Stress, AF + minor surgery

[CDreamer]

Yesterday I had MOHS surgery on my nose, followed by reconstructive surgery to fill the gap. The 3 days prior to the operation were incredibly stressful for various reasons and the surgery team were concerned that a) I am anticoagulated b) I have a pacemaker c) risk of going into fast AF as there wasn’t a cardiology dept although there was a resuc team.

I had seen my EP prior to the surgery for him to write to the surgeons saying for a) I was low risk so could discontinue anticoagulants for 6 days b). My pacemaker didn’t require pacemaker being turned off so they could use diathermy c) I would survive fast AF because all my other markers - bloods, echocardiogram were good and even if I went into fast AF I couldn’t have given heart meds or magnesium IV.

Although it wasn’t the pleasantest of experiences, nothing happened heart wise, despite a low dose of licdacaine in the numbing ointment & local. It was a very long day waiting for the lab results to show clear margins but well worth it as I am now clear and the tumour was removed at the first attempt. It was incredibly tiring sitting around all day but well worth having both procedures on the same day.

Today I checked my HR and BP for yesterday - they were the lowest I’ve had for months! Like Auriclaire’s story, sometimes it more the anticipatory ‘what if’ mind set that causes a more chronic stress that is so corrosive to our body. Once the mind is decided and prepared (I did a fair amount of meditation) I relaxed into the process and trusted the doctors.

I write as I hope this may reassure others who may be waiting for minor procedures who have PAF with no other heart issues, that sometimes we can have some control and always have choices, even when we make ourselves believe we don’t.

Best wishes - CD

[cbsrbpm]

Glad all went well CD, it’s all so stressful.

[Staffsgirl]

Big thanks for sharing this positive experience 😎

[jeanjeannie50]

Sorry to hear that you have had this worry CD and hope that you heal well. My elder daughter had the same procedure quite a few years ago.

Jean

[Fastbeat]

Pleased it all went well and a positive result

[fairgo45]

Hi there I wouldn't call mohs minor surgery ive had it myself and found it quite intensive Did you have it done on the NHS or privately

[CDreamer in reply to fairgo45]

Privately. It was a small incision - approx 1square cm and performed under local and the clinic defined it as minor surgery.

[fairgo45 in reply to fairgo45]

Me too private cost $10000 though as I'm not privately insured

Message me privately and tell me your experience

[CDreamer in reply to fairgo45]

See PM. Interested to compare notes.

[opal11uk]

I can relate, I had a cancerous growth removed from my face, during Covid, and having filled in all necessary forms arrived for the procedure. The surgeon came to see me and said he didnt know I had a Pacemaker, I said its in my notes!!!! He said he would have to ring his boss because he was worried about the Dithermy, my cheeky reply was, just use less!!!! He duly rang his boss, I asked what was the answer, his reply, just use less! So sorry you had to go through this procedure and the stress it causes, sending love and best wishes xxx

[Camelia23]

Interesting to read this, CD. I had a acitinic keratosis removed from my nose and the flap method to cover the wound on October 2nd. 2024. The surgeon said she was pretty certain it was cancerous but it turns out it was pre cancerous. I have had AF since diagnosed September 2019 but noticed symptoms for a couple of years before. Stress, infection and alcohol were my triggers but I rarely drink alcohol now. I didn't have to stop Apixaban pre op. I am a little stressed about getting another one but try to be sensible. It has healed well. Surgeon said I must wear high spf and a hat. I asked about vit D. She said: take a pill. She also said about a scar. I'm not bothered about a scar at 80 but I do have a few spots. Spots at my age! Vanity

[Squeak3 in reply to Camelia23]

I had flap surgery for squamous cell cancer on my forehead last December and also have numerous other actinic keratosis that I keep under control with cryotherapy. I had to stop apixaban 3 days prior to surgery but my sutures bled when I restarted it , so I stayed off of the apixaban for 3 more days post surgery. You do have the option of a punch biopsy to test for cancer . I had 2 that came back negative, thankfully. Massage that scar 3 times a day with vitamin e cream.

[Camelia23 in reply to Squeak3]

Thanks Squeak 3. I did wonder if I could have cryotherapy next time. Will definitely get some vitamin E cream. Have you used bio oil? Surgeon told me to use vaseline but not sun cream until completely healed.

[Squeak3 in reply to Camelia23]

Sunscreen has too many chemicals for new scars and the scars should be kept out of the sun. I've tried silicone, but do not like the feeling and it's too expensive. I have eliminated many keratosis at home, using a canned gas that I purchase online. It is extremely cold and easy to use, but it is not medically recommended for legal reasons. I have reduced a doctor appointment to a 30 second trip to the bathroom mirror. Not expensive either. My surgeon recommended a punch biopsy on my nose crease and cheek and after refusing them, I eliminated both keratosis using the gas at home. Best of luck.

[Camelia23 in reply to Squeak3]

That sounds amazing. The surgeon said not put sunscreen on the scar but I forgot to ask when I could. I have some good quality foundation cream from Paula's Choice which is factor 30 but not on nose yet. I put some factor 50 on nose now. However I have read before about high chemicals in that. I will try vitamin E cream. All surgeon had advised was vaseline which may have clogged pores. Have you used Bio oil?

[Squeak3 in reply to Camelia23]

I have not tried bio oil. The vit e cream works for me. I massage it in for a minute or more and it's not greasy.

[CDreamer in reply to Squeak3]

My specialist said use silicone gel for several months which I’ve been using on scar on temple from bcc removal from Oct 24 as some evidence that it diminishes redness and raised scars. No evidence that Bio Oil has any effect. Serum with VitC, D & E helps + moisturiser with collagen - Elemis is good. Light massaged x 3 daily. Agree avoid sun creams.

[Squeak3 in reply to CDreamer]

I don't care for the feeling of silicone gel or tape of which I bought both. I think that massage is the most important aspect. My scars are very acceptable considering what I looked like after the flap surgery.

[CDreamer in reply to Squeak3]

I had reconstruction with a synthetic, biodegradable, and biocompatible device designed to facilitate dermal repair, particularly in complex wounds. It’s used a lot for burns evidently.

[secondtry]

Best wishes for a speedy return to 'normal' whatever that is 😁.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Thank you for sharing with us all, I am so pleased to read about your positive experience. May I take this opportunity to wish you all the best in your recovery.

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

[Afibflipper]

Glad to hear all is well CD & hope you now remain so. I love meditation, it needs practice but once you can do it properly it’s so helpful. X

[Swimsyroke]

Did you pay private for the Mohs surgery as my husband needs treatment for BCC in the nose and I'd prefer him to have Mohs. Was wondering if it's available on the NHS

[CDreamer in reply to Swimsyroke]

It is available but long wait! It would have been at least 12-18 months from referral in my area.

I have insurance so went privately.

[Swimsyroke in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you

[Auriculaire]

Glad it all went well and your heart stayed calm.

[meadfoot]

Pleased all was well and thank you sharing. Keep safe.