Tranexamic acid after having surgery for a knee replacement when I’m also taking sinthrome

[Julie_O]

Hi all,

I am currently in hospital after having a knee replacement. I have two mechanical valves after having open heart surgery in Feb 2021. I take Sinthrome instead of Warfarin, as I was losing my hair, so was switched by my surgeon.

Anyway I am currently recovering from a knee operation. The night after my surgery, a nurse should have been giving me a heparin infusion, I had s plan and this was on it. She came, hooked me up, I sat there and asked her if it was the heparin.

She said no, it was tranexamic acid and it’s used to control the bleeding. I said that I should have been having Heparin and she said that they gave it to all of the patients. I stopped her, I told her that this wasn’t what I expected from my plan so asked to see a doctor.

I googled it after she went of course. It’s has a blood clotting agent in it I think.

Has anyone who has metal valves had experience of this please? Could this have hurt me? Because I have health anxiety, I am super hypersensitive , so understand I can be a pain, but felt so at risk, that I told her I didn’t feel safe in her care. I probably shouldn’t have, but can’t help myself at times.

Could I have others’ views or experiences please?

Thank you x

[BeKind28-]

Hello

As you are in Hospital I would keep asking to speak to a Doctor one should be coming round at some stage as they do every day

Make a list of what you want to ask and why you are concerned and make sure they listen to you and give you the answers you need

Let us know how you get on x

[Julie_O in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank so much. They have been ignoring me, because I have been asking so many questions! Iy appears that nobody is trained properly to deal with me, so they avoid me! I will get my note book tomorrow and list some questions I need to ask - Thanks!

[BeKind28- in reply to Julie_O]

Hello

I am so sorry you are been ignored

If they keep doing so ask if you can speak to someone like the Sister on the ward and keep asking till they do

Yes make that list and when the Doctor comes round start by saying I really need some answers and hope after I have kept asking so much you will be able to answer me

Let us know how you get on x

[scentedgardener]

From my experience of my sister's inadequate care, right hand not knowing what the left hand was doing, after being moved from ICU to HDU then to a ward, and my nieces being stonewalled, I actually rang ICU because this was so stupid after their 6+weeks of round the clock concern. I was told, speak to the sister, if no joy speak to the ward manager, if you still don't get a result speak to the matron. There is also PALS, and you can contact them as well.I realise they won't bring these people to your bed but hopefully you have a mobile phone with you.

No-one cares about your care as much as you do, and mistakes can happen.

[TheMiloKid in reply to scentedgardener]

I was going to recommend PALS the liaison service for patients.

[Garden24]

That’s very bizarre. You were expecting Heparin but the nurse was attempting to give you TXA? No wonder you spoke out! You always should. So in the end, pre op you did t have either? I would pursue this, definitely. As an ex nurse this sounds worrying. Please let us know how you go on!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I agree with the others.

I have a rarer type of angina and have careplan to guide the staff how to look after me when I am in hospital.

If a Cardiologist or nurse doesn't follow my careplan, I ask them to read it and to discuss it with me before making any 'off piste' decisions about my care.

I have at times emailed my Cardiologist.

I suggest you ask to speak to the Ward Manager and email the Patient Advisory Liaison Service PALS of the hospital, raising your concerns.

[wodehouse123]

you are the best advocate for your own health needs and you are right to keep asking questions. If you are not happy with something then you must speak out. If you feel you are being ignored you must ask to speak to the ward manager , if you are still unhappy then contact PALS for your hospital.

[WeaverShaz]

Stand your ground here. It’s hard when you feel so helpless but in the end you are in charge of your body. Last year I was in hospital on complete bed rest for an undisplaced compression fracture of my femur. I had a loud argument with a nurse which ended up with me in tears when she insisted I should use the bathroom rather than she bring me a bedpan. I said ok, but only if she fetch my doctor to ok it. They seem to struggle with anyone outside their norm. Good luck.