I'm taking all of the shots and medication and there not helping anymore so it come to the point of hip placement. I have a Doctor Who's telling me that I must quit smoking for 6 weeks and he's going to test my nicotine levels in 6 weeks and there is no nicotine in my body then he will give me surgery is there some reason I have to stop smoking for 6 weeks or this is his perogative. I'm in excruciating pain and I need surgery as soon as possible should I change surgeons?
Jonesy,
It is in your own interests, the surgeons like you to be as fit and healthy as possible it aids your recovery and helps to stop post operative infections. I was surprised when I went to pre op at how fussy the surgeon was about a clean body free from rashes etc., It would be in your interests to follow his advice.
At the moment my hip deteriorated rapidly within the last 3 months I'm at a point where I can't hardly walk. Well I'm asking do I have to be stopped smoking for 6 weeks. I've been told two to three weeks is good enough. This is why I'm thinking this is just doctors on conclusion.
I think he is doing the surgery then maybe the 6 weeks is what he feels comfortable with. I would stop now and show you are serious about wanting the THR and maybe he will knock a week or two off. I know it is difficult I used to smoke, I used the nicorette inhalator which helped me stop. I suppose you need to decide what is most important to you.
Hi
I understand there is significant risk if you are smoking. It is major surgery there are other risks - I had a blood clot just bad luck I was told! But don’t play Russian roulette quit the ciggis you never know you may not go back to them post surgery!
Good luck with the op
Julie
Apparently current smokers have a significantly higher rate of reoperation due to infection compared with non smokers, about twice as likely. I know my orthopaedic surgeon was paranoid about infection. As it is invasive surgery I can understand their worry.
I remember one lady on here who asked her surgeon "what is the worst thing I can do now" after her hip surgery, expecting him to say 'running, jogging, skiing', but he said "SMOKE".
Love it!!
Why not do what's necessary to get the best result? Listen to your surgeon. He can deliver you a new life. Why would you just do what is easier and less hassle for yourself? Perhaps take some personal responsibility for your health and surgery outcome. Good luck.
Giving up smoking isn't easy, it is darned hard, but it is well worth the effort.
Yes it is hard. But after talking to several different individuals the hospital requires that you quit for 6 weeks so I'm going to go forward with the recommendation . Quit date Monday April 30th. Stay in touch
I smoked many years ago, I really enjoyed it. Gave up many times. In the end finally gave up because it became so anti-social.
All the best, hope you manage it. (At least you’ll save a load of money.)
Thanks