Questions about human health post-surgery

[Trouble119]

Apologies if this is in the wrong place. I wasn't sure where else to put it.

There's a high chance that I'll have some surgery this summer. It's a much needed procedure that I'm pretty excited to finally get but I worry about my reptiles. Do you think it will be safe for me to continue to look after and interact with them while I'm recovering?

I do have people I can ask for help so, no matter what, my babies will be looked after. I also plan on asking my doctor this question, but I wanted to hear some personal stories from fellow herp owners in case he doesn't have any other patients who own reptiles.

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from Health to General

 

[diamc]

Sorry to hear you may be having upcoming surgery. I actually see no reason why you couldn't continue to care for your beardies if you're able to. I would be sure to keep the surgical site covered so as it isn't in contact with your beardies though. But, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after caring for them especially since you may be changing your surgical dressings depending on the particular type of surgery you're having.

Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[LLLReptile]

The most important thing will be cleanliness. You'll probably want someone else to deal with the fecal clean up at least at first, as that's the highest risk for salmonella etc.

Depending on how invasive the surgery is, you may or may not want to completely eliminate working with or near your reptiles for a couple weeks post op. Risk of infection is no joke, and you should definitely listen to your doctor's suggestions to ensure you don't get sick.

Once things are closed up, keeping your hands well washed before and after working in or around your beardies should help prevent any infection later on.

My personal experience with this was a cousin who needed a heart transplant not long after I graduated highschool; her mother moved her 15 year old iguana outdoors and away from her daughter, and sold the rest of their animals to ensure as low of a risk as possible. We every so often get keepers who have to sell/rehome their animals due to major surgery and continued immune suppressing medication afterwards, and while they're heart broken, it's important to take your health seriously.

Best of luck with your surgery this summer!

-Jen