hip replacement ( while on anticoagulant)

[Defender1955]

I’m going to have a hip replacement and I’ve got AF

[10gingercats]

Many people have this op while having Af. and using an anticoagulant.My hip was smashed after an accident and I had an emergency replacement. It all went well.I was 78 at the time.I am still using the hip well 8 years on.But the important thing to remember is to do the physio. exactly as directed......and it will probably last 3-4 months.

[Defender1955 in reply to 10gingercats]

hi, thanks for the advice how was the blood thinners during your op?

[10gingercats in reply to Defender1955]

they were stopped for 1 day before op....less than 24 hours and I was given something else immediately when I woke up.I cannnot remember the name of it now.Then later I was given my apixaban.The docs knew what they were doing.it is bread and butter to them.

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to 10gingercats]

Probably heparin right after you woke up. Usually injected into the tummy.

[10gingercats in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

yes. that was it!I remember being a bit queezy re. the injection in my tum.Thanks for the reminder.

[Blackknight57]

I’m going in for an implant, they are. Requesting me to refrain taking warfarin 3 days prior.

[Murderfan58]

My brother had a hip replacement before being diagnosed with AF. Last year had to have a new hip socket as the old one was releasing cobalt into his blood stream . He was diagnosed with AF 10 years ago . For the op he had to come of his blood thinners a week before his operation and he did the pre op exercises . After his op he went back on his blood thinners and did all the post op exercises and walking . When he saw the physio 8 weeks after his op they signed him off as he had done everything there was nothing for them to do . Plus he could go back to swimming . He swims every morning at 6.30 for a hour and does weights at home and walks minimum 10,000 steps a day .

My advice is to start the pre op exercises now and check when you need to come off your blood thinners before the op ... My brother had a spinal block because of his AF and sedation he slept through the operation. He was 65 when he had it done . Plus make sure to do the exercises after your op and they will hurt but it's important you do then to get back full movement in your hip and leg plus walking . My brother used 2 crutches but went out with a friend his first outing he managed 300 steps then daily he increased it by 100 steps the down to inr crutch then a walking stick then nothing.

The occupational therapy department of the hospital should give you all the equipment you need like a perching stool, frame to go round your loo to make it easier to get up and down ,bed bar etc. They should come to your home to assess what you need.

[aardvark68]

I had one hip replacement 2 years ago and the other one was done last August. In both cases they told me at the pre op assessment exactly what to do about my existing heart meds. Afterwards I was able to restart them next day together with the Apaxiban - injections in my tummy to prevent clots. As Ginger Cat said, the important thing is to do the exercises afterwards.

That way you can get back to normal- driving, walking well with no limping etc quickly.

[DWizza]

I had total left hip replacement 17th October 2024. I had nstemi & quadruple bypass surgery July 2023 had already stopped clopidogrel before hip surgery (took it for 12 months). They put me on Apixaban blood thinner post hip surgery for a number of weeks. Your surgical team will tell you what meds you will be on. I also made sure that my cardiac consultant was up to date with this procedure as I didn’t trust the admin/connectivity of the NHS. I was right to do so as she wasn’t aware when I emailed her secretary. She was , however, supportive of the procedure to go ahead.