Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Upcoming Knee Surgery
avatar
Veritas_Woman posted:
I haven't really been on in a while, since last summer when I was diagnosed and had a lot of questions. I hope this finds everyone well. I am preparing for arthroscopic knee surgery this Friday to repair a torn meniscus-again. however this is my first surgery post asthma diagnosis. It was brought to my attention that there could be some concerns with asthma and general anesthesia. What questions do I need to ask when I go and what does the nurse anesthesiologist need to know? My asthma has been mostly under control-just got back on singulair last week and still on advair and zyrtec and have needed my ventolin at least once a day to every other day since the allergens have been real high and ragweed is back in full force here in Ohio. Anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks!
6 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Upcoming Knee SurgeryI haven't really been on in a while, since last summer when I was diagnosed and had a lot of questions. I hope this finds everyone well. I am preparing for arthroscopic knee surgery this Friday to repair a torn meniscus-again. however this is my first surgery post asthma diagnosis. It was brought to my attention that there could be some concerns with asthma and general anesthesia. What questions do I need to ask when I go and what does the nurse anesthesiologist need to know? My asthma has been mostly under control-just got back on singulair last week and still on advair and zyrtec and have needed my ventolin at least once a day to every other day since the allergens have been real high and ragweed is back in full force here in Ohio. Anyone have any experience with this?<br />Thanks!
Reply
 
avatar
abbymay16 responded:
As far as your surgery goes make sure the anesthesiologist is aware, as well as the staff who checks you in for surgery.

If you have taken any prednisone during the past year, be sure your surgeon and anesthesiologist is aware of this as they may add a small dose of steroid just prior to your surgery to be sure there are no issues .

Many of us just pretreat with our rescue inhaler just prior to surgery which can avoid any issues you might have with the anesthesia. If possible be sure the recovery room staff is also aware of your asthma so they can be on the lookout for any issues.

Good luck,

Mattie
Vive Bene, Spesso L'Amore, Di Risata Molto (live well, love much, laugh often)
Report This| Share this:Upcoming Knee SurgeryAs far as your surgery goes make sure the anesthesiologist is aware, as well as the staff who checks you in for surgery.<br /> <br />If you have taken any prednisone during the past year, be sure your surgeon and anesthesiologist is aware of this as they may add a small dose of steroid just prior to your surgery to be sure there are no issues .<br /> <br />Many of us just pretreat with our rescue inhaler just prior to surgery which can avoid any issues you might have with the anesthesia. If possible be sure the recovery room staff is also aware of your asthma so they can be on the lookout for any issues.<br /> <br />Good luck,<br /> <br />Mattie
Reply
 
avatar
Veritas_Woman replied to abbymay16's response:
thanks Mattie,
that sounds like sound advice. I've actually been on prednisone several times in the last year-still trying to loose the weight. I will pre-treat with my rescue-good idea as well.

Thanks! I'm hoping its as easy as the last scope and that it feels much better afterward. I was hoping that the initial conservative treatment worked with a aspiration and cortisone shot but it didn't so in for surgery it is. I want to get back to being active and trying to lose the prednisone weight as soon as possible...
Erin
Report This| Share this:Upcoming Knee Surgerythanks Mattie,<br />that sounds like sound advice. I've actually been on prednisone several times in the last year-still trying to loose the weight. I will pre-treat with my rescue-good idea as well. <br /><br />Thanks! I'm hoping its as easy as the last scope and that it feels much better afterward. I was hoping that the initial conservative treatment worked with a aspiration and cortisone shot but it didn't so in for surgery it is. I want to get back to being active and trying to lose the prednisone weight as soon as possible...<br />Erin
Reply
 
avatar
Aqua14 replied to Veritas_Woman's response:
I agree with Mattie: be sure to tell the doctors, the anesthesiologist, and whoever else is monitoring your anesthesia in the op rom.

I had outpatient surgery with general anesthesia in January, and the gas doc did have me pretreat with my Xopenex inhaler, and then I was allowed to put the inhaler in my gown pocket just in case. (I didn't need it.) I had no problems.

