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I have whooping cough, when will I be well enough to have surgery?

I was due to have my BA on 27th September. However I have just found out I have whooping cough and so my surgeon postponed the surgery for a month. I am devastated as I booked the surgery date 5 months so it has been a long long wait. I am travelling from Brisbane to Sydney for the surgery and so it's not so simple just to wait and see how I go. I am a mum of 3 and I have to find a friend to come with me who can take time off work. Everywhere I have read the cough from whooping cough can last up to 3 months. It's nicknamed the 100 day cough. I want to reschedule my surgery for 6 weeks time but will the occasional coughing affect surgery and recovery?

Honeycakes September 18th, 2016 QLD

  • Answer
    Dr. Raymond Goh

    Raymond Goh

    123 answers

    Plastic Surgeon
    Queensland, Australia

    Hi Honeycakes.
    It's best to check with your surgeon and also anaesthetist. 
    The impact any recent illness has on surgery is particularly relevant toward the anaesthesia risks. A respiratory infection affects your lungs' oxygenation capability, and therefore can increase the risks of complications and prolong recovery. Whether you will be fit enough to undergo elective surgery safely will largely depend on the assessment and comfort level of your surgeon and anaesthetist. 
    I hope this helps.
    Dr Ray GohValley Plastic Surgery