Has anyone on tamoxifen had a knee replacement?

Posted by gran71 @gran71, Jun 29 1:41pm

I have bone on bone knee arthritis that’s not getting better. I’m afraid to get a knee replacement because of the high incidence of blood clots in tamoxifen users. Research says to stop the meds 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after surgery but I think my age 70+ makes the surgery somewhat riskier. I’d rather be content with a cane and pain relievers than the alternative to a fatal blood clot.

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Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Jul 5 1:13pm

Hello @gran71 I didn’t have a knee replacement but I did require a few surgeries due to an accident.
I didn’t have any trouble with a blood clot, but I can’t say anyone discussed it either.
Have you discussed this with your surgeon? Could a treatment break be the answer?

gran71 | @gran71 | Jul 5 8:01pm

I did tell the ortho doc that my cancer meds makes any major surgery prone to blood clots. My previous knee replacement was done 3 years before my diagnosis. I have weighed the pros and cons of having the surgery and decided not to go through with it.
My orthopedic doc’s prescription for celebrex is making the knee pain much bearable; I will content myself with meds, walking cane, knee braces, and PT when necessary.

lynnn | @lynnn | Jul 6 9:56am

I had a knee replacement and had been on Tamoxifen and then Anastrozole.
Nobody warned me about blood clots due to that. Luckily it didn’t happen. I was on 7 meds for two weeks after the surgery, one of which was a blood thinner. Clots are a risk for anyone having this surgery. I had my knee surgery last Aug. at 86. I was in excellent health so I felt confident having it done. I may need the other one done as well as a hip. I bettter stay healthy!