AIBU to hide cough from surgeon to complete c-section on Monday?

[LongLiveTheChief]

I've had a horrible sinus infection for 3 weeks which turned into a tickly cough yesterday. I'm booked in for a elective c-section on Monday and now I'm worried that they won't be able to complete the operation with me coughing. I definitely won't be able to stifle a cough for over an hour through the op, especially after not being able to eat or drink before the op.

AIBU to try and get through the op without letting on I'm ill? I don't want to cause any complications for me or the baby but I'm thinking if it was an emergency c-section, they wouldn't postpone it then so I'm hoping it won't be an issue?

[PinkSwimGoggles]

you need to discuss this with the anaesetist (sp?)
they and the suregon will then decide how best to proceed.

[Littleballerina]

You need to tell them for your (and your unborn baby) benefit not the surgeon.

[HiDBandSIL]

I would tell them. If they don't want to go ahead it will be for a good reason

[dontbesillyhenry]

I've had a general whilst I had a chest infection, they knew this as they did a chest x Ray before hand so it will prob be okay but do tell them

[stoptalkingaboutminecraft]

I had a terrible cough my last elective section just over a year ago. I don't think they would put the op off, the baby has to come out! I was petrified of coughing as it felt weird for me, but didn't bother the surgeon at all. They gave me a little ice to suck which helped but refused to give me any more as you can't have much fluids.

Good luck with your section, you'll be fine, make sure you cough holding a pillow against your wound afterwards as it's then it will be sore.

[IWantATardis]

You need to tell them.

Surely it's better to find out whether having a coughing fit during surgery is going to be a problem before the surgery starts?

Just because they'd still do an emergency c-section on a patient with a tickly cough if it was needed doesn't mean it'd be completely safe.

[WonkoTheSane42]

Great idea, blindside the person with a razor sharp scalpel inside you, millimetres from your unborn child. Don't be a moron.

[Changednamesorry]

Please don't do this. It would be insan. Tell the doctors everything and let them help you make an INFORMED choice based on their expertise.

NB .....I am nearly 40 weeks myself and understand the "OMG NEED TO GIVE BIRTH" feeling but a Caesarian is still surgery and you need to take care of yourself. Doc might say your cough doesn't matter......in which case you can relax. He might say it is a problem....in which case better to know and hold on.

Sorry.....I know it's not what you want to hear.....I REALLY do. If one more person says "ohhhh still pregnant??" to me I might chin them.

[QODRestYeMerryGentlemen]

I've done this before. Not proud but needed emergency surgery before a holiday as I was stuck in hospital without it and was unfit to fly
Got the op but Also chest infection

[Changednamesorry]

Oh and Wonko? Don't be mean. Lots of people become a bit desperate at the end of pregnancy. OP is only asking......and may have been psychics herself up ready for section on Monday for weeks and now it might get delayed and that's rough.

[WorraLiberty]

God yes I was just thinking the same Wonko.

OP, you need to at least warn whoever is cutting you open that you're likely to go into a coughing fit, for obvious reasons!

Good luck with it all btw

[Wishforsnow]

I would imagine a general would suppress your cough. But let them know though

[LongLiveTheChief]

Thank you for your replies.

I've got Childs tickly cough syrup which the pharmacist has said is fine to take and drinking lots of honey and lemon. I'm hoping to shift it as much as possible before Monday but I will inform the surgeon, anaesthetist and midwife x

[user1471433068]

I had a slight cough when I had an elective c-section. The cough itself didn't cause problems during the surgery but I got a very nasty infection afterwards as my immune system was low. I had to be hospitalised for IV antibiotics when my baby was 2 weeks old.

I think you should speak to the doctor before the surgery. They may still proceed but they should have all the facts in place, especially if you will be coughing during the procedure. During my c-section I felt nauseous (apparently a common reaction to the spinal). If you have a bad cough there could be a risk of vomiting if you feel nauseous. The medical team need to be aware of the risks.

After my c-section a physiotherapist came to see me to show me ways to manage my cough without pulling on the wound. Maybe you should consider asking to see one as the tips I was given were very useful.

[Aspiringcatlady]

Best to let them know, they will then be able to make a decision if it is still safe for you and your baby to go through with the c section. When it comes to medical things, you really do have to be honest.

[stoptalkingaboutminecraft]

Oh, I was assuming spinal anaesthetic rather than general, but do tell them about it. I'm sure they will notice it any way, but just wanted to say it didn't cause any problems with my surgery and it doesn't last that long anyway. I don't think there's any need to be so nasty Wonko.

[SparkleShinyGlitter]

I think it's best & of course safer to let them know

[tigertorch]

Glad you're going to tell them. Just wanted to say that I got some powerful anti-cough syrup on prescription once so that I could sleep. They might have something similar in the hospital that you can take for the duration of the operation. It must be a common situation, especially at this time of year.

[harleysmammy]

My sister had a cough when she had elected c section and didnt tell them for the same reason. She got really poorly after the op, baby was fine, but the doctor found out she wasnt well to begin with and didnt tell anyone and he said that was the reason she got worse, something to do with her immune system already being down which causes the risk of infection to rise a lot more, something like that anyway. Tell them x

[StealingYourWiFi]

I work in maternity theatre, please tell them. If you cough when they are doing your spinal then your outcome could be horrific.

[Allthewaves]

sinus infection whilst preg is the worst. Try a humidifier in the bedroom - i found really helped with the cough part (and drinking reidculous amounts of water)

[GabsAlot]

tell them they cant start cutting u open whilst youre having a coughin fit

[LongLiveTheChief]

I will tell them.

I am currently, frantically googling tips to clear it by Monday but without much luck.

Eating honey and drinking lots seems to be a good bet but if I start downing gallons on water now, I'll be weeing all the time! X

[sycamore54321]

You need 100% full disclosure to your medical team. Anything else is reckless and could endanger you or your baby. You must know this, surely?

[sycamore54321]

Cross post! Glad you have seen sense.

Best wishes for a lovely boring uneventful safe delivery