Pre-op...high WBC

**ouch2** · 01-23-2012, 09:23 AM

I had my pre-op for my ADR surgery last week. I met with the nurse, physio, doctor and had blood tests done. Just before it was time to

leave, I was told by the doctor that my white blood cell count was elevated (I believe it was 14) After doing a urine test (which was fine) the doctor looked in my mouth and thought that I had an abscess on a back molar.

I was so worried that they were going to cancell/postpone my surgery. The doctor said that I needed to have the tooth taken care of and then have repeat bloodwork done this Friday. I had the tooth looked after on Friday and started antibiotics. I HOPE that this takes care of the WBC and that when I have the test done again on Friday, the count is back down to a normal range.

Has anyone else had any experience with anything similiar? Can the count go back down in that amount of time?

Fingers crossed that the tooth was the problem and that it will be okay.

Karen

**Justin** · 01-23-2012, 01:08 PM

Hi Karen,

It is good that your surgeon is having your tooth looked at and treated pre-op. A "brewing infection" pre-operatively can cause many problems post-op. It is best to follow your medical teams orders and if their is still infection, they will postpone the surgery (which they should do in order to protect you, the patient). Spine surgery is a major surgery and it puts one's body through major stresses and subsequent physiologic changes. You want to be free of infection(s) before you undergo invasive spine surgery. Take your antibiotics (make sure to finish the entire prescription even if you are feeling better). Your medical team will review your labs before your surgery and will make a decision at that time if it is safe to proceed with your surgery. WBC can change rapidly and your team will be able to discuss your new lab results with you.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

**ouch2** · 01-24-2012, 08:23 PM

Thanks Justin! I appreciate your feedback. I am now feeling better about this. I know that they are
looking out for my best interest, and as the doctor said, I would NOT want to get an infection around the new disc.

My fingers are crossed that the removal of the tooth and the antibiotics will clear up the WBC by Friday.

Will keep you posted!

Karen