My AF and my spinal operation.

[jennydog]

I've been absent from this site for over a month, mainly due to my neck operation and a continuing total lack of energy. This post will explain my experience, act as a warning and hopefully it won't frighten anyone.

I have had AF for over 5 years. I had an ablation in 2014 when it was discovered that I have some scarring in my left atrium, probably caused by radiotherapy to my shoulder 25 years ago. Since the ablation my AF has been occasional and mild. I take Pradaxa, a statin and 2.5 bisoprolol daily with 100 flecainide as a pill-in-the- pocket. I have never had a rate problem, it's 65 normally with 100 when in AF. My main trigger is stress.

Over the last year or so my dexterity and mobility have deteriorated. Shockingly poor diagnosis by an unfit for purpose orthopaedic department have taken their toll. On Dec 30 I saw a spinal surgeon at a neurological centre who took one look at my MRI scan and diagnosed 2 prolapsed discs in my neck which have caused narrowing of my spinal chord, later described as severe. He could operate in 6-8 weeks.

I had a thoroughly stressful run-up to hospital admission due to the uncertainty of bed availability. The anaethetist who saw me before the operation had AF and took bisoprolol. He arranged for an ECG at 11am prior to the 2 pm operation. This was fine and I was wheeled down to the theatre doors. Suddenly there was a shout of "STOP. It's too dangerous to proceed." Apparently my heart rate was 140.

I was gutted. It was as if my mind wanted the operation but my body didn't.

I was taken back to the ward and there I stayed for 8 more days. They contacted my EP and my medication was adjusted to 2.5 bisoprolol plus 50 flecainide TWICE daily. The Pradaxa was restarted and then stopped again 2 days before the next operation. I did get one heparin injection into my abdomen then.

My brother has white coat syndrome due to having his bowel punctured during a colonoscopy. His blood pressure soars and he has to have tranquillisers prior to treatments. He suggested that this might be beneficial for me and my surgeon agreed.

I was prepared for the operation again and a vile-tasting tranquilliser was swirled into my mouth. This was no happy pill - it rendered me unconscious. I do not remember even leaving the ward. Apparently the operation to remove the discs, fit plastic replacements, a titanium plate and 4 screws was uneventful. My niece was told that I was wired up in case a cardiovertion was needed and I had cannula sin both hands and both feet.

Some hours after returning to the ward I asked to get up to go for a wee. As I sat up I became very dizzy and was later told that I gave them an awful fright. Apparently my blood pressure hit the deck. I do remember them fitting an oxygen mask and a catheter and I recall seeing 71/53 on their monitor. The catheter was a god-send as I didn't have to get out of bed at night for several days.

So I had 14 nights in hospital instead of 2. If this can happen to me with my very average AF then it can happen to anyone. Perhaps the pre-op tranquilliser is the way forward.

[meadfoot]

Wow what an experience, so sorry you have had such a dreadful time but pleased you are now able to come back to the forum.

Do take things easy, I wish you well and a good recovery from your surgery. Take care and best wishes. X

[rosyG]

I'm pleased to hear you got through the bad time well- am wondering if the tranquilliser combined with anaesthetic may have caused the low BP ??

[jennydog in reply to rosyG]

I did wonder about that too. I have a large frame for a woman, being over 6ft tall and a smaller woman would have been completely floored.

[BobD Volunteer]

Alls well that ends well they say Jenny. Not surprised you felt unwell with a BP of 71/53. I felt pretty bad after my recent scare when mine was 60/30 but they were pumping fluids into me like nobody's business and it eventually came up again after a day or so . I trust yours has now? I guess the important question is how is your mobility now? Take it easy .

Bob

[jennydog in reply to BobD]

My mobility is still awful and there is no guarantee that it will improve because of the length of time that the spinal column has been compressed. My left arm is not much use either - so much for an incorrect diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. I have replied in more detail to CDreamer.

Very best wishes.

[CDreamer]

Hi and welcome back!

Certainly a tale of complications that AF poses for other conditions and procedures. My BP often hits the deck - certainly whenever tranquilizers and sedation are involved! It's our autonomic systems that go awry - vagal AF is an indicator.

The medics always get worried but I am so used to it I don't ever think much about it. I was once in a traffic accident - whiplash injury - was picked up by paramedics on M6 who did the usual immobilisation and took my BP I warned them I had low BP but they were convinced that I was bleeding interenally so was rushed to emergency of local hospital - that just happened to be in the middle of a gang knife stabbing war with both gangs in the department separated by burly police as they were treated. Never so glad to get out of an emergency department in my life!

More importantly - how did the spinal op come out? I do hope you are feeling better now, recovering and have more mobility?

[jennydog in reply to CDreamer]

The operation is called 2 stage cervical discectomy with fusion. They remove the discs between 5/6 and 6/7 and replace them with plastic wedges. They access via the front of the neck. The fusion with the titanium plate takes up to 12 months.

