Stop taking Calcium and Zinc Supplements?

Question

Should a patient who's having surgery stop taking dietary supplements 2-3 weeks before surgery? I want to know what I can do to minimize surgical complications such as hemmorhage (excessive bleeding), bad reactions to anesthesia, and just any complications in general. I know that I shouldn't eat anything after midnight, the night before surgery. I am scared to death already especially about the anesthesia part, even though I am young and healthy, have no allergies to anything that I know of, don't have any pre-existing medical conditions that I know of, no known family history of bad reactions to anesthesia that I know of, the doctor says I'm normal as well. I'm just so scared. PLEASE no mean answers, I just want to know if there's anything I can do. Thanks -_-..Oh and if some of you can comfort me, that would be nice too =)

Answer 1

Jen, frankly I'd be remiss to offer you any advice about this without having established a formal physician-patient relationship and in the absence of critical data that I'd need to offer a reasonable answer to your question.

Answer 2

Usually it is best to stop all nutritional supplements, herbs, and vitamins 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after a scheduled surgery to prevent the possible anti inflammatory effects (more bleeding and bruising etc).  I don't know what kind of surgery you are having, but talk to your doctor and anaesthetist about your fears.  I have had 5 surgeries, and anaesthesia just makes you feel a bit drunk and loopy, then you fall asleep, and the next thing you know it is all over and you are waking up in recovery.  It really is not that bad.

Good luck with the surgery, I am sure you will be fine!

Answer 3

You should really ask your doctor these questions. I know it can be scary and people don't like "bothering" the doctors, but that is what they are there for.