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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

37 replies

LongLiveTheChief · 28/01/2017 23:28

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?

OP posts:
PinkSwimGoggles · 28/01/2017 23:33

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

Littleballerina · 28/01/2017 23:34

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

HiDBandSIL · 28/01/2017 23:35

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

dontbesillyhenry · 28/01/2017 23:35

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 · 28/01/2017 23:36

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 · 28/01/2017 23:37

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 · 28/01/2017 23:37

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

Changednamesorry · 28/01/2017 23:37

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. Grin

QODRestYeMerryGentlemen · 28/01/2017 23:38

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 · 28/01/2017 23:39

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 · 28/01/2017 23:40

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 Thanks

Wishforsnow · 28/01/2017 23:40

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

Original poster
LongLiveTheChief · 28/01/2017 23:41

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

OP posts:
user1471433068 · 28/01/2017 23:42

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 · 28/01/2017 23:44

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 · 28/01/2017 23:49

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 · 28/01/2017 23:52

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

tigertorch · 29/01/2017 00:11

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 · 29/01/2017 00:14

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 · 29/01/2017 00:20

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

Allthewaves · 29/01/2017 00:20

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 · 29/01/2017 00:20

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

Original poster
LongLiveTheChief · 29/01/2017 00:31

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

OP posts:
sycamore54321 · 29/01/2017 00:34

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 · 29/01/2017 00:35

Cross post! Glad you have seen sense.

Best wishes for a lovely boring uneventful safe delivery

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