Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm surgery

Pauline1954

Pauline1954

Member
My husband has a 6.1 abdominal aortic aneurysm. He is scheduled December 20th. He smokes and has high blood pressure along with being 77 yrs puts him in high risk for complications category. He wont stop smoking. He is causing me such anxiety. It would help him so much and recovery would be so much easier. Why do some people refuse to make the right decision?

He has had 6 angioplasties and 1 7-way bipass and he still smokes.

Has anyone here experience this type of disease?

Thank you

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
 

So true. He says he wants the operation that can extend and save his life. But he doesnt want to quit smoking by doing his part. Im beginning to think he is so selfish not to even think about who will be caring for him. He doesnt want to think about preparations but just wing it. I will be doing the winging. Im very dissappointed in him. I cant make him quit. But I can make him help me prepare by annoying him and ask what he wants to take with him to the hospital and what he wants to wear home after released.
 

I quit after smoking for 40 years due to the beginning of emphysema showing. It is not easy but can be done. Even if he just quits now, before surgery and then while he is recovering, he may be able to keep going. When I first quit, about 18 months ago. I used nicotene lozenges to help me get through the first part.

I must say that smokers cough cleared up in a couple of days. Tell him how much it is going to hurt after when he breathes and coughs. Talk to him, that this could be a good option. Ask him just to try!! If agrees, call the doctor to make sure the lozenges are safe for his condition.

I got my lozenges off amazon they were about $40 for 160 count. If you don't have amazon they can be found at any drugstore or walmart but will be way more expensive. I found the gum did not help but the lozenges were great. I will keep you both in my prayers!
 
Same issue with many others like alcoholics, other substance abusers, and obese. Many do not want others criticizing their unhealthy choices regardless of logic and common sense because they have otherwise learned how to avoid thinking about it. Reminding them may just make them more stubborn as a way they get back since they know others don't like what they are doing to themselves. Inside their minds instead of considering their actions they redirect their own guilt towards those trying to make them think about it. "You can't tell me what to do!. See? Your nagging doesn't work. Go away."
 
Pauline1954 said:
My husband has a 6.1 abdominal aortic aneurysm. He is scheduled December 20th. He smokes and has high blood pressure along with being 77 yrs puts him in high risk for complications category. He wont stop smoking.
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@Pauline1954 ,I'm sorry to hear of your situation, I know how distressing it is when a loved one won't make the effort to improve their health or save themselves.
Best of luck with the surgery.
 
jujube said:
I'm surprised that his doctor hasn't read him the riot act. A smoking patient makes surgery and recovery harder.

I doubt he's going to be able to smoke while in the hospital, not even standing outside the front door. Most hospitals have made the entire campus smoke-free. What's he going to be able to do then?
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They will offer him the patch or whatever newer aid is available. They will not let him smoke!
 
Hey Pauline, I know nothing about the surgery, but am hoping for the best for you and your husband.
Pauline1954 said:
Why do some people refuse to make the right decision?
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I've never smoked, but have made my share of wrong decisions. Eating is a problem for me, I know what a good diet is, but really struggle to stick to one. Maybe I can relate, a little anyway. Simple answer though is I have no real idea why, I just know for many people its just a part of our human nature.
 
Pauline1954 said:
So true. He says he wants the operation that can extend and save his life. But he doesnt want to quit smoking by doing his part. Im beginning to think he is so selfish not to even think about who will be caring for him. He doesnt want to think about preparations but just wing it. I will be doing the winging. Im very dissappointed in him. I cant make him quit. But I can make him help me prepare by annoying him and ask what he wants to take with him to the hospital and what he wants to wear home after released.
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You are so right about him being selfish. Non smokers who are around smokers increase their risk of lung cancer & other smoking-related diseases.
 
Pauline1954 said:
So true. He says he wants the operation that can extend and save his life. But he doesnt want to quit smoking by doing his part. Im beginning to think he is so selfish not to even think about who will be caring for him. He doesnt want to think about preparations but just wing it. I will be doing the winging. Im very dissappointed in him. I cant make him quit. But I can make him help me prepare by annoying him and ask what he wants to take with him to the hospital and what he wants to wear home after released.
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Quitting smoking 40 years ago was the most difficult thing I've ever done. It took 3 attempts & all the stubbornness I have, & I have a LOT.
He may figure it's too late to get any benefits or risk reduction at this point, so why suffer several days of withdrawal.
I had friends who died of smoking-related illnesses in their 50's & 60's. Some quit smoking a couple of years before their deaths, but it was too late.
77 is pretty old for a smoker.
 
David777 said:
Same issue with many others like alcoholics, other substance abusers, and obese. Many do not want others criticizing their unhealthy choices regardless of logic and common sense because they have otherwise learned how to avoid thinking about it. Reminding them may just make them more stubborn as a way they get back since they know others don't like what they are doing to themselves. Inside their minds instead of considering their actions they redirect their own guilt towards those trying to make them think about it. "You can't tell me what to do!. See? Your nagging doesn't work. Go away."
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If I nagged he may have an excuse. But I do not nag and never did. Maybe I should have been a nagger. 😣
 
win231 said:
Quitting smoking 40 years ago was the most difficult thing I've ever done. It took 3 attempts & all the stubbornness I have, & I have a LOT.
He may figure it's too late to get any benefits or risk reduction at this point, so why suffer several days of withdrawal.
I had friends who died of smoking-related illnesses in their 50's & 60's. Some quit smoking a couple of years before their deaths, but it was too late.
77 is pretty old for a smoker.
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Yes 77 is up there. But any age is too old for smoking imho. He does smoke outside and thats good for my health.
 
I told my husband yesterday he is facing a major surgery and it would help him heal better if he stopped smoking. And also told him we have to figure out what he needs to take to the hospital like clothes, toiletries, phone etc. He said he didnt want to think about all those things. He just wanted to go in and have it done. If he doesnt face it, its not there. So maybe at this stage I just keep my mouth shut. He blocks things out that are uncomfortable and subjects he doesnt want to face. Its been like this for 48years so he is not likely to change. However, I did add I needed to know and have things in order because it all falls on my shoulders.
 
From all this thinking has made me realize I just need to take over. Theres no way he should be burdened with things he won't be able to do in his condition. So I will tell him how its going to be. My husband must focus on his recovery. I will be firm but still remember how utterly frightening this is for him. Paying bills and other finances, doctors contact info, medical portal to keep up on medication, doctor instructions, procedures etc. I love my husband too much and want him as long as I can have him around. He has to face this with me. Right now statistics says he has an 80% of pulling through which is wonderful and wish I could just hang onto this. But I cant ignore the 20% because he has comorbidities. Smoking, a history of life long heart disease 6 angioplasties, a 7way bipass, high blood pressure and his age are facts that can turn this to a 20% result. So preparations are very important. Then there is prayer. 🙂🙏 thank you all for your kind feedback.

If you have any thoughts on being prepared I would be appreciative. I wish you all a wonderful day.💓
 

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