Concerns About Microdiscectomy and Cialis Use
Hello, I'm a 39-year-old male grappling with a herniated disc located between my L4 and L5 vertebrae. This issue has resulted in excruciating pain radiating through my lower back and down my right leg, significantly impairing my ability to walk and sit comfortably. Additionally, I am beginning to experience discomfort even while lying down. An MRI revealed that the source of my pain is a fragment of the disc that is pressing against my nerves. Although I am slightly overweight, my overall health is otherwise stable. Currently, I am prescribed Cialis at a dosage of 5 mg daily. I consider myself fortunate to have an upcoming surgical consultation scheduled just a week after my MRI, which is set for this Thursday. Earlier today, the pre-anesthesia nurse contacted me and instructed me to discontinue Cialis intake three days prior to the surgery. Unfortunately, I had already taken my medication for the day before her call. I have not taken any more since that dose. I was unaware of this requirement, and now I’m anxious about the possibility of my surgery being canceled or postponed. I've already initiated a medical leave from my job, and the uncertainty is quite distressing.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 9:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your upcoming surgery, especially with the added concern of your Cialis use. Here's some reassurance and guidance regarding your situation.
Main Points:
- It's generally advised to stop taking Cialis (tadalafil) prior to surgery due to its blood-thinning effects.
- Taking one additional dose before receiving the recommendation may not be a major concern, but you should communicate with your healthcare team.
Explanation: Cialis can affect how blood clots by dilating blood vessels and potentially increasing bleeding risk during surgery. The recommendation to stop is to ensure your safety and avoid any complications during the procedure. Since you took your last dose today and you’re stopping now, it sounds like you’ve already complied with the request.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Communicate with Your Surgical Team: Reach out to your surgeon's office as soon as possible and explain the situation. They need to know that you took one dose after receiving surgical instructions. They will provide guidance on whether this will impact your surgery.
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Stay Informed: Listen to any instructions they provide and follow them closely. If they advise you that surgery can proceed as planned, that should ease some of your worries.
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Manage Your Concerns: It’s normal to feel stressed about any surgical procedure. Consider using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to help you cope with anxiety leading up to the surgery.
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Prepare for Surgery: Focus on your recovery. Ensure that you are following any pre-surgery guidelines the surgical team provides (like dietary restrictions) to help facilitate a smoother procedure.
Remember, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your healthcare providers; feelings of anxiety are valid, and they can help address your concerns directly. You're not alone in this process, and your team will work with you to ensure the best outcome for your surgery.
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