Operation cancelled due to irregular heartbeat!

[barbspain]

Hi all,

We live in Spain my husband has been on the waiting list for 2 years to have a knee replacement he is in dreadful pain, in both knees now. He was therefore delighted to receive a call to see a consultant and operation planned for 21st February, he went for the pre op, had blood tests, then told to have an ECG, he took the result back to the anaesthetist who told him he had an arrithmia and to go to his own Dr.

Long story but he was put on blood thinners and is now in the process of getting his INR between 2 - 3. It was 1.15 now 1.8. He was obviously very disappointed he could not have his knee operation but understands the reasons why not.

He was told when his INR is stable he will go for another ECG and see a cardiologist. Then he can have his knee done!!

I suppose he could have had the irregular heartbeat for years? He has never had an ECG. Have any of you had an operation with an irregular heartbeat before? The Dr said the blood thinners are preventative?

He is just 70 has had high blood pressure for years,(under control) always been fit and healthy, put on a bit of weight since COVIDas unable to move as much due to his knees.

Will he always have the irregular heartbeat?

Thanks for any advice.

Barbara

[Letsallhope1]

hello Barbspain,

I’m sorry to hear about your husband.

As far as I know the Arrythmias must be under control before being put through any surgery which require sedation or general anaesthetic.

Please make sure that those issues are properly addressed by a cardiac team who will find his best suited beta blocker (anti arrythmic drugs).

Once his heart rhythm is under control, he will be able to have his knee surgery safely.

all the best!

[barbspain in reply to Letsallhope1]

Thank you so much for your replies. He is waiting to hear when his apt with a cardiologist is, hopefully soon. 🤞All the best to you too 😊🌞

[Letsallhope1]

to answer you question “will he always have an irregular heartbeat”: this is so hard to say for sure but most people with sustained Arrythmias tend to get it over and over. Blood thinners are preventative in the sense that will keep him safe from blood clots which tend to form when the heart beat is irregular for a long amount of time.

I’m surprised that no anti arrhythmic drugs have been prescribed to keep them at bay.

Normally that would be the course of action and if also the beta blockers do not help, there is also the alternative of a more invasive procedure called catheter ablation.

All these alternatives must be discussed with a cardiologist as there are many different types of arrythmias and only a specialist can answer your questions to properly.

[Rainfern]

Hi Barbara, a similar story for my sister who had already been on a long waiting list for hip joint replacement and could barely walk. The pre-surgery appointment eventually came through and they discovered an arrhythmia, diagnosed AF.The important next step was to begin a course of anticoagulents. She was monitored over next 2 or 3 months (echocardiogram and ECG) but not given any further meds. She also kept in touch with her orthopaedic surgeon by email to remind him she was still there, in pain, and hoped to see him soon! The hospital she had been registered with was not equipped for surgery with AF (not sure why but presumably to do with the risks AF comes with).

She was assured surgery was given regularly to people with arrhythmias, and sure enough an appointment for surgery was eventually made. She is currently recovering at home, out of pain, and heart none the worse from her adventure. I think she had to come off anticoagulents for a day or two prior to surgery but that's something you'll work out with the medical team.

Sorry to hear your husband has also had to suffer a delay for his knee joint replacements. AF is often "invisible" so it's lucky they found it. The anticoagulents will greatly reduce the risk of stroke. And I'm sure he will get the surgery - it's horrible having to wait though. Wishing you both luck and a big dollop of patience.

[barbspain in reply to Rainfern]

Thanks so much for your reply. He will get through it as he is very strong and coping with the pain as no choice, you are right though patience is much needed.🤞not too long to wait again!All the best. 🌞😊

[Bloodredroses]

It never goes away . Hearts don’t get younger . Def made worse by some things . Sugar makes my heart af fib , cold . Shock stress . Very spicy food Alcahol. I take Magnesium Chelate 500 mg per day as helps to not af fib as much on days I take it. ( most every day. Ask your Drs if that’s OK to take. For him . I do know that in surgery if heart goes into irregular rhythm , they transfuse magnesium . He has to Moderate and learn for himself what sets it off makes it worse , and not do it .

[barbspain]

Thanks for your reply, I guess he will have to wait for next ECG but his INR is now 2.6 which is great so just has to stay stable and they will do another ECG🤞👍☀️