General Anaesthetics for Pulmonary-Hypertension patients

[reb_1951]

Hi there. I'm new to this community. I've just been referred to a Pulmonary-Hypertension consultant by my Cardiologist as my latest Echocardiogram says I have "intermediate probability of pulmonary hypertension", along with "moderate mitral valve regurgitation".

My question relates to General Anaesthetics (GAs). Wanted to hear anyone's experiences/views of having GAs with Pulmonary-Hypertension. I've heard that having PH makes GAs more risky?

I was due to have 2 GA-operations this year (one for a Total Knee Replacement and one for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery), but do you think the hospitals will let me go ahead with both surgeries this year even if I do turn out to have Pulmonary-Hypertension? (And would they need to leave more of a gap between the 2 GAs for PH patients?)

Thank you in advance.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I'm sorry I can't help with this but sure someone will be along who can. I just wanted to say hello and welcome to the site please keep us updated on how you are, have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻💖

[GintyFerguson]

Welcome ! I have had two spinals for lower limb ops. Sedation is also given. Can't comment on sinus op but very good luck going forwards. 👍

[Millyboo710]

You need to talk to your specialist team who know your medical history needs as people on a forum don’t have specialist knowledge. Good luck.

[katieoxo60]

Hello reb_1951, only your surgeon can comment on this . I have blood pressure problems and recently had total knee replacement with the spinal block. You need all the facts to make an informed decision. Probably not wise to have two GAs close together, but sometimes ops can be done these days with different anaesthetics. Anything that's less risk has to be good in my opinion. Welcome to the site and good luck with your health problems , best wishes

[JJ_7]

Welcome to the site reb. I don't think your questions can be answered by us since the GA risks would need a full medical risk assessment. Even Doctors have challenges! I would love to hear how you get on. Good luck

[Offcut]

I have IPAH and go to Sheffield for treatment. I was first diagnosed with IPAH in 2012 but have had a few ops before and after where GA was given. However, I am not your "normal" and have a strange habit of waking under GA during and very soon after. GA has a risk as does most medical procedures. I have had 3 ablations but all have been without anaesthetic due to my allergy to Iodine! If there are any questions with regards this if you are aware of the clinic, you have been assigned, then they once it is proven will tell you your level of PH and exactly what you can have and do.

Facebook PH forum is here facebook.com/groups/1253427...

PH Association is here phauk.org/

[NYNY]

I have had Endoscopy but for stomach only. Agree with the other replies to seek out your doctors as they can provide the best advice.

[Anselm198]

I would post this on the PH Facebook page. People on there have a wealth of experience and knowledge.

[Walkwalkwalk]

Welcome to the site reb. I hope that your answers are helpful but remember that a full anaesthesia check will be carried out by the pre-op team. Just make sure that your updated diagnoses are there when this is done. My best wishes for your new investigations. It’s always good to know what we are working with while we try to improve our well-being.

Grace

[reb_1951]

Thank you all for your kind words and support with your responses!!

[valspia]

I just saw your post today. I wish we had a section just for Pulmonary Hypertension 👍. It is true the FB pages have excellent info. Keep us informed 🙂

[Offcut in reply to valspia]

I am on the Faceache group too for PH and they are a great bunch of people. HU would probably not do it as there are only 7000 of us being treated in the UK and not all of them are on Social Media?

[Kate124]

hello, I have pulmonary hypertension. I need a hip replacement but too high a risk with GA. Depending which PH centre your under I believe their aneasthatists are more specialised. So can oversee operations.

[Chinadoll81]

I have a huge gallstone but here in the Highlands they wont operate because if my COPD. I said but they use epidural and laparoscopy in other countries with good results. Reply: well we don't here in the UK. I am now so weak with pain and breathlessness I don't think I'm going to be around much longer. We dont treat our animals the way I'm being treated. No support for my COPD. Referred from hospital to local COPD nurse who then tells me to contact respiratory at the hospital. Wish I had stayed in South Africa where the medical was second to none. There fir 45 yes. Came back to Scotland to support one of our daughters. That was in 2020. All downhill. Dont even look like the. Blessings and love to all xxx