The operation itself has been no problem. It's the deterioration which occurred previously that is causing so much trouble. Years ago I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in my left hand. It is now obvious that there has never been anything wrong with my carpal tunnel. The surgeon said that my symptoms should have indicated a problem in my neck. I developed stiffness in my feet and ankles and then my feet didn't pick up especially when I was tired. I had no pain but apparently 20% of people with this condition don't have pain - the remaining 80% are in agony.

The stenosis ( narrowing ) of the spinal column was found to be severe. This means that the nerves may never spring back. The operation only guarantees to prevent further deterioration.

I have been tested for MS and all sorts of things. ( MS is rare starting in anyone over 50 ) They missed the obvious and I was in week 86 from referral by my GP before I saw the spinal surgeon.

A major complaint will be going to our local NHS trust. On the positive side I ended up at the best neurological hospital in the UK seeing their lead training spinal surgeon.

Everyone tells me to be patient. At least the spring flowers are out and Spring has sprung.

Very best wishes .

[CDreamer in reply to jennydog]

What a nightmare indeed. So very sorry to hear your story and best wishes for your recovery.

[Buffafly]

What a nightmare! I am amazed there was any question of you getting out of bed after the op. My girls have the same problem, any kind of anaesthetic floors them and stress makes it worse. I hope it has been a success though, my spinal op made a huge difference to my life.

[Finvola]

Good to hear that your op is safely behind you , Jennydog but what a doubly stressful experience AF turned it into - you are so right about body wanting one thing andmind wanting another.

I hope your energy returns as you recover from the op and that it was the success that you hoped for. Very best wishes for your recovery. xx

[jennydog in reply to Finvola]

Hi Finvola. None of us AF sufferers can ever proceed with complete confidence. It can strike at any time! I was totally gutted to have wasted the time of so many people but they were very laid back about it all. It did help that the Anaethetist suffered from AF so he understood.

Incidentally, he did say that they could operate if you were in AF, it is the heart rate that causes the problem.

Kindest regards.

[jeanjeannie50]

Good to see you back on the forum. How are you feeling now? x

Jean

[jennydog in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean. Tiredness apart I feel well but my poor walking is a major problem. See my reply to CDreamer.

I never guessed that my neck controlled the nerve supplies to my limbs! We live and learn!

Very kindest regards.

[cbsrbpm]

How awful for you. You really have had a bad time of it. I hope you recover very quickly and eventual op sorts out your pain. Best wishes.

Brenda🐝

[Curlychriscoach]

That all sounds really stressful. Good luck with the recovery.

I know this blog is for AF but having had 2 discectomy over 30 years, same as yours C5 to C7 (done separately) have recovered remarkably well. The second was 4 years ago. I was able to move ok straight away and the limited movement improved during the first year such that people would not know I had any neck issues, apart from a neat scar.

I have continued weakness in my left arm and there is some long term nerve damage due to to the length of time the nerves were trapped. However entertainingly my arm movements are continuing to improve as different nerves take over actions and the muscles remap. Physio, pilates and continued neck mobility exercises continue to help. Overall I think my posture has improved.

My main issue is that with a strong right arm and a remapping and weaker left arm I am tending to swim in circles.

[jennydog in reply to Curlychriscoach]

It's so kind of you to reply. The operation has caused me little trouble and the scar is very neat but I feel very depressed about my poor mobility and dexterity. My left arm is very limited but my right one is OK. I was in week 86 from GP referral to getting a diagnosis so feel very let - down. The surgeon said that the party line was that there would be no improvement but he had seen miracles. I live in hope.

Very best wishes.

[dedeottie]

That all sounds awfull Jennydog. Im not suprised you feel let down.I think you have had appalling treatment and not helped by your lack of mobility. Ive got everything crossed that you are indeed that miracle but if not, I guess it is good that you are not going to keep on getting worse. Keep your spirits up and come on here and moan from time to time. Sending hugs. X

[jennydog in reply to dedeottie]

dedeottie It's lovely to hear from you. I know that you understand as you've had problems too! And you live in Wales too!

I have completed my formal complaint to the regional hospital. It will not help my predicament but I am hoping that it may precipitate some action which will help others. The waiting time for Orthopaedic treatment is still 11 months ( but 3 days if you go privately ) I am copying the complaint to both my AM and MP as I don't want Cardiff thinking that everything is fine in North Wales.

Very best wishes

[dedeottie]

Too right! It is not very ok in South Wales either ! Waiting times are longer and longer and there are apparent 6 week backlogs for letteres to be sent. Im hoping that this isnt the case in emergency situations. Whenever I get to see a health professional the treatment has been good on the whole but getting through the admin is a nightmare.

As you know, my E.P. wont do another ablation after the last disaster but the E.P.s at the conference from Oxford said they would do it with Extra cameras General anaesthetic etc However, Unless I pay, I cant go out of Wales to have it done. If I lived in North Wales I would be sent to Liverpool as there is no hospital in North Wales that can do ablations.

At the moment all is reasonably ok on the AF front so I am letting sleeping dogs lye.

I love living in Wales but feel very nervous about health care in the future.

Keep in touch.

Jane x