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Having A Lumpectomy, Smoker But Cannot Admit. What Else Can Be Done?

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Posted on Sat, 28 Sep 2013
Question: I am having a lumpectomy Tuesday morning and I am a smoker. I didn't admit I am a smoker to my doctor because I pay for my own health insurance and don't want the rates to go up. Will I be ok if I stop smoking now? This gives me 48 hours of no smoking. Also, if I tell the anesthesiologist I smoke will this remain confidential? I am a very healthy 48 year old woman. My blood pressure is 98/76 and I weight 135lbs at 5'3". Thank you so much :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can take nicotine replacement.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there, thanks for asking. It would be ok for you to continue not smoking. You can use nicotine patches for the first 4 to 8 weeks or nicotine gums. They can help you not to experience the physical symptoms related to nicotine drop in your blood.
If you tell your doctor that you smoke, that will be mentioned in your medical records. However, it is important for him to know since the secretions in your lung may endanger your situation during and after the operation. I wish you a good health. Let me know if you have any question.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Payman Hajiazim

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 634 Questions

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Having A Lumpectomy, Smoker But Cannot Admit. What Else Can Be Done?

Brief Answer:
You can take nicotine replacement.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there, thanks for asking. It would be ok for you to continue not smoking. You can use nicotine patches for the first 4 to 8 weeks or nicotine gums. They can help you not to experience the physical symptoms related to nicotine drop in your blood.
If you tell your doctor that you smoke, that will be mentioned in your medical records. However, it is important for him to know since the secretions in your lung may endanger your situation during and after the operation. I wish you a good health. Let me know if you have any question.