Apixaban and cataract surgery.....soonish

[10gingercats]

I will probably need this within a few months.I would rather not stop Apixaban and know some surgeons are unclear as to ask you to stop Apixaban and for how long.Anyone have any experience of this?Thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi 10gingercats. Whenever I have had to have a procedure/surgery of any type, including dental, along with the opinions and recommendations of the surgeon, I ALWAYS involved my Electrophysiologist (or doc prescribing the anticoagulant) in the decision about what my optimal dose should be just before, during, and right after my procedure. This 3-way decision always worked well for me, never had problems and I always had clear instructions about how long before to cut down dose, what to take or not take day of surgery, and how to get back to my optimal dose after surgery without risking clots or post op bleeding. I never had any of the docs involved get upset with me or go on a power trip because I wanted all the input possible to be safe. Just a suggestion. The EP can look at your personal past results have have a good idea how long it will take you to lower your INR, your surgeon knows what range he/she is comfortable operating within, and everyone is happy. Being on NOAC's where a little more guess work is involved still involves each doctor's experiences and knowledge and 3 heads are better. Usually! Hope your procedures go well with minimal discomfort and fast recovery. Take care. xx irina

[10gingercats in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks Irena.That is an easy one....I hope....no electrophysiologist in my case!And my GP is usually clued up and he prescribed the Apix. when I changed over from Warfarin.I was not stopped Warfarin for a keyhole heart procedure with an opening in the groin.Not much bleeding then.I am hoping for a particular eye surgeon who is well experienced for the cataracts so hopefully it will be ok But be prepared is my motto!

[Barb1]

My cataract surgery is in August and have been told to continue with all meds including the DOAC......but I'm not taking the diuretic!

[sirey]

I had cataract surgery in January and due to have the second eye surgery in two weeks. In both cases i’ve been told to have my warfarin checked 1–2days before and if the result is between 2—-3 I can continue as normal. I also take all other medication in the usual way. Hope this helps.

[10gingercats in reply to sirey]

Thank you.

[Fastbeat]

I had both eyes done this year in Feb and March told to take Rivoroxaban as usual,had no problems,but you will be given advice at your pre assessment appt so you should follow the advice you are given,we are all different. Good luck, best thing I've had done ,result amazing.

[10gingercats in reply to Fastbeat]

Thank you.Rather apprehensive to say the least!

[Fastbeat]

I lost sleep with worry over the thought of having it done,please don't it was fine no pain just an odd sensation doesn't take long and great eyesight after.

[10gingercats in reply to Fastbeat]

Thanks again fastbeat for your reassurance . Had nerve racking time many years ago while pregnant . I had a and rare 'dodgy' retina problem so feeling a bit 'jagged' re. cataracts. Of course all will revealed to the cataracts surgeon before op. and no alternative than to have it done....however, it does not stop the 'flutters'.

[seasider18]

I was taking Warfarin when I had my first cataract done and did not need to stop it.

[10gingercats in reply to seasider18]

thank you. all very reassuring info. So glad I asked.

[seasider18 in reply to 10gingercats]

It is a very simple procedure and my eye was not even bloodshot the next morning. Having worn glasses since I was 12 it was amazing when I took the pad off the next morning.

The second one was done by a different surgeon and a slightly different method. He did not put a pad over the eye just a clear 'goggle' and I could see with it right away and went home by bus.