Bronchiectasis, airway clearance & cataract surgery

Posted by raney @raney, Feb 26, 2023

I am concerned about cataract surgery and airway clearance 2 or more times a day, I have copious amounts of thick mucus every day and can't have my lungs lower than stomach due to hernia. I lean over the bathroom sink or coughing and drainage.
I would like to know others experience with cataract surgery and airway clearance? Docs say no problem, but the do no have the disease! I not want to dislodge the lens or cause bleeding in the eyes

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Possible to take a cough suppressant before surgery? As you know it's a very short surgery. I had cataracts removed before coughing was an issue. I would figure out the best way to manage chronic coughing and do it again in a minute if I needed to, such a difference! All best!

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@bubbie2

My ophthalmologist says he can't do cataract surgery unless I lie flat. That causes me to cough. He says to talk to pulmonary and perhaps they will put me in hospital with anesthesia and tube down my throat. Anyone run into this?

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If there is a time when you generally cough less during the day, then you could ask that they schedule the surgery then. Improving your sight is well worth the challenges.

Also although it isn’t ideal, you could perhaps take a cough suppressant for a day or two? leading into the cataract surgery. It might calm down the coughing for the procedure. All the best with it.

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@egayle187

@raney...I had cataract surgery and was able to continue my airway clearance without trouble. I lie down to cough out the mucus into tissues. This helps with lightheadedness and the pain in my whole body when I cough hard.
I also use Mucinex to loosen the thick mucus. With my nebulizer treatments twice a day, the saline makes for a smoother coughing experience. Don't be afraid of the surgery, it was easy and the results are glorious!

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I’m scheduled for cataract surgery in January. The doc doesn’t want me to cough.
I use nebulizer twice a week. It makes me cough and gag to get the mucus out. I’m afraid I’ll hurt the new eye. Any suggestions?

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@carolweinberg

I’m scheduled for cataract surgery in January. The doc doesn’t want me to cough.
I use nebulizer twice a week. It makes me cough and gag to get the mucus out. I’m afraid I’ll hurt the new eye. Any suggestions?

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@carolweinberg Are you saying the doctor does not want you to cough after the surgery? Or during the surgery? If no coughing afterwards, I'd be sunk if that were the case!

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I just had my left cataract done 31/2 weeks ago. I called and spoke with nurse beforehand and told her of having Bronchiectasis and asthma. Asked if I would be able to use my flutter valve and to do Huff coughing after I had surgery. She said yes, there would be no problem.
Now I will say that someone was talking to my surgeon while she was doing the surgery and she said I’m going to put one stitch in because of a packet which I don’t know what that means but maybe that helped.
I have been able to do all of my Huff, coughing and use of flutter valve.

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@teedlum

I just had my left cataract done 31/2 weeks ago. I called and spoke with nurse beforehand and told her of having Bronchiectasis and asthma. Asked if I would be able to use my flutter valve and to do Huff coughing after I had surgery. She said yes, there would be no problem.
Now I will say that someone was talking to my surgeon while she was doing the surgery and she said I’m going to put one stitch in because of a packet which I don’t know what that means but maybe that helped.
I have been able to do all of my Huff, coughing and use of flutter valve.

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Thanks! That's reassuring. Curious and somewhat unrelated -- what correction did you choose? Distance with close up glasses?

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Yes distance with reading glasses!

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@scoop

@carolweinberg Are you saying the doctor does not want you to cough after the surgery? Or during the surgery? If no coughing afterwards, I'd be sunk if that were the case!

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After surgery if I cough too hard it could possibly hurt my eye. The only way I cough and gag is if I use my nebulizer. I have a mild case of bronchiectasis.
My pulmonologist told me not to use the nebulizer until the eye is set. Usually this takes 5 days. I tried it this week and I only coughed a little. He also said he could give me something to quell my cough. I am 78 and really need to see better. I’m lucky that I don’t cough much. We shall see. I’m praying for a good outcome!

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@carolweinberg

After surgery if I cough too hard it could possibly hurt my eye. The only way I cough and gag is if I use my nebulizer. I have a mild case of bronchiectasis.
My pulmonologist told me not to use the nebulizer until the eye is set. Usually this takes 5 days. I tried it this week and I only coughed a little. He also said he could give me something to quell my cough. I am 78 and really need to see better. I’m lucky that I don’t cough much. We shall see. I’m praying for a good outcome!

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I am nearing 80 years f age and had both eyes done this past July. I had no problems. I did not do ACT before my surgery and reminded the doctor/staff before the procedure of my coughing. My surgery lasted about 20 minutes and then I did the AC afterwards. I'm sure you'll do well and will not regret seeing better after your surgery! I am much happier for sure! Wishing you the best.

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@pmmar1

I am nearing 80 years f age and had both eyes done this past July. I had no problems. I did not do ACT before my surgery and reminded the doctor/staff before the procedure of my coughing. My surgery lasted about 20 minutes and then I did the AC afterwards. I'm sure you'll do well and will not regret seeing better after your surgery! I am much happier for sure! Wishing you the best.

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Thank you 💗

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