Surgery concerns

Hi. The surgeon was made aware of poor lung condition due to untreated bronchiectasis and MAC prior to mastectomy. Because of that and afib a comment was made of high risk. However to my knowledge no special precautions were taken, and specifically asking the surgeon afterward there were no issues during surgery. Good luck with your surgery.

@kathyhg I recently had a major surgery. The steps that were taken with me were that the pulmonologist in Massachusetts corresponded with the surgeon in Connecticut saying that I would be at high risk for general anesthesia if this, this, and that were necessary in terms of incisions etc. . General anesthesia in terms of being intubated might have been problematic due to my lungs, but ultimately I was given a spinal and something else, and honestly, I don’t remember even getting the spinal! Your best bet, in my opinion, is to make sure all doctors involved are aware of your MAC and communicate either by phone or email as to what is the safest anesthesia that will work for you and for your particular surgery. It’s an easy request for them to honor and will set your mind at ease in the long run. My surgeon actually insisted on having that piece in place. Good luck. irene5

When I had a surgery in 2015 for colon cancer, I knew I had copd and bronchiectasis but I did not know if I had MAC because my former pulmomologist refused to test my sputum. When I met with the anesthesiologist prior to the surgery, I told him that I was worried about my lungs. He said that he had reviewed my history and my most recent CT scans and that he was aware of the condition of my lungs. Then, he said that he would take care of me and that I shouldn't worry. He was so reassuring that I felt relieved and could worry about the cancer instead of the surgery.

There was no problem with my lungs during surgery. However, my breathing was terrible for some time afterwards.

@kathyhg I have asthma & bronchiectasis, and have had surgery twice since diagnosis, once while I had active pseudomonas and MAC, and recently with no known active infection. In both cases, the surgeon & anesthesiologist knew in advance & made plans to use the least possible general anesthetic along with a nerve block and no intubation unless absolutely needed (it wasn't). Everything went fine in both cases.
I second Irene's suggestion that you make everyone aware NOW of the situation and ask that they communicate with your respirologist about your specific situation.
Sue

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. I have time to get all this in place so I’ve started getting everyone in the loop.

Once again, I’m getting my best information from this forum. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

Kathyhg. I went to hospital for an ablation for afib. After having been prepped and as I was sitting in the bed in my jonny with i v in my arm, I was sent home by the anesthesiologists, who were not willing to intubate because of the bronchiectasis and Mac. Admittedly I had just gotten over pretty severe bronchitis and was still coughing and producing mucus. They told me to come back when I got over the coughing. I wish my cardiologist as well as the anesthesiologists were more informed of my lung and bronchial conditions before I went through the whole business. My advice is to make sure all specialists involved are completely informed and communicating with each other.

Hi all you lovelys, just wondering if anybody on here has not been diagnosed with Asthma . Thanks Heather

@heathert That would be me. irene5

Hi Heather. No asthma here...just MAC and Bronchiectasis. Kate

No asthma.