to the pre-admissions office to sign paperwork. The lady doing it had a cough and cold! Aaaack! I spent that weekend taking extra care of myself, sleeping, taking zinc and Vitamin C pills and other supplements. I was still fine and well when Monday morning rolled around. After the surgery, it was great to give a sigh of relief! And even if the worse happens, the surgery can just be rescheduled.
 
OperaJoyce

March 10, 2010

Thanks everyone for all the good advice. I think I shall follow a middle road that most of you suggested , not isolated but avoiding crowds, buffets, and children. I remember when I was teaching that I cought every cold that walked in the room. Will also try the vit.C and zinc. Joyce
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