Hope everyone is managing their AF in this heat! Can be a challenge!
I may have to have an operation (non heart related) but I am worried about the prospect of having to stop my Apixaban & or bleeding during operation. I have had PAF for a few years, I am 62 fairly fit but had a small TIA last December just prior to starting anti coagulation. Thankfully no lasting effects but I am nervous about stopping meds.
This cannot be an unusual situation & I wondered if any of you have experienced this?
Best wishes
Rackham
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Rackham
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I take Apixaban and had to have hip surgery 3 years ago following an accident. No problems of significance. They told me i went into afib as I ;came around' but gave me Apix. of substitute to 'fix it'.No bleeds. before the op. thy stopped the Apix. for 2 days .I had had a TIA in 2010 due to a small embolism brought on by hole in heart.If the surgery is necessary go ahead with it but i do understand you want as much info. as pos. before hand.
Thank you for replying 10gingercats, that is reassuring to know. I have opted for a minor procedure to try to ‘fix the problem ‘ but if unsuccessful will have to go for the major op. I could have gone for that first but when told I would have to stop anti coagulation temporarily I felt a little panicked by that rather than the op itself!! Now wondering if I’ve made the right decision as I might have to go through 2 unpleasant procedures rather than one.
The important thing is for the surgeon’s team to know that you are taking an Anticoagulation.
They can then manage your care accordingly.
I severed an artery, nerves and tendons in my hand 3 years ago and then had to have a 3 hour microsurgery operation. That was an emergency situation but they still managed it even though I am on Warfarin. I was switched to another injectable drug.
Last year I had a hernia operation and again they had to manage the situation.
I know nothing about how they deal wit Apixaban but I do know that they will find an acceptable way of dealing with the situation.
Yes. I understand I was given a substitute to Apixaban on the coming round.Everyone concerned know my history so yes that is import. for the team to know.
I had an operation in March. Stomach surgery with internal staples.
I stopped my Apixaban 2 days before and 1 day after.
The anaesthetist was made aware of my AF and was ready to CV me if I went out of rhythm. I did not thankfully.
After surgery I think I was given an anti coagulant by injection. By the next day I was back to the medication.
I have had to stop my rivaoxaban anticoagulant numerous times this past year or so for gall bladder surgery and various horrid procedures. Last time was a couple of weeks ago and need to do so yet again in August. I haven't had any issues and followed my medics guidelines on when to stop. When I had surgery I was given injections afterwards for a few days before going back onto my usual anticoagulant.
You will be taken care of and the more often i have had to stop and find nothing awful happens the easier it became to do so. I never feel totally comfortable without my anticoagulant but if needs be we have to follow instructions. Best wishes with your surgery.
Thank you for for sharing this meadfoot, yes indeed it is the thought of not having apixaban that scares me most!!! I’m afraid of feeling so vulnerable without it but after reading these posts don’t think I would worry as much. H’mm really am wondering now if I should just have the bigger op & be done with it!!! Only myself can answer that. I wish you all the best with your procedure in August.
Thank you. Regarding your choice I find getting all the facts together from trusted people and sources and doing a pros and cons can help but in the end going with your best gut feeling is often the right choice I find, best wishes.
If it were me I would have the bigger operation and be done with it. Just saying. I too have had to stop apixiban three times this yr and had no problems. It is scaredy but it gets easier to do so after the first time you have to do it. Good luck
Thank you jlaine, I think that is what I am veering towards. Really reassuring to hear from everyone. BW
Yes, last fall I had two surgeries back to back so ended up being off anticoagulant almost a month. Thankfully no issues. This fall I am reluctantly giving in to having a knee replacement so will b off again. I havent had any a fib in 15 mo, so Im not as concerned but still an unknown to try and not stress about.
After my 2nd knee replacement last year, they injected a nerve block into the knee before I came round from the light GA with spinal block. (Some surgeons offer spinal only). This meant the pain didn’t kick in for over 24 hours, by which time I had been able to do initial gentle bed exercises with little pain & it helped me get to the bathroom independently. I guess the one issue with this is that it seems to last different times for people, so you don’t know when the real pain will kick in, however, nurses will be quick to give you the strong stuff when you need it! The nerve block caused a little extra bruising, but this faded after a few days.
I recovered faster after the 2nd replacement as I was able to bend the knee & mobilise more quickly. My AF was not diagnosed until a few weeks later.
Right now!!!!! Op on this Monday and no sensible guidance on stopping Rivaraxaban! Have tried GP , no answer, phoned the op department , they seem to be unaware that I have had mitral valve surgery and have persistent AF. No liaison between departments or mismanagement???? It is horrible to be afraid and in this situation!
Thanks Baba. I just wish they could simply tell me to stop or not to stop Rivaraxaban. I don’t want 2 more days of worry then to get in there and then to be told they can’t go ahead.L
I can certainly understand why you are concerned. It’s more than reasonable to think that your surgeon should have given you instructions on what to do by now being that your surgery is tomorrow!! I would ask them to give you detail on what they plan to do And if you’re not comfortable with it get up and leave and find another surgery good luck to you I hope all goes well I’m sure it will. Let us know how you make out. Hugs!!
It's usually 2 or 3 days before procedure you need to stop anticoagulant! This should have been addressed by your Dr! If you don't stop it they will be unable to do procedure!! Have.you tried talking to your primary Dr??
Hi Jlaine, thanks for post. Yes I tried my GP . I font think he knew anything about it, I was told to phone department. I had trouble getting through!!!!!! Lack of staff etc. Then spoke to someone who
had actually looked at my scan . Was reluctant to talk about cardiac issues.. So , I got no advice either way .. trying to just be busy and keep calm.
Hi Luludean, I haven’t had any surgery yet still deciding which course of action to take. I really sympathise with you though what a terrible situation. I can’t advise on when to stop meds’ you really do need advice from your medical team. Just keep trying to speak to someone. Best wishes & really hope all is resolved for you. R
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