Heart Failure and hip replacement?

[Hawkie147]

I am 82 and have permanent AF.

I have recently been diagnosed as having clinical heart failure.I am also on the waiting list for hip replacement but am wondering now if this operation is possible because of this recent revelation.

Can anyone advise please, I am really concerned.

Thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

You best ask that question on BHF forum here on HUL but I would say the heart failure deosn't always mean what you may think. It merely means that your heart is not able to cope with all the demands made on it by your body.

[Hawkie147 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob for replying so quickly. I thought I had asked the question onBHS forum. Not too clever on the iPad.I rarely ask a question on this forum but I always read and look forward to any contributions from you Bob.

Jean

[10gingercats]

I had a hip replacement at 78 and had various heart problems including a leaky tricuspid valve.I still have it.If you do not feel like trusting a general Anasthetic then ask for an epidural which is becoming common place for hip replacement surgery. A friend had it done with an epidural on the NHS just a month a go. She is 75 and has high blood pressure. She also asked for the Exeter hip which is said to last 20 years and is the gold standard for hips.

[Hawkie147 in reply to 10gingercats]

Thanks so much for replying. Actually when I was told I had Heart Failure a few weeks ago, I remember a mention of a leaking tricuspid valve that was not too ‘concerning’.

I have been in permanent AF for 6 years or more but only recently have I developed shortness of breath and tiredness. Saw a cardiologist privately who has ordered an electro cardio gram and 24hour ecg heart monitor in the next couple of weeks.

With all this going on I am struggling with my hip having been on the NHS Waiting list for 18 months now.

Of course I am wondering if they would be prepared to do the operation with the state of my heart.

Maybe they would do an epidural??

Learning that you with heart problems had your hip ‘op’ done has given me hope. Not sure I would need the gold standard one tho’.

Thanks so much for replying.

Jean

[10gingercats in reply to Hawkie147]

My friend had waited nearly 2 years for her hip replace and then it was so bad/pain she was on crutches for months.Why would you not want the best hip?She simply asked for it and it was available! My heart problems did not trouble the surgeon or the anaesthetic team.But they have balked at replacing the tricuspid valve as it has not not been done often on 'oldies' using keyhole surgery or in fact on many people at all.It is sometimes done as part of another heart op with open heart surgery though but that is not for me!

[Hawkie147 in reply to 10gingercats]

What I meant was I don’t think I will need the hip to last me 20 years. If it did I would be 102.Wouldn’t have thought I would get any option if I had it done on the NHS. If however I am forced to go ‘Private’ then I might be able to choose.

Re: my leaking tricuspid there was no suggestion of any operation, instead I am now taking a new tablet ‘Spironolactone’.

I am just about rattling with pills.

Anyway I’m still here.

Thanks for your interest.

Jean

[10gingercats in reply to Hawkie147]

I take Spirolactine to prevent fluid building up in my lungs or around my heart.It also got rid of fluid build up on my ankles and legs .

[bassets]

Hi I hope you will be able to have your hip replacement soon. My sister had hers done and was up and away after a couple of months. I think your doctors will be able to tell you more. Perhaps you can talk to them about this and see which is the best option for you. Good luck

[Hawkie147 in reply to bassets]

As soon as I know where I’m going re my heart failure, then I will consider a private consultation with an orthopaedic spec ialist. Not expecting to be called by the NHS anytime soon.

Thanks for your kind words.

Jean

[Hatten28]

I had a fall last March and had the head of my femur replaced, I have AF and take medication for heart problems, I can only say I came through with no ill effects and no one raised any concerns over me having the operation.However we are all different, so cannot categorically say the same for you.

You will receive excellent care and have a better quality of life.

The waiting list is extensive so unless you are a private patient, you will probably be waiting a long time.

Good luck and best wishes for a happy outcome

[Hawkie147 in reply to Hatten28]

Glad you got over your accident and subsequent operation so well.As we all know the NHS waiting list is extensive and I will have to consider ‘going private’.

Thanks for your best wishes.

Jean