Blog
|
|
|
Planning for Surgery as an Immunocompromised Person: A Guide to Navigating Waiting Rooms and Illness
6 August 2024
Undergoing surgery can be daunting, especially for those with weakened immune systems. Although the procedure can offer important and urgent health benefits, the risk of infection adds extra concern. If you're preparing for surgery and spend time in waiting rooms, it's vital to use strategies that focus on your health and well-being. Additionally, if you get sick in the weeks before your surgery, it's important to understand your options in order to navigate this challenging situation effectively.
I have found that leading up to my planned surgery, I have had a lot of medical appointments. It has been difficult to juggle so many appointments and see so many doctors. I attended appointments for most of July, and this month is already filling up. Most of these appointments are important and required before my surgery, so I haven't been able to postpone anything.
As someone with chronic illness, my immune system is very weak. Medical appointments and crowded places pose a high risk for me and others with compromised immune systems. Even if I wear a good N95 mask, there's only so much I can do when others around me aren't taking precautions like wearing masks and situations when they cough, pick their noses, sneeze and ultimately end up spreading their illnesses, seemingly without caring about the impact.
For those of us with a suppressed immune system, being around people who are not wearing masks and are coughing or sneezing increases the risk of us becoming sick, sometimes with devastating results as we cannot fight viruses and other bugs like a healthy person.
Of course, where possible I ask for telehealth appointments, but not everything pre-surgery can be done via a video or phone call. Clinics have required me to be there in person for obs, outpatients have wanted me in person for a camera down the throat, to meet the surgeon and more. Blood tests, scans and ultrasounds, all have to be done in person. There is only so much you can do.
But you still have to try.
You still have to prepare.
You have to minimise the risk to yourself, even when you know that you might be fighting a losing battle.
There is only so much you can do if the people around you have given up caring about being careful and protecting not only themselves but those who are vulnerable but... we have to try.
A quick list for minimising the risks as an immunocompromised person.
What to Do If You Catch a Bug close to the time of your surgery
When you're immunocompromised and facing surgery, it's important to plan carefully and take extra precautions, especially when dealing with potentially crowded waiting rooms. By focusing on hygiene and health, you can hopefully reduce the risks. If you get sick before the surgery, it's crucial to communicate proactively with healthcare providers to ensure your safety. Being prepared can give you more confidence and let you concentrate on your recovery.
As life has it, despite doing your utmost to prevent illness as a person who is immunocompromised, things happen and it happened for me this week.
I was given my surgery date recently, it is to be done in less than a month and I am now unwell with pneumonia and a UTI. I am on antibiotics and steroids. I was at the GP asap ; I need this surgery to go ahead and have now picked up a bug somewhere. It is not only frustrating but it is using the little energy that I have spare.
I have been able to narrow it down to where I caught it and on what day. When I catch something, I become ill very quickly and I can work out, based on the day I feel unwell, where I picked it up. This time I caught it in the waiting room of the Cardiologist last week, you know... the one where I was the only masked person and was not given the surgery clearance I went there for.
THAT appointment.
See that blog post HERE
I am upset because I do my best to keep myself safe and then I have to go to medical appointments, and the waiting areas (and often the doctors consulting room) are full of unmasked, sick people. For me, this is dangerous and this time, it is casting a shadow on the lead-up to my surgery.
Will surgery go ahead now? I have no idea.
I talked to the Endocrinology registrar yesterday when he called about my preop at-home meds. I told my Endocrinologist at a recent clinic that I was very anxious about staying for the four or five days before surgery that she wanted. I said to her that my PTSD is really bad around anything hospital and she very kindly agreed to let me do some of the preop meds at home myself and be admitted one day prior instead of four.
That post is HERE.
Yesterday, when the registrar called about the medications, I told him that I have pneumonia and a UTI. I was expecting him to say that they would have to delay my surgery, but instead, he told me to take my antibiotics, rest, continue preparing for the surgery, and that they would make a decision closer to the admission date. He said there's still almost four weeks before the surgery, so there's time to decide.
