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Blood coagulation and operation
I'm concerned about blood loss, I am having hip surgery. My nurse practitioner told me I won't lose much blood, others have said they lost a lot of blood. So I don't know what's really true. But my main question is about rate of blood coagulation. How might this impact the rate of blood loss during surgery since I do not accept blood transfusions. I will take cellsaver machine where my blood goes in continuous circuit, but still wondering if the rate of coagulation has impact on blood loss or recovery.
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Hi Cindi - that is definitely a question for your doctor. None of us knows your individual blood chemistry, or the doctor's technique.
I can tell you that I needed transfusions after some of my hip replacement surgeries, but not after others!
Sue
I have spoken to my doctor and he kindly told me to take red cell builders like vitamin b and folate, etc. So I bought some to strengthen up. He is arranging to use a cellsaver machine with me which is in a circuit and takes the blood that bleeds out and cleans it and puts it back in the body. Actually I read a report that it is less problematic that way in recovery. However I was reading about coagulation and I will definitely bring it up. It seems like it's supposed to have something to do with clotting, but I will ask because I want to lose as little blood as possible. (Naturally.) Another question to bring up. I hear there's less blood loss with hip surgery than knee surgery. I hope hope hope that I can walk better (less pain) after the hip surgery, but my knee is pretty bad also, but the big pain is from the hip.
And now that you mention it, I have to ask him again what his technique is. boy o boy.
Cindi my daughter the OR nurse tells me in here hospital they use the cell saver more often than transfusions in non-emergency surgery.
As for blood clotting, it is typical to have daily blood thinner injections, usually Lovenox, after hip replacement.
Finally, overall according to my ortho he does less than 10% anterior THR. He says the longer he operates, the more he finds the lateral or posterior or lateral plus posterior approach makes it easier for him to het the best fit, the best position, and see any other problems. He has done nearly 3000 hips, and I trust him. I asked him yesterday when he xrayed my 11 year old hips - and they are fine. I was worried by now they might be showing bone wear or loosening, but nope! So hopefully I m good to go into my 80's.
Sue
Yes, I asked the surgeon about which approach, I think he said posterior + another word he found is more successful, I have an appointment to see him soon and will write down the answer. I really do want to thank you and everyone here who has responded to my hysterical questions. Thank you! I'll let you know. So glad to hear you're still moving along with your hips. 🙂 That is so encouraging and plus I'm happy for you.