Does anyone have experience with Lumbar Fusion with Heart Failure ?

Hi @larryst You are understandably concerned about how your recovery will go following lumbar fusion, particularly when it comes to managing your heart failure. I am so glad you created this discussion and I notice you are finding others to converse with on other discussions. You’ve got this!

As you wait for others here I am curious if you would share a bit more about your concerns. So many thoughts go through my own mind as I read what you have written. I also want to tag @retirement75 who has commented about chronic problems with both fusions and heart failure, maybe has thoughts for you. You are not alone!

When is your surgery scheduled? Would it help to have a conversation with your cardiologist before your procedure?

I developed osteomyleitis in my lumbar spine requiring removal of fusion hardware. I believe the surgery was short, 2 hrs. I spoke with cardiac dr before surgery and it went fine. I follow a heart failure website and someone mentioned they deal with anesthesia in a different way for patients with HF. I was not told this. I would definitely talk with cardiology.

@jlharsh Thanks for replying ! My concerns are numerous:
- How will my heart handle anesthesia ? I have arrhythmia issue (v-tach) due to sarcoidosis causing electrical issue. I also have an implanted CRT-D (which actually makes me feel better).
- Pain management? My research has said opioids affect arrhythmia issues. Tylenol was the only alternative provided.
- My blood pressure is kept low purposely because of heart failure 97/69 on average. How will that affect anesthesia, pain meds, and healing
- On top of all this I am currently on immune suppressors to keep sarcoid in remission. I understand I will be told to stop those prior to surgery. This is concerning
- Finally, how will my heart failure affect the bone fusion of the back ?
Sorry for the long post…kinda went down a rabbit hole lately

Surgery scheduled 6/9. I have met with heart rhythm, and cardiology and will be meeting with cardiac sarcoidosis, and rheumatology over the next weeks but anesthesia and ortho surgeon is very close to surgery date

@larryst It sure gets complicated trying to consider multiple health conditions as you plan getting lumbar fusion.

You are coordinating with quite a few doctors. Do you have family/friend that be a second set of ears, or a sounding board…..maybe even your primary care provider? What have you learned from discussions so far, after meeting with heart rhythm and cardiology?

@jlharsh Thanks Again. My wife has been a fantastic sounding board and hans been wonderfully patient with me.
Both Heart Rhythm and the Cardiologist I have seen said they see nothing to prevent surgery… fairly timidly I might add referring to anesthesia and ortho. My arrhythmia problems have stabilized and the echo showed fairly stable. Yesterday I received results of my Amiodarone test that indicated I am at 2.4, nearly toxic (2.5) not sure how that will affect things

@larryst
I am glad to hear your wife is so wonderful as you work through June 9 surgery/recovery preparations. I am checking in to see how you are doing.

I hope you are getting a bit comfortable with concerns. What have you learned? Your symptoms have been at bay for some time. How are you feeling?

@jlharsh Thank You for the check-in !! The latest development in my saga is I nearly went toxic with my amiodarone (2.4 close to 2.5 toxic). So we needed to reduce the amiodarone which is kind of concerning. It seems whenever I change any anti-arrythmia drug I experience runs of VT. My Heart Rhythm Doctor did look at my echo and explained it did not change his ok which makes me feel better. The rest of the appointments are not until the week before surgery.

@larryst, I am glad to hear you are feeling more comfortable heading towards surgery. You have a lot going for you!

Your experience will help others with your same question and find this discussion to learn from what you post. I hope you come back and comment as you have more to share.