AF and hip surgery

Anyone had hip replacement with AF and all the meds that go with it ? Been advised to seriously consider risks

[10gingercats]

Yes. I had it 6 years ago. I was 78. All went well. It was uncomplicated and I had a lot of phyaio. via the hospital afterwards so recovered with no problems.

[Hidden in reply to 10gingercats]

Thankyou.Reassuring

[Jalia]

I'm 10 weeks post total hip replacement , 9 months post my 4th ablation (still taking my anti arrhythmia meds though) and AF did not feature at all. I'm 77.

I had this done privately but the anaesthetist would not do so until I had a consultation and echo with a cardiologist first (£600 later....😬). Given the all clear with a lovely cardio who also supervised the echo. He gave instructions to the anaesthetist should I flip into AF during the procedure.

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Jalia]

Thankyou for that I am 78. So a bit worried. Good to know it’s a possibility

[GrannySmithgs5]

I am on the waiting list for Hip replacement , my PAF hasn’t been flagged up as an issue . As an ageing population the hip surgery / PAF/ anticoagulant situation must occur on a regular basis so can’t see that it is too much of a problem .

[Hidden]

I thought that but I think they don’t want to add to the lists so are trying to put me off ! Bet I could get it if I paid ! Thanks for your reply and good luck with yours.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I’m afraid it is hard to comment without more information on why they are reluctant in your particular case. If you have a complicated medical history, maybe there are concerns? None of us are the same. It is a routine but big operation.

[Kent2007]

I've had both his done but I have PAF and was not in AF during either op. Plus, I'm not on anti coagulants. No problem. Good luck.

[Leeson]

Had knee replacement 5 months ago had no AF but had epidural so no full anesthetic , am fully medicated for af but still have break through ectopic beats.

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Leeson]

HiYou had a block for pain.

Because of age 73 and on thyroid synthetic drugs no block. Rather have special anaesthetic.

Given OXY-NORM and Paracetamol 500 x 2 for pain as soon it raised its head.

Of course I came off the OXY-NORM as soon as I could manage. Then stopped the paracetamol also later.

Unfortunately I couldnt have my chosen painkiller ifuprofen.

cheri JOY

[Hidden in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Did you hear the surgery noise !

[Jalia in reply to Hidden]

I had Spinal anaesthesia but well sedated. I was assured that I would be completely unaware of the 'goings on' and that was the case ! Woke up without any of the awful post general anaesthesia feelings. I had the choice of having a GA if I wanted it but it seems that Spinal is the way to go

[Leeson in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

I am 75 years of age on blood pressure tablets, thyroxine for thyroid, blood thinners, and an assortment of others, stopped the blood thinners (warfarin)5 days before opp, and after opp on opiods, which I definately needed. But as I said I had an epidural, definitely better as not drowsy after effects. I had it because of the AF

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Leeson]

HiWelcome Leeson.

I am 73 years!

I, too, not only cope with my synthoid 125mg each early morning - no thyroid or 12 lymph nodes because a stroke in Sept 2019 and AF - rapid and persistent on arrival 4 days later whilst checking my perfect carotid arteries, through a neck scan showed a shadow on my thyroid.

A biopsy test showed papillary cancer carcinoma in right lobe and the triage of 3 staff and 2nd opinion another surgeon witnessed a little in left lobe. My general Irish surgeon put through a blue dye and 4 months post stroke included removing 12 lymph nodes. 2 were affected with the cancer but contained. I was kucky as there was an argument about leaving me for 6 clear months. 2, the surgeon and the anaesthetist said no way and I was done at 4 monthe post stroke.

Uncontrolled AF through awful metropolol which I didnt want which immediately made me breathless over 1 year 6 months! When I insisted on a change and a heart specialist.

Finally I was changed to Bisoprolol. An improvement from 186 hbpm to 156hbpm.

Another 10 months I was advised to go to a private heart specialist who also worked for our DHB Northland NZ.

He immediately put me on CCB Diltiazem 180mg - 1/2 dose. Too much and inside 5 days I was directed by a Dr in Healthlind and then later a nurse @ Heart Foundation I think contacted Mr Wong as she knew him and I was sending him emails, directed me to have a reduced Diltiazem of not 180mg but 120mg a.m and only 2.5mg Bisoprolol at p.m.

BINGO.

Controlled since December.

BP last week 123/72. with 93 hbpm avge day and 48hbpm at night.

But anazingly the dr said NO IRREGULARITY! So she has directed the DHB Specialist HOcardiology to take an ECG with me on a treadmill! and a further ECHO. Last one done March 2021.

Here's hoping that at last with new drug or the TVT Surgical mesh now removed on 2 March just gone with rid of all the inflammation around it, my electrical system returnsto normal.

I kept saying that exertion - any produces AF, with sweating and fatigue.

I hope the latest development produces the best outcome.

No more blood thinners I am hoping.

