Will it, won’t it?

[Frances123]

My AFib occurs roughly every 3-5 weeks and ranging from 12-30 hrs. I am going into hospital next Friday 26th for surgery under an GA and have to take my last apixaban Tuesday evening. Pre op said it was unlikely surgery would go ahead if I was in Afib.

I’ve been waiting a year for surgery so I obviously want it to go ahead. Today is 4 weeks since last Afib and I can’t believe I have been willing Afib to appear for the last week. Yesterday I was a passenger in a car and I normally brace myself with potholes and speed bumps. This time I didn’t in the hopes it would trigger it, but nothing. Today I have done 3 hours quite strenuous gardening and still nothing.

I am a little concerned that if I go into Afib next Wednesday I won’t be covered by apixaban. Also I was wondering that if I was able to initiate Afib in the next few days would my body count that episode as part of my usual course, even though I forced it and could I still go into Afib again a week later (if that makes sense).

Any insight would be most welcome. Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer]

Dont over think this Frances. What will be will be and worrying will not change a thing.

[Frances123 in reply to BobD]

Not worried Bob, except re the apixaban. I’ve already had to cancel my holiday and would like to do all I can if possible so that surgery will ahead.

[Ppiman]

For patients like us, the anaesthetist will have other drugs at the ready to keep you safe, have no fear. Yes, the risk is increased, it seems, but not inordinately so.

Steve

[Frances123 in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks. I’m not worried about being in Afib as I tend to handle it well. As you say the anaesthetist will have his goody bag at the ready. My concern is surgery will be cancelled (according to nurse) and will then have to wait heaven knows how long for another date.

[Ppiman in reply to Frances123]

Hi Frances. That's a thought. I guess it will depend upon the anaesthetist and his or her experience of AF? It must be a fear for them, too? Is there any chance of talking to or emailing the specialist's secretary with your fears?

Steve

[Frances123 in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks Steve. Yes I had thought of that but when I tried before I never got a reply. My GP wrote as well as my symptoms had progressed and likewise she didn’t get a response either.

[Ppiman in reply to Frances123]

Sorry for typos! I’ve turned off autocorrect but still miss some.

Tired eyes from persistent insomnia!

I think the system is unacceptable myself, but consultants are powerful people in our society and act unreasonably at times. Of course, we patients are never like that! 😉

Maybe phone again and insist on a response? It’s not easy.

Steve

[pusillanimous in reply to Frances123]

Thing may have changed but some years ago my sister was admitted for a gall bladder op ( she had Afib, all my family have it), but they could not regulate her heart rate so they sent her home!

[JackyMac]

When I was having surgery and had to stop xeralto, I was given a prescription for an injectable (in the stomach) blood thinner, for the days leading up to the operation. Could be an option.

[Frances123 in reply to JackyMac]

Thank you.

[Clarrie]

I had to stop Apixaban when I had a colonoscopy recently and was in AF when I had the procedure but was okay. I have AF episodes every 7-9 days which usually last 48 hours and am going into hospital on Monday for major surgery so have to stop Apixaban. Just hoping I won't be in AF then but the consultant said they would still operate if I was in AF.

Hope all goes well for you.

[Frances123 in reply to Clarrie]

Thank you. Yes I have had several colonoscopies but as it was only sedation, Afib wasn’t a concern to them.

Hope all goes well for you too.

[Desanthony]

Is it an option to have local and sedation for this operation I have had both a hip replacement and total knee replacement this way - don't remember a thing as the sedation was so good. Usually - even in this area if you have to have your op cancelled for any reason you don't go back onto the bottom of the list but if this does happen you should ask if you can be considered for a cancellation at short notice - so you may just have a few days notice of the operation - maybe just enough time to stop the apixaban!

What will be will be so here's hoping everything goes well for you.

[Frances123 in reply to Desanthony]

Thank you Desanthony. Sadly no it isn’t an option as I am having major surgery. Surgeon is going to try with a laparoscopy but thinks he will have to convert to a laparotomy during the surgery. I have agreed to possibly having to have both and won’t know until I wake up. That will be interesting. I have emailed surgeons secretary re Afib but haven’t heard back as yet.

[Desanthony in reply to Frances123]

Hope it all works out for you.