Shoulder Surgery and Pain Management

Are you an a-fib patient who requires surgery? If you are not an a-fib patient, then  you are in the wrong support group and your post is "off topic".At any rate, I hope  your surgery goes well.

Oh yes I should have included that, yes I was diagnosed with Afib 8 months ago, I've come to realize alot of medications can speed up the heart, thanks Jeanamo.

Chuckgary....since you are an a-fib patient, are you taking an anticoagulant such as coumadin, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Xarelto?  If so, you should be sure your electrophysiologist and your surgeon are in touch and agree about when you should stop and start the blood thinner before and after the surgery.  As for pain killers...you should not be taking NSAIDS if you are taking an anticoagulant.  Your doctors can recommend other medications for pain that should work for you and can give you a prescription. Also Tylenol is one OTC that you can use.  I hope your surgery goes well, repairs all the shoulder damage, and that you have a good recovery!Best wishes to you,Jean(My A-fib Experience Community Leader)

Thanks Jean thats good information, love this site-read everyday. I will most likely take Tylenol a week after and I have an appointment with my eCardiologist next week, Thanks Jean.

The biggest problem I have had with arm/shoulder surgeries was not pain but stiffness after having to be immobilized for an extended period for recovery after the surgery.  I was prescribed pain meds but didn't end up using very many on the pills at all.  Note that these surgeries occurred before I was diagnosed with AFIB so it could be different now.

Rotator cuff surgery on one's dominant shoulder is a challenge.  Be sure to stop your blood thinner on time -- this allows a really effective pain medication to be used.  Be stingy about doing so many things w/ your other arm when you're allowed to drive.  My left arm, too, became so painful that I could use neither!  Put meds you'll need into an easy-open container --  it's impossible to open a Rx container w/ one hand. Open microwavable meals & stack on top of each other in the freezer.  If you have pets, plan ahead for one-handed feedings.  Unless you can brush your teeth w/ your non-dominant hand, purchase an electric toothbrush & stock up on the "scythe-shaped" dental floss.  Clip your finger and toe nails as short as is comfortable.  Until your surgery, practice doing  everything w/ your "working" hand.  You'll be surprised how challenging it is just to comb your hair and get dressed.

ChuckgaryI had rotator cuff surgery last June. They sent me home with a pump that delivered pain med. at a pre set rate for the first few days. I also took Tylenol and iced continuosly- perhaps your surgeon can prescribe a pump for you. The pain was well managed although everone has a different tolerance. Good luck to you.

I have parox afib and I'm on eliquis. How many days before and after a surgery do they ask you to stop the blood thinner? Even if it is a minor surgery? Also do they put you on something else or are you at risk of a stroke? I heard someone mention heparin, not sure if this was in the same context, do people have allergic reactions to it?I have allergic reactions to various things so that is concerning. Any information appreciated, I know at the time will be talking to the dr, surgeons, but our health care system is so busy overloaded, any information helps, thank you for all the information and support.

Hi Myrna.  Re: going off NOAC for surgery.  I've done this three times and the directions from my EP are to stop three days prior and start up again three days after.  A less conservative approach would be two days before and after your surgery.  The half life of NOACs averages some 15 hours , so a two day before and after strategy may be fine.  Check out the half life of Eliquis on their web site.     What did your cardiologist say ?  Bob

Great Info everybody, Thank you. I see my E cardiologist tommorow for my pre-op clearance for surgery so I'll review with all, have a great day...