Worried about chest x ray and crack cocaine use

Question

I smoke crack cocaine and got a chest X-ray today pre op 10 days priori to surgery. Pulmonary Internist said lungs were clear. BP perfect. Heart Rate perfect. I am worried and stopped 10 days prior. Will this show up on the film?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. I recommend that you discuss drug use with your Plastic Surgeon. They will certainly want to have your whole health picture and to discuss risks and considerations for your surgery given this information. It is best to be completely honest.Take care

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

Do not have any surgery or general anesthesia until you clean up and stop using this dangerous drug!!!! You will most likely use while you recover and do something you should not do and suffer some sort of complication. Go get help about your drug use. Does your surgeon know about this?

Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Whether or not your X-ray
came out clear, you need to be completely open and honest with your plastic
surgeon about your drug use before you have surgery. Even if you’ve stopped for
10 days or longer, ANY drug use is something your surgeon needs to be aware of.
The list of potential complications your drug use could lead to is long, including
issues with anesthesia and problems healing. Beyond the success and safety or
your surgery, crack cocaine is incredibly dangerous, and I highly encourage you
to seek professional help. Be safe and take care of yourself.

Worried about chest x ray and crack cocaine use

Answers (3)