I'd been having "chest pains" since June of 2016. After repeated ER visits, a catherization was done to find a blockage of 80%. A stent was placed, but the pains continued. They were quite severe at times. After numerous GI tests, they found my gall bladder was "inflamed and dying." So this Friday, I am having surgery to remove it. My cardiologist, gastro doc, and my awesome surgeon (had her before!), are ALL on board for me to have the laparoscopic procedure while continuing the blood thinners. However, the Hospital Nurse said they wouldn't do it. Then she found the letter where all the surgeons were on board, so they agreed to do it. Has anyone faced this before, and would you be unduly nervous? (I panic very easy) Please let me know your thoughts, and experiences. It's been a long time since I've been here, but I always come back!
Facing Gall Bladder removal without stopping my Plavix (blood thinner)?
Question posted by Tee6759 on 25 Jan 2017
Last updated on 6 January 2019 by Princer
4 Answers
My husband just had gall bladder surgery after a trip to the ER in pain. The ER doctor said he also had pneumonia and that they’d have to stop his warfarin a week prior to the surgery but they didn’t. They did it that day. I was terrified but he did well. They have him platelets and vitamin K shots just before taking him to the OR. You’ll do fine.
Tee; Just listen to the doctors and no reason to worry this is what is nice about Plavix is not to worry like the old blood thinners where you would have to stop them prior to any surgery. Anyway, they do a lot of surgeries with people on Plavix and the New Gallbladder surgery now days is a very simple surgery now with a very small incision and very little bleeding. You have no worries.
If they are all on board with it, trust them. I realise that it is not ideal but they have clearly weighed up the risk of a bleed during surgery against the risk of a heart attack while under anaesthetic and decided that the course they have chosen is the safest option for you. I would not be any more worried than I am before any surgery.
Good luck.
Please never stop any drug without Dr approval. You have reason for concern especially prior to surgery. Your Dr needs to get on the. Ball
Related topics
plavix, pain, gallbladder, chest pain, blood thinners, stent, blood, emergency room, chest, blockage
Further information
- Plavix uses and safety info
- Plavix prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Plavix (detailed)
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