I wanted to know, I quit smoking on Jan 2nd and my surgery is scheduled for April 2nd. Although I haven't smoked a cigarette, I have been using either the nicotine patch or the e-cig, both of which have nicotine in them. When I get tested on the day of my surgery is this going to be a problem? Do they really test you that day? Is it just the smoking they care about or the nicotine in any form as well? Please help I don't want to get denied my surgery because of this, it's in less then 2 weeks! Thanks, Kari

As long as doc is well aware of all your history there shouldn't be a problem.. Or he/she would have informed you before this.

I only told my Dr that I quit smoking, but I didn't mention the patch or e-cig..should I ? I have my pre-op appt with him next thursday, 5 days before my surgery..I'm just scared because I don't want any reason for him to cancel my surgery, do you think it will be ok? Do they really test you the day of surgery? What if he doesn't believe me?

ALWAYS disclose everything to your urge on. Not doing o could be dangerous.

The nicotine patch has nicotine in it so you will have to be free of nicotine for how ever many days your doc requires you to be. I don't know anything about the e-cig.

You may want to call the office and just ask the general question of whether the dr requires his patients to quit smoking and if so how many days before. Then get your butt busy making that gaol

*Goal

I already know that I had to quit smoking 2 months before the surgery, but nothing was said about using the nicotine patch or anything and it never even occured to me until yesterday (duh) that if I get tested the morning of my surgery it will show nicotine, but not from cigarettes! Now I'm afraid to mention it in case he cancels me! don't know what to do..

Yikes.. I don't know

Well thanks for your input..maybe someone else will have an idea or went through this as well?

They told me I could be on the patch. They were more concerned about the strength of my

Lungs while being put out...

Thanks Bos, that makes me feel better..

Mine was worried more about the lung/breathing thing too as it hinders your recovery. I quit smoking several months before cold turkey, however they did mention patches and gum. I don't think they would if nicotine was the issue, IMO. I think if you're just honest with them that would be best. I would be more worried about him canceling on the day of the surgery and looking like a liar (not that you are) by not being forthcoming as to why you have nicotine in your system. FYI mine didnt do a nicotine test even tho they said they would. Good luck!

Thanks MrsG...I have my last appt with the surgeon next friday and I will mention it to him so that he knows and no surprises as you said! As I said, I didn't even think of it until the other day, I just knew I quit smoking but didn't even think about the nicotine test with the patch!

Lol! That's completely understandable! I mean if you say you quit smoking, you quit smoking. You would forget that the patch you're wearing makes it look like you still are! I'm sure they will be fine with it! Let me know how it goes!

I also believe that it doesnt have much to do with the nicotine per say.. more to do with strengthening your lungs and getting your body in shape for surgery

Hi, I am new here, and had my surgery on 3/20/13. I was a pack a day smoker and told my doctor this. While he suggested that I quit, I just wasn't ready to do so. I have had little complications, but I would assume it would be better to not have smoked.

I will tell you this.. I had a 10am appt. for surgery lastcigg was about 9:30. After the surgery I was very worried about withdrawel, but smoking was the LAST thing on my mind. They had me extremely doped up on Dulaudin (spelling?) and since the surgery I really haven't had huge craving to smoke. I did not quit, but I may in the coming days if this lack of urge continues. I am going to make a post on everything shortly to go into more detail.. As soon as I find that forum.

I smoked until a few days before. I kept it honest with them, their main concern is that smoking brings a higher risk of ulcers post op. unfortunately 7 months out n I still smoke but fortunately I haven't had complications. Good luck