operation

[bluegardenia]

hi everybody. did any of u haf a big operation? ill probably have to do a resection of my colon due to diverticulitis and im very scared not only for the operation itself but also bec i think to the dryness of my throat when they put the tube for anesthesia and the catheter down there...any experience with that?

[cccourt1942]

I know I sound like a broken record: did you ever get the Biotene oral balance gel?  I would think this would be wonderful for dry mouth before and after surgery.    Good luck Blue.  Any surgery I had was prior to dx.  Also, was not down for hours afterwards.  Makes a difference.  I was always dry after a surgery.  I believe everyone is.

Good luck,
c3

[bluegardenia]

ccc yes i have biotene gel thanks!!! but im afraid of the thing that will stay stuck in my throat for hours!!!and the other thing down there!!! i still dont know when i will do my operation ,i still hope in a miracle

[irish]

I have had a 3 big surgeries that I can think of right now and just to let you known, they have to use water based lubricant to put those tubes down in everyone. The tube doesn't go without some" slide being introduced. This is all people, Sjogrens or not. Don't even give that issue a thought. If there ever was a time to have surgery it is the time we live in. The anesthesias are so much better than they were years ago.

I can vouch for this by having surgeries over the course of many decades plus I am also an old registered nurse. These anesthesia people are really great these days. Ask them questions and tell them any of your concerns. Also, make sure they know of any allergies you may have or past breathing issues etc. Sometimes it is so easy to forget to tell our doctor things that are important. Especially when we have so darn many ailments. Also, take the eye gel with you to surgery and have the nurse put it in prior to surgery to keep your eyes moist.

They also have to use a lubricant when they put a catheter into anyone, anytime. The lubricant cones with the catheter set to provide for easy "slide".

Also, the tube is not in the throat as long as you would think. A straight forward surgery like you are having---they place the tube in when you are pretty much asleep and they take it out as soon as possible after the surgery. Some people will get it out very soon after surgery is over.. Good luck. Irish

[Jenny]

 I had a 3 level back fusion a couple of years ago and then had a total shoulder replacement earlier this year. I made sure the anesthesiologist knew about my Sjogrens before hand and  I had no problems. Hope all goes well with you.

[litliwlowa]

For my surgery last year, I made certain all involved personal were aware of my Sjogrens. I try to get first morning surgery.

Last time (last year), my surgery was scheduled late morning, but they advised I show up first thing in AM, check in and they hooked me to IV for hydration right off the bat. Helped a lot.

[araminta]

Some years ago I had an operation and my mouth was terribly dry after it (long before any SS symptoms had appeared).   The nurse gave me some lemon and glycerine mouth swabs, you can wipe round your mouth with them and they were a great help.   After that I ordered a big box of them online so that I can give them to people who are about to have an operation.