knee surgery - again!

[Lakky12]

hello, thought I’d try again as no-one has responded…. I might need a knee replacement and as I have atrial fibrillation I know I’d have the procedure with a spinal block rather than a general anaesthetic. Is there anyone out there who’s had one or even hip surgery with A Fib? I’d just like to know if there’s anything I should be aware of. Hope someone can help….

[Shar28]

Hello. I’m afraid I can’t answer your question but have you tried the AF group on here? They might be able to help. Good luck!

[Lakky12 in reply to Shar28]

thanks so much - I’ll have a look !

[xxSuziexx]

Going for a knee replacement soon and have A/Fib. Told at pre-op assessment to stop blood thinner two days before admission. You will go for a pre-op assessment - ask all your questions then

Spinal is normal - they do not really want to do a Gen An.

Good luck - hope all goes well

[Alabamackintosh]

Go for the General Anaesthetic. I had a knee replacement in February with an epidural and it was a horrendous experience.The headphones weren't working and the noise ,smell and blood took all of my strength to endure.I ended up in hospital for over a week with trauma and delirium so the recovery period both physically and mentally was prolonged and I am still having fallout.

[Jaycey]

Spinal plus sedation are primarily used during joint replacement. Discuss any concerns with the anaesthetist before your op. You will be out for the entire procedure and wake up without the groggy feeling and no nausea from GA.

[Misstibbs]

Hi Lakky 12 I’ve had a total knee replacement but before my HA so not much help other than the replacement was a complete success and ended the pain, it’s lasted 12+ years now and I still jog!

[Qualipop]

Years ago my mum had a hip replacement by epidural because she had heart failure. She said it was fine apart from the smell of sawing the bone. Back then they kept you in for 5 days but she swore it was the best thing she'd ever had done.

[Megabucks]

Hi yes I have had AF few quite a few yesrs and 3 years ago I had both hips replaced with a spinal block. They gave me a sedative prior to procedure and I dont remember a thing. You come round quicker and no after effects. So dont worry you will be ok

[colourblue]

I have A F, had two successful knee replacements. You will have a check up with the Anesthetist before the op. I was fine with the spinal injection, no aftereffects at all, by the way I was 82 when I had my second knee done. Try to do some exercises leading up to the operation. You have to put in some hard work post op for several weeks but it pays off & its good to be free of the pain you were in before. My best wishes.

[Lakky12 in reply to colourblue]

Thanks very much for replying. Good to know you have had two successful ops. I'll definitely look at doing some exercises first as well - a really useful tip!

[marypw]

I've had two hip replacements under a spinal and a cholecystectomy under GA in the last few years. I don't have AF, but have mitral regurgitation. For all three surgeries, the anaesthetist insisted that I had an all-clear from Cardiology. So, don't worry on that score - they will give you the right advice.

I think most joint replacements are done under a spinal, but how you react to a spinal or a GA, is unpredictable. My big problem is with pain relief as morphine makes me really sick.

Good luck and as long as you do the exercises, you will feel so much better.

[Lakky12 in reply to marypw]

Thanks very much -yes I will certainly make sure the two departments talk to each other first! This forum is so useful!