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?

I completely sympathise about the long-lasting sinus infection, OP. I had one that lasted six weeks this winter - it just hung on and only went when I made a determined effort to rest and have lots of hot drinks etc. Look after yourself after your section.

Ive had four c/s. You have to be honest even though it isn't a general anaesthetic where there is the most risk. It's the risk of dvt if you are immobilised for any length of time added to the increased risk factor of the cough. Which could lead to a pulmonary embolism. I very much doubt they will cancel, but they will give warfarin for a bit longer post op, sometimes they give it for three days so maybe a bit longer in your case and they can also test your sputum to see if you have a viral or bacterial infection and can then treat accordingly. Might be worth calling an out of hours service and seeing if you can get emergency antibiotic cover, explaining the major surgery tomorrow. . ( I'm a vet nurse btw and have a human medical degree - don't want to say what as outing ) well worth a bit of honesty now for yours and babies health. Good luck tomorrow!

You really should tell them, it may affect something during the operation or the medicines they need to give you.

It really isn't wise to stifle or not disclose this cough. If you cough while the scalpel is in action it could slip! Really really not worth the risk, just be honest.

I would advise still treating the sinus as well, coughs during/after sinus infection are generally connected to "post sinus drip". So steam, vick, showers etc.

Post nasal drip! (Heavy cold myself brain not working!)

Definitely definitely tell them. Before they do the epidural. I had an EMCS 8 weeks ago and the anaesthetist kept saying what could go wrong if I moved while they were putting it in. Think paralysis.

You will be better off waiting a few extra days, not least because coughing or sneezing after a csection is bloody painful and makes you feel like your insides might fall out! Good luck op.

I had a bad cough when I had my c section (caught in the delightful ante-natal ward) and it was fine. They made sure I wasn't about to cough when they put the spinal in and that was it. No complications but as a pp said holding a pillow against the scar when you cough helps a lot.

Tell them... depending on how far along you are and the indications for the section, they will either carry on but fully informed, or push it back a couple of days but try to help you clear it. If you have to have an op with a chest infection then a spinal anaesthetic is the safest so that won't change. And the spinal knocks out some of the supply to the diaphragm anyway so you will cough but not a lot actually happens - wierdest feeling ever... post section coughing hurts but you need to cough to clear sputum, trying not to cough can end up with things getting worse, so make sure you have a proper chat with your anaesthetist so they can really sort your pain relief for after. I had proper fun beumonis during my second section and had oramorph post op to take before I had sessions with the chest Physio to help me cough properly... so please tell, makes sure you get the best care.

Doi - anaesthetist who does lots of obstetric work, has had 3 sections, p euminia doring the second one...!

I used to suffer lots with sinus infections and coughs to a lesser extent. Always needing a long course of antibiotics - almost 2 months last time. I bought a nebuliser and pure 100% saline solution (for contact lenses although you can get higher strength). No more infections. There's a lot of info online about it being good for chest infections/COPD and some info about sinuses. The cough you have is probably being caused by post nasal drip from sinuses. A nebuliser would help you a bit for tomorrow - you could do 10/15 mins twice today and once tomorrow morning. Argos sell them and you can get the solution from a supermarket.. Don't try boots though as they don't stock it where I live.

I had a chest infection when I had DD2, coughed my way through the ELCS. I think I was told that spinal anaesthetic makes the cough worse. I do remember the surgeon lowering the sheet at one stage and asking me to try and keep still as the bit he was working on was delicate!