Wellness

[esmerelda]

I think OP is looking for company and a way to pass the time until her doctors are back in the office...or whatever she said.

Nice of all of you to accommodate her.

[noodleann]

Here is one doctor's easily understood explanation of why it's unwise to have pot in your system when you're sedated:

"So how does marijuana work?  Marijuana is most commonly smoked, with peak onset of the euphoria in about 30 minutes and typically lasting 2-3 hours.  The most common and desired reaction is euphoria, but some people will have an unpleasant altered mood, a.k.a dysphoria or even anxiety and agitation.  This can lead to untoward cardiovascular effects such as increased in heart rate which can lead to bleeding during and after surgery.  There is also increased oxygen consumption by the body which can lower normal blood oxygen level below safe levels during surgery.

"Typically, the quickest way to obtain the effects of marijuana is to inhale deeply and hold before exhalation.  This is what is believed to damage lining of the alveolar cells in the lungs, possibly leading to poor oxygenation during and after surgery.  Additionally, smokers have a more reactive airway (coughing) leading to an increased risk of aspiration during and after surgery.

"Marijuana is also known to increase or potentiate the effects of many medications that we typically use to lower the central nervous system in order to achieve a more relaxed state.  This can lead to a deeper level of anesthesia than that is intended with IV sedation.  Local anesthesia that is typically used to “numb” the surgical area usually increases the heart rate.  This can also be potentiated with the use of marijuana, leading to increased bleeding during and after surgery.

"Conclusion – Please do yourself a favor: if you are undergoing any surgery, please refrain from smoking, any smoking, especially marijuana.  If you cannot refrain from smoking, then at least inform your surgeon…otherwise you could be putting your life at risk."

Posted by Dr. Nima Massoomi on Feb 11th, 2015 9:20 am

You can find Dr. Massoomi's blog by searching on his name. He's a New York-born, Phi Beta Kappa grad of St. Lawrence University, practicing in California.

[Moonchilde]

@noodleann, that's a great explanation.

But - if the OP smokes at 8 pm the day before surgery and has surgery the next day at say, noon, the compounds in the marijuana stopped doing anything chemically at 11-11:30 pm the night before. So, no immediate cardiovascular effects. Also, smoking (as in cigarettes) is usually multiples per day; marijuana, usually not. I have never seen anyone with a "pot cough" like a smoker's cough. The part about the anesthesia is also written as if the patient is "under the influence" right at the time of surgery. While it's something to keep in mind, there really aren't any "effects" left 12 hrs later.

I didn't read the OP's original post, but yes, her doctors would have proper concerns if she smoked or vaped joint after joint all day long on a permanent basis. But taking a hit or two to ease pain and relax once or twice a day is very different. 

[Lucky Charm]

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@kemiqueen wrote:

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Nobody cares that I use medical marijuana. The only reason they are testing me is bc I opened my big mouth.

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Doesn't make sense then. 

They don't care you use, but they're going to drug test you.  And if you fail, the surgery is a *no go*. 

You stated you cannot go without for 30 days and were looking for a way to clean your system of it to *pass* a drug test. 

You need to *shop* for another doctor/surgeon. 

Good luck.