Good luck with your surgery. Judy
Report This| Share this:Upcoming Knee SurgeryI agree with Mattie: be sure to tell the doctors, the anesthesiologist, and whoever else is monitoring your anesthesia in the op rom. <br /> <br />I had outpatient surgery with general anesthesia in January, and the gas doc did have me pretreat with my Xopenex inhaler, and then I was allowed to put the inhaler in my gown pocket just in case. (I didn't need it.) I had no problems.<br /> <br />Good luck with your surgery. Judy
Reply
 
avatar
Veritas_Woman replied to Aqua14's response:
Well the surgery went ok but I am having a lot of problems with the asthma and the vicodin not playing nice. I talked to the pharmacist and my doctors office yesterday-the pharmacist said that asthma and vicodin tend to have some conflicts and my orthopedic won't prescribe anything else-i got the feeling it was because I already had the vicodin and all the controlled substance stuff and they didn't want to deal with trying something else they just kind of pushed it off and told me to take the vicodin only at bed time. I did take it last night and as with previous doses-needed my inhaler about 20mins later. Anyone think using my nebulizer before a dose of vicodin would help?

Thanks!
Erin
Report This| Share this:Upcoming Knee SurgeryWell the surgery went ok but I am having a lot of problems with the asthma and the vicodin not playing nice. I talked to the pharmacist and my doctors office yesterday-the pharmacist said that asthma and vicodin tend to have some conflicts and my orthopedic won't prescribe anything else-i got the feeling it was because I already had the vicodin and all the controlled substance stuff and they didn't want to deal with trying something else they just kind of pushed it off and told me to take the vicodin only at bed time. I did take it last night and as with previous doses-needed my inhaler about 20mins later. Anyone think using my nebulizer before a dose of vicodin would help? <br /><br />Thanks!<br />Erin
Reply
 
avatar
Aqua14 replied to Veritas_Woman's response:
Can you call your asthma doctor and ask about other pain meds you could take that would not affect your asthma (or not affect it as much)? Then once you have suggestions, go back to your orthopedic surgeon and offer the suggestions and push him on this.

Really, I'd be quite concerned if the pain meds I was taking worsened my asthma -- I'd be concerned that I could be in big asthma trouble before I knew it.

I suspect that nebbing before taking the Vicodin would help, but I wouldn't think it would last all night.

Hope these thoughts help, and hope that you soon find a pain med that doesn't affect your asthma. Judy
Report This| Share this:Upcoming Knee SurgeryCan you call your asthma doctor and ask about other pain meds you could take that would not affect your asthma (or not affect it as much)? Then once you have suggestions, go back to your orthopedic surgeon and offer the suggestions and push him on this. <br /> <br />Really, I'd be quite concerned if the pain meds I was taking worsened my asthma -- I'd be concerned that I could be in big asthma trouble before I knew it. <br /> <br />I suspect that nebbing before taking the Vicodin would help, but I wouldn't think it would last all night.<br /> <br />Hope these thoughts help, and hope that you soon find a pain med that doesn't affect your asthma. Judy
Reply
 
avatar
Fleur24 replied to Veritas_Woman's response:
I too have serious asthma with really twitchy airways. I have had prednsolone several times including the last year. and am due to have bladder and rectum prolapses fixed. At my preassessment appointment I discussed the possibility of spinal anaesthesia. This has been agreed and I am extremely pleased and now have no anxiety.Maybe anyone out there can consider this if undergoing surgery below the waist. You are sedated so that you cannot remember any of the operation and the spinal gives you 4 hours pain free, before you need any other meds. .
Report This| Share this:Upcoming Knee SurgeryI too have serious asthma with really twitchy airways. I have had prednsolone several times including the last year. and am due to have bladder and rectum prolapses fixed. At my preassessment appointment I discussed the possibility of spinal anaesthesia. This has been agreed and I am extremely pleased and now have no anxiety.Maybe anyone out there can consider this if undergoing surgery below the waist. You are sedated so that you cannot remember any of the operation and the spinal gives you 4 hours pain free, before you need any other meds. .
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Asthma InhalersExpert
There are several types of inhalers for asthma. Some inhalers (inhaled steroids) are controller medications that are used on a daily basis ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
118 of 148 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Related News

Related Drug Reviews

  • Drug Name User Reviews
See More

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information, visit the Duke Health Asthma and Allergies Center