I was surprised and confused. I honestly believed that because I am sick so close to surgery, they would postpone it. Everything I had read said it would be that way.
So.. all hope is not lost, it is just balancing very close to the edge.
I am currently sitting and writing this post in a tank top and light pants because I have a fever one minute and chills the next.. I have a hot water bottle on my chest, a drink, and a laptop to keep me occupied. Let's hope I can shake this off quickly and move forward on this journey.
Sending gentle thoughts to everyone battling illnesses today.
- Tab
6 August 2024
Undergoing surgery can be daunting, especially for those with weakened immune systems. Although the procedure can offer important and urgent health benefits, the risk of infection adds extra concern. If you're preparing for surgery and spend time in waiting rooms, it's vital to use strategies that focus on your health and well-being. Additionally, if you get sick in the weeks before your surgery, it's important to understand your options in order to navigate this challenging situation effectively.
I have found that leading up to my planned surgery, I have had a lot of medical appointments. It has been difficult to juggle so many appointments and see so many doctors. I attended appointments for most of July, and this month is already filling up. Most of these appointments are important and required before my surgery, so I haven't been able to postpone anything.
As someone with chronic illness, my immune system is very weak. Medical appointments and crowded places pose a high risk for me and others with compromised immune systems. Even if I wear a good N95 mask, there's only so much I can do when others around me aren't taking precautions like wearing masks and situations when they cough, pick their noses, sneeze and ultimately end up spreading their illnesses, seemingly without caring about the impact.
For those of us with a suppressed immune system, being around people who are not wearing masks and are coughing or sneezing increases the risk of us becoming sick, sometimes with devastating results as we cannot fight viruses and other bugs like a healthy person.
Of course, where possible I ask for telehealth appointments, but not everything pre-surgery can be done via a video or phone call. Clinics have required me to be there in person for obs, outpatients have wanted me in person for a camera down the throat, to meet the surgeon and more. Blood tests, scans and ultrasounds, all have to be done in person. There is only so much you can do.
But you still have to try.
You still have to prepare.
You have to minimise the risk to yourself, even when you know that you might be fighting a losing battle.
There is only so much you can do if the people around you have given up caring about being careful and protecting not only themselves but those who are vulnerable but... we have to try.
A quick list for minimising the risks as an immunocompromised person.
- Choose the Right Time for Your Appointments: If possible, schedule your in-person appointments for a time that minimizes your exposure to illness. Avoid periods when infections (like flu, Covid, RSV) are most prevalent. It is not always possible... but you can give it a go.
- Maintain Strict Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching surfaces or interacting with others in the waiting room. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Try not to touch anything unnecessarily. Minimise contact with surfaces and people around you.
- Wear a Mask: Depending on your local health regulations, wearing a mask in public spaces, particularly in waiting rooms, can offer an extra layer of protection against airborne germs. Choose a high-quality mask (like an N95 or KN95) to maximize efficacy. There is nothing wrong with being the only person who is wearing one. It means that you value your own safety and that of those around you. Do the hard things, even when the people around you think it's crazy. Do the right thing, be safe.
- Keep Your Distance: Practice social distancing whenever possible. Choose a seat away from others or consider waiting outside if you are feeling anxious about being too close to people. If there are seats in the room that are free and someone STILL sits next to you. (why? why must they? this drives me crazy and many times I have been thrown daggers because I wasn't having it). Don’t be afraid to stand up and move to a seat away from others. You can also tell staff on arrival that you are immunocompromised/high risk and ask to wait in a separate space, away from people. I have done this many times and if they can accommodate, they usually do.
- Limit Time in Waiting Areas: If your appointment allows it, minimize the time spent in the waiting room. Inquire with your healthcare provider about arriving just before your scheduled time rather than sitting around. You can check-in and then request to sit in the car and be called on your mobile when the doctor is ready for you.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Good nutrition and hydration support your immune system. Pack a water bottle and healthy snacks to keep your energy levels up while waiting.
- Discuss Concerns with Your Healthcare Provider: Before surgery, have an open conversation with your healthcare team about your immunocompromised status. They can offer additional precautions and advice tailored to your needs.
