Does a doctor have the right to tell you he wont operate until you stop smoking? -

Does a doctor have the right to tell you he wont operate until you stop smoking? -

I need a operation on my back and they tell me they won-t do it until i stop smoking, and smoking has nothing to do with whats wrong with meSmoking creates risks for surgeons. You constrict blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and have a whole host of weird chemicals running through your body.

What happens if you have this surgery and can-t get outside to smoke during recovery? What happens if you run into post-surgical complications due to the diminished capacity of your blood vessels?

I had a doctor tell me if I were to have surgery to correct spinal stenosis, I would fare better if I lost weight first. These things can and do create complications.It does. Probably it does have a connection. (It might have a reaction with anaeshetics or meds, or slow your recovery) Trust the pros.It could have something to do with how they give you the anaesthetic though, especially if you have a cough or asthma. If you stop smoking, your breathing will be easier and that I imagine will help the anaesthetist.I work for an orthopod and yes they can refuse and should not operate until you have stopped smoking for at least 3 months but I know some that will operate if you have been quit for at least 1 month and you shouldn-t start smoking again after surgery either. If they intend on using any kind of bone or on doing an acd or fusion, smoking hinders healing. In the case of him using any type of hardware or bone, blood supply is needed in this new bone for it to become living bone and when a person smokes, blood vessels constrict and this new bone will essentially become stone and useless and you will be in more pain than you are now. I have seen it first hand and yes I have been a smoker for 20 years. It would be a waste of your time, money and why bother if it isn-t going to work. There are multiple web sites such as webmd that will tell you about back surgeries and the reasons behind not smoking. Get all the facts please. It is in your best interest and health to quit prior to any surgery.Absolutely! He wants you to have a good outcome. He it looking at your total health -- not just your back.

I-m not a lawyer, but many have told me that the only time a physicain is obligated to work on you is if you are not -stable.- If your life is in immediate danger they are obligated to work on you.

There are lots of reasons why docs, mechanics, musicians, contractors, and lots of other professions refuse to work for people.

Good luck. I hope that this all works out for you. Back pain and injuries are tough.

Does a doctor have the right to tell you he wont operate until you stop smoking? -