Surgery upcoming.

[falconered53]

Hi everyone. This is Ellen, USA, PVjak2+, age 74, on hydroxyurea, aspirin, and periodic phlebotomy. Was hospitalized two weeks ago with acute pancreatitis. Long story short, I will have my gallbladder removed on Friday. Spoke at length with my hemotologist and have no real concerns. Just wondering if anyone wants to share his/her experience of surgery with MPN. Thanks

[ggrana]

I had my gallbladder removed last summer and it was no problem at all! I am Jack positive I have PV and I take baby aspirin and three hydroxyurea pills a day.

[falconered53 in reply to ggrana]

Thanks for your reply. Very good to hear. Stay well

[Kari1961]

I have Jak2+PV and had a parathyroid gland removed last year - I didn't experience any issues with the surgery. At the time I wasn't on Hydroxy and took aspirin + had regular venesections.

Good luck with your surgery.

[falconered53 in reply to Kari1961]

I appreciate your reply. Stay well

[Chaz1]

Hubby Jak2+ ET/PV had his removed April 2019. Told not to stop aspirin & they checked his blood counts a couple of weeks earlier & venesected to keep him low enough. Obs you on meds so counts should be lower anyway.

Initially we were told he'd need blood thinning injections afterwards but when it came to it he didn't - I think they'd sorted him enough during the op so he didn't need it. The anesthetist knew about his condition & was really good when came to see us beforehand, it's their job to control it so make sure they have a chat with you & know what meds you have gad that day.

I was really worried, he was due to come home same day but when he came out of theatre - took longer than was told - OMG he looked amazing & was his old self. Colour was great, he had the glint back in his eye, IV & oxygen made him so much better - would love to hook him up all the time.

He came home that evening from keyhole surgery & was fine. A couple of days discomfort in back due to the gas they use to inflate but otherwise was fine. And was told he'd have that.

Very bruised but that's to be expected. He thought he'd be able to wear his jeans home, I knew he'd need jogging bottoms as would need it not to be tight on his incisions & that he'd be bloated. So I brought him a couple of pairs & yes he did need them.... for a few days.

18 months on he's doing well, no problems from the removal.

Wishing you a swift recovery x

[falconered53]

Thanks. It was very good of you to go into such detail. I’ll know now to bring a stretchy pair of pants and to expect gas. Knowledge is power they say. Stay well

[hunter5582]

I have had multiple surgeries, including in the last several years Green Laser PVP, Catheter Ablation (heart surgery), Resection of brain tumor, and resection of lipoma on mandible. Did not have any particular issue with the PV during any of these surgeries, except for excessive bleeding after the PVP/TURP. This triggered significant reactive thombocytosis that was an issue affecting the recovery. The other procedures triggered minor reactive thrombocytosis that was expected and not an issue.

Suggest staying aware of reactive thombocytosis since it is a normal response to bleeding, injury and inflammation. May not be a big deal with this surgery. Also stay aware that when your platelet levels go up, you can be at risk for either thrombosis or hemorrhage. FYI - something to be aware of with aspirin - those of us over age 60 tend to react to it more strongly than those younger. Do be sure to speak to your MPN-Specialist about how long after the surgery to wait to resume aspirin. The surgeon will likely not know as most do not treat patients with PV. (Most hematologists rarely treat PV cases, which is why it is so important to consult with a MPN-Specialist).

Hope you surgery goes well. Please let us know how things go. Thoughts and prayers headed your way.

[falconered53]

Thanks, Hunter. I will check about the aspirin. I never think of it as being dangerous but I have read the latest about hemorrhagic strokes in older people. That’s really scary. Your posts are always so informative. Appreciate it. Stay well

[katiewalsh]

Hi. I’ve had 3-4 minor & major open surgeries since diagnosed. Gallbladder was one & the least major, I considered it minor. I’ve been on blood thinners during the years I had these. Does your surgeon know about your MPN & any clotting history? Definitely be sure to get a hematologist involved ASAP. To replace my Eliquis & baby aspirin right before surgery, my hematologist put me on Lovenox (Heparin?). It’s a very short acting blood thinner. Can’t recall if I was on it immediately after or just resumed my Eliquis & baby aspirin. I never had a single problem as a result of the surgeries but I always had a hematologist coordinating my care. I have a long history of PE’s prior to diagnosis & beginning treatment for my MPN & I had no clots from surgery. Be certain they give you good compression knee highs & if hospitalized for even a short time you’ll want the mechanical, inflating leg compression things they put on your legs. And if you’re allowed, walk multiple times each day in the hospital. Once home keep compression on and be as active as safely possible. Just gentle walking around is good. And foot flexing when sitting or reclining is beneficial. Good luck, everything should be fine. Katie

[katiewalsh]

PS I should say walk as often as allowed. More is better if it’s not too much. Katie

[falconered53 in reply to katiewalsh]

Thanks for the advice. I try to walk an hour every day. I will keep it up as soon and as much as I can. Keep well