What to Do If You Catch a Bug close to the time of your surgery
- Monitor Your Symptoms: If you develop symptoms of an illness—such as fever, cough, body aches, or gastrointestinal issues—take note of them. Early recognition is vital for prompt action.
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider Immediately: Reach out to your surgical team or primary care physician as soon as you notice symptoms. They may schedule an urgent visit for evaluation or provide specific instructions based on your condition.
- Follow Recommended Protocols: Depending on the nature and severity of your illness, your healthcare provider might recommend delaying the surgery, postponing it for additional days, or proceeding as scheduled. Considerations will include how your body is responding to the infection and the urgency of the surgery itself.
- Keep a watch for Complications: If your condition worsens, be alert to signs that indicate the need for more immediate medical attention. These may include increased shortness of breath, persistent vomiting, or other alarming symptoms.
- Prepare for Potential Rescheduling: Understand that cancellation or postponement of your surgery may be necessary for your safety. While this can be frustrating, it’s important to prioritise your health.
- Follow Recovery Protocols Post-Surgery: Should your surgery go ahead after an illness, adhere strictly to any post-operative care instructions. Monitor your recovery closely, and keep your healthcare provider informed of any ongoing symptoms or concerns.
When you're immunocompromised and facing surgery, it's important to plan carefully and take extra precautions, especially when dealing with potentially crowded waiting rooms. By focusing on hygiene and health, you can hopefully reduce the risks. If you get sick before the surgery, it's crucial to communicate proactively with healthcare providers to ensure your safety. Being prepared can give you more confidence and let you concentrate on your recovery.
As life has it, despite doing your utmost to prevent illness as a person who is immunocompromised, things happen and it happened for me this week.
I was given my surgery date recently, it is to be done in less than a month and I am now unwell with pneumonia and a UTI. I am on antibiotics and steroids. I was at the GP asap ; I need this surgery to go ahead and have now picked up a bug somewhere. It is not only frustrating but it is using the little energy that I have spare.
I have been able to narrow it down to where I caught it and on what day. When I catch something, I become ill very quickly and I can work out, based on the day I feel unwell, where I picked it up. This time I caught it in the waiting room of the Cardiologist last week, you know... the one where I was the only masked person and was not given the surgery clearance I went there for.
THAT appointment.
See that blog post HERE
I am upset because I do my best to keep myself safe and then I have to go to medical appointments, and the waiting areas (and often the doctors consulting room) are full of unmasked, sick people. For me, this is dangerous and this time, it is casting a shadow on the lead-up to my surgery.
Will surgery go ahead now? I have no idea.
I talked to the Endocrinology registrar yesterday when he called about my preop at-home meds. I told my Endocrinologist at a recent clinic that I was very anxious about staying for the four or five days before surgery that she wanted. I said to her that my PTSD is really bad around anything hospital and she very kindly agreed to let me do some of the preop meds at home myself and be admitted one day prior instead of four.
That post is HERE.
Yesterday, when the registrar called about the medications, I told him that I have pneumonia and a UTI. I was expecting him to say that they would have to delay my surgery, but instead, he told me to take my antibiotics, rest, continue preparing for the surgery, and that they would make a decision closer to the admission date. He said there's still almost four weeks before the surgery, so there's time to decide.
I was surprised and confused. I honestly believed that because I am sick so close to surgery, they would postpone it. Everything I had read said it would be that way.
So.. all hope is not lost, it is just balancing very close to the edge.
I am currently sitting and writing this post in a tank top and light pants because I have a fever one minute and chills the next.. I have a hot water bottle on my chest, a drink, and a laptop to keep me occupied. Let's hope I can shake this off quickly and move forward on this journey.
Sending gentle thoughts to everyone battling illnesses today.
- Tab
All writing and all images on this website are copyright and cannot be
copied or used without the express and written permission of Tabitha J Page.
Sharing pages straight from the website is welcomed however/please give credit if sharing and use the direct browser link.
copied or used without the express and written permission of Tabitha J Page.
Sharing pages straight from the website is welcomed however/please give credit if sharing and use the direct browser link.
