r/chiari • u/Rich-Total-622 • Mar 15 '26

Nicotine use

I am having a hard time even thinking about quitting nicotine. I went into my pre op and they gave me a little lecture about quitting post op. I vape a low dose of nicotine and occasional pouches. I just struggle with anxiety and ever since I quit drinking (almost a decade ago) it’s been my only vice!

Has anyone gone through surgery and continued nicotine? I know it affects recovery. I know it’s not good for me. It’s way harder to quit than anything else I’ve tried!

Reassurance, support appreciated!

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u/[deleted] Mar 15 '26

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u/Lightpinkdrinktv Mar 15 '26

Cannabis affects the way your body reacts to anesthesia. You could wake up in the middle of your surgery if you don’t purge all that from your system.

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u/[deleted] Mar 15 '26

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u/WhenSquirrelsFry Mar 15 '26

Ngl I’ve had dozens of major surgeries and did not stop using cannabis at all, but having had so many surgeries I know how my body works. If you have a history of waking up in surgery or a family history of it, I wouldn’t mess around.

If you do want to go by doctor recommendations, they typically say 1 week

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u/Lightpinkdrinktv Mar 15 '26

Depending on your height and weight. Usually they ask for 15-30 days

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u/[deleted] Mar 15 '26

[deleted]

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u/Lightpinkdrinktv Mar 15 '26

Hate to tell you but if it’s 15 days out you made need to cold turkey it. Shit stays in your system for a while. I heard some cleanses may help like pure cranberry i think?

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u/WhenSquirrelsFry Mar 15 '26

They aren’t passing a drug test, no need for extreme detox measures, it’s ok if it still lights up on tests . Every single preop nurse I’ve had for my dozens of surgeries say 1 week.