Please tell me about why you had your thyroid removed? And what drugs are you on for AF and heart?

Are you in NZ?

Thanx for lstening.

cheri JOY 73yrs. Take care.

[Hatten28]

Yes it’s ok I fell and badly broke my hip so there was no time to think it had to be done. All went well no problem but my fall was at the start of the pandemic. Sad.ly I had no help with physio so ensure you have adequate backup as I am left disabled because of an unstable hipAs regarding the op itself no problem, hope you have a good outcome

[Hidden]

Thankyou

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

HiAlthough NOT hip replacement, surgery wont take place if your heart rate is above 100 at the timely preparation.

Also PRADAXA needs stopping 3 clear days prior to op, op day uncounted and restart 3 days after.

Because of the unprotection of a blood thinner to prevent clots forming with your AF, stroke is a risk.

Then there is possibility of bleeding during op.

Usually the surgeon would rather do it in public hospital where more support staff in theatre are available. e.g an extra anaesthetist watching and acting your vitals.

My op of removing surgical mesh took 1 hour.

I was fine.

A saline drop with antibiotics and a pain killer not NATS introduced. And a catheter as internal stitching was required.

I had a course of antibiotics for a week and a further week on 1/2 dose 8 hrly.

Last thursday a physical 8 weeks later by surgeon gave me all clear with quick healing.

You will be OK. Try and relax and follow instructions.

Is it a replacement?

cheri JOY

[Hidden in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Have just purchased motor scooter while i think about it, dont want a stroke !

[SuziElley]

I had total knee replacement done. The anaesthetist will go through everything and look at things like echocardiogram results. They gave me a spinal anaesthetic for my surgery. Absolutely brilliant. Good luck, I’m sure it will be fine but make sure you address any concerns with your surgeon and anaesthetist.

[Hidden in reply to SuziElley]

But did you hear the surgery noise, I used to work in orthopaedic surgery as a scrub nurse !!!

[SuziElley in reply to Hidden]

I used to be a nurse and when in theatre hated orthopaedics. I let the anaesthetist know and I never heard a thing! 👍🏻

[Hidden in reply to SuziElley]

😱

[Auriculaire]

I've had both hips replaced within the last 16 months. My heart behaved each time during my hospital stay. I came off Apixaban beforehand.

[C66t in reply to Auriculaire]

Wow you are brave!! Can I ask how long you were off Apaxipan(eliquis) and was it general or epidural.? I need hip repl and have read re danger of Eliquis and any spinal injection tap or epidural. Its putting me off. Thanks stay well.

[Auriculaire in reply to C66t]

For the first op I was off Apixzban for 8 days but had bridging Lovenox jabs. My cardiologist said this was excessive and wrote on his report to the anaesthetist that 3 days off was enough before the 2nd op. I had a general anaesthetic both times.

[C66t in reply to Auriculaire]

Thank you that is reassuring.😃

[irene75359]

When I had to stay off Apixaban last year for an op, the anaesthetist was quite amenable to me taking flecainide prior to the op and in the event I didn't go into AF. For a more recent op I asked if I should do the same and the anaesthetist said not to worry, 'they would manage'. That was a bit nerve-wracking!

[TM93]

I have had two partial hip replacements due to falls. I have osteoporosis. Both happened when I tripped working outside. The second fall I hit concrete so it was fairly traumatic to my body. As a result I was on a vacuum pump for a week after surgery (to drain out blood). The surgeon said it was a result of the anti-coagulant. Both times I had AFIB at the rehab center. Once I was home, I had no further incidents. However, I was not on daily meds at that time. I think if you are on medication you should be fine. Best of luck.

[etlmadd]

I had a hip replacement last year, just told to stop Edoxiban 2 days beforehand, stayed on bisoprolol, all went well. I had spinal anaesthetic. I have permanent AF. Good luck!

[Hidden]

Thankyou

[Roobydooby]

I had a hip replacement last year (on my birthday!) Had to stop my anti coagulant (Rivaroxaban) 3 days before & started it again immediately after the op. I had the spinal block & sedation so didn’t hear a thing thank goodness! My surgeon knew all about my AF & my heart was monitored throughout. I have paroxysmal AF, hadn’t bothered me for several months before the op & hasn’t bothered me since! I won’t be at all worried when I go for my second hip done!

[Hidden in reply to Roobydooby]

Thankyou

[Physalis in reply to Roobydooby]

That's good news!

[Physalis]

I'm having a hip replacement next month. Should I avoid a general anaesthetic? I've got a three hour pre-op morning soon and I expect they will discuss it then.

[Hidden in reply to Physalis]

Lots of them on the forum seemed ho have had epidural. Suppose it’s up to anaesthestist and how complicated heart problems are. Good luck ! Meanwhile I have purchased a mobility scooter 😂

[Physalis in reply to Hidden]

Only a fortnight to go now. I will have a spinal anaesthetic with a sedative. It's a bit different from an epidural I gather.