For Sqad or someone with medical knowledge.

[Bambiagain]

I am due to have an arthroscopy a week on Thursday to repair the meniscal disk (sp?) in my knee. I have had toothache for a few days and saw the dentist on Friday - he said my gum is infected. He cleaned it out and packed it with stuff containing menthol among other things. The entire weekend my gum has been extremely swollen and is certainly no better than it was. I have another appointment tomorrow morning. I am concerned that my operation might be affected either if he gives me antibiotics or if the infection is still there next week. Am I right to be concerned? I have a pre-op appointment with my surgeon tomorrow afternoon and don't want to waste his time if all he is going to do is postpone the op.

[Philtaz]

Try not to be too concerned, it shouldn't be a problem but make sure you let the anaesthetist know about the problem when he/she sees you prior to surgery.

[Bambiagain]

Thank you, Philtaz. I probably should have added that I have a prosthesis in the other knee, hence tzhe concern about infection.

[Bambiagain]

...the...

[Philtaz]

Shouldn't be a problem as I've said, just make them aware as surgeons usually tell the anaesthetist which antibiotics they prefer and thus may conflict with anything you're taking for the gum problem.

Best of luck.

[Bambiagain]

Thank you again.

[Sqad]

Well, clearly if a week on Thursday, your tooth infection and any dental problems have been solved, then you surgical procedure will go ahead.

But who knows?

It would be a very brave surgeon who would go ahead with an ongoing dental problem.

Attend you consultation, but do not be surprised your your arthroscopy is postponed.

[Bambiagain]

And thank you, Sqad. Just off to the dentist now. I shall tell my surgeon this afternoon and see what he says. Don't really want to postpone the op!