If you’ve recently quit smoking, ask your doctor about your risk for having a complication after surgery.
Your doctor may advise you to stop smoking for a longer period of time. This depends on your individual situation. You should follow your doctor’s recommendation.
How Can I Stop Smoking Before Surgery?
If you have a history of smoking or are planning to quit smoking, talk with your doctor about it.
Your doctor may recommend nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help you quit.
NRT is a prescription medication that contains nicotine. You take it by mouth or by inhaling the smoke from a nicotine patch or a nicotine inhaler.
NRT can be used to help you quit smoking before a procedure, such as a dental procedure.
If you’re unable to quit smoking on your own, your doctor may ask you to use NRT until you’ve had the procedure.
It’s important to talk with your doctor about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of NRT before you start using it.
How Can I Quit Smoking After Surgery?
If you smoke, you should stop smoking as soon as possible after surgery. Follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions.
You can use the same quitting strategies that helped you quit smoking before surgery.
Your doctor may recommend your smoking cessation program be an addition to your usual aftercare routine.
Your doctor will provide you with support in quitting smoking, including:
- Nicotine replacement therapy, which can help you quit smoking
- Counseling, which can help you quit smoking and reduce nicotine cravings
- Behavioral therapy
- Medications, including anti-anxiety medication and anti-seizure medication, to help you quit smoking
- Prescription medications, such as varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Wellbutrin), to help you quit smoking and reduce cravings
Be patient and continue using your quit smoking program until you’re able to quit smoking on your own.
If you smoke after having surgery or you’re thinking about quitting, talk with your doctor about your options.
What Else Can I Do to Help Manage My Anxiety Before Surgery?
If you smoke, you may want to consider using one of the following strategies to help manage your anxiety before surgery:
- Stay active. Getting regular exercise can help ease anxiety. Exercise can help you manage stress and anxiety. It can also increase your strength and flexibility, which can help you recover from surgery more quickly.
- Eat a balanced diet. A balanced diet is important to your overall health. It’s also important to your recovery after surgery.
- Manage your stress levels. Chronic stress can increase anxiety, which can make your recovery from surgery even more challenging.
- Reduce your alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol can increase your anxiety. It can also increase your risk of having complications after surgery.
- Learn breathing exercises. Practicing controlled breathing can help you relax.
Talk with your doctor about your anxiety management plan. They can help you create a plan that works for you.
When Should I Take My Medication?
If you’re taking any medications, make sure your doctor knows about it. It’s important to let your doctor know if you’re taking any medications, including pain relievers.
Some medications, such as anti-psychotic medications, anti-anxiety medications, and anti-depressants, can interact with each other and with other medications you’re taking.
It’s important to let your doctor know the medications you are taking. This information can help them better monitor your overall health and well-being while you’re recovering from surgery.
Can I Take My Antidepressants After Surgery?
If you’re taking any medications for mental health, such as antidepressants, it’s important to tell your doctor. Some antidepressants can cause an increased risk of bleeding. They can also increase the risk of infection.
It’s important to let your doctor know if you’re taking any medications, including antidepressants. This can help them determine whether your antidepressant is safe for you to take after your surgery.
Is It Safe to Take Antidepressants After Surgery?
Antidepressants can be used to treat depression. They’re sometimes prescribed to treat chronic pain. They can also be used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants can increase the risk of infection, especially if you’re taking other medications.
If you’re taking any antidepressants, talk with your doctor about your specific medications. They can help you find an antidepressant that’s safe for you to take after your surgery.
What If I Have a Coagulopathy After Surgery?
A coagulopathy is a blood clotting disorder. It can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Cancer
- Infection
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
DVT is a blood clot that develops in a deep blood vessel in your leg. Cancer and infections can also cause a blood clot.
If you have a coagulopathy, you may need to take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), to prevent blood clots. If you start taking blood thinners before any clotting occurs, you may need to take them for a longer period of time.
What Are the Signs of a Coagulopathy?
If you’re taking blood thinners, signs of a coagulopathy can include:
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Numbness or weakness
- Swelling or bruising of the face, hands, feet, or legs
- Redness of the skin
What Are the Signs of a Bleeding Disorder?
If you have a bleeding disorder, you may have bleeding that doesn’t stop. You may also have frequent headaches, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums.
You may also have a platelet disorder, which is a defect that prevents your blood from clotting. Platelet disorders can cause frequent bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, and bleeding in the stomach.
What Are My Other Treatment Options?
If you smoke, you may want to consider other treatment options.
If you’re experiencing anxiety, you may want to consider taking an anxiety treatment. Talk with your doctor about your anxiety treatment options. They can help you find an anxiety treatment that works for you.
The bottom line
Smoking is a risk factor for many health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and certain types of cancer.
Quitting smoking is the best way to protect your health.
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