Knee Replacement Surgery Jan 14th

[denobobeno]

Hey guys, I'm having knee replacement surgery this Monday on my left knee this Monday due to Osteonecrosis. I had Meniscus surgery 3 years ago and they overzealously cauterized several blood vessels, I ended up with extensive damage and now a fracture.
All this to say, I have no choice I've waited as long as I can and I've been on crutches since October.
My new Cardiologist (to me) is calling Protocol (my least favorite word in the dictionary) and going with 2 days NO Coumadin and then begin Lovenox bridge. I say I'll have a stroke before I ever get into surgery! If I miss two days of Coumadin I'll drop like a rock!! I take 10 a day and I tend to drop very fast! I'm so frustrated and I've had one stroke after my OHS in '06.
I need any words of wisdom or previous knowledge or experience with this type history.
Thanks,
Deana

 

[catwoman]

Deana:

Yes, I remember when you had that stroke in 2006 -- seems like you were on Interstate 30 near downtown Fort Worth when it happened and you were able to get to a hospital PDQ.
I haven't had joint surgery and have never had to withhold warfarin, even for a colonoscopy.
Yes, you will drop like a rock.
My sister has osteonecrosis due to lupus and has had both knees and hips replaced. She took warfarin briefly after some of the surgeries, aspirin after others.
Where are you having your surgery?

 

[Protimenow]

Deana:

The only 'wisdom' that I can throw your way is that it seems to take more than two days for clots to form on most valves (not knowing what valve(s) you've got, I can't even hazard a guess), but for two days - then Lovenox, even if your INR drops quickly, this will probably not be enough time for a clot to form on your valve. Am I correct to assume that on day two without coumadin the surgery will take place, to be immediately followed with Lovenox?

I look forward to your posts next week, after the surgery is completed and everything came out fine.

 

[ski girl]

Deana I recently found out that I will need gall bladder surgery, and my cardiologist (best in the world IMHO) is putting me on what's called Clexane here (injection in the tummy) as soon as I come off the warfarin, no days of waiting. It might be worth asking your cardio why he's not suggesting that.