Surgery on Hold, Pre-op Bloodwork Came Back Abnormal

[LizAN]

This afternoon, I  turned over my job to someone else.  A few minutes later, I got the news that my pre-op blood work was unacceptable.

Fortunately, I had it done at home prior to traveling to LA.  My PTT is just over the upper limit, which precludes my having surgery.  (It has to do with blood not clotting quickly enough.)

It's so close to normal that Dr. Schwartz thinks a second test may be within normal limits.  I'm going to a hospital lab tomorrow, so that we can get the test results back right away and make a decision about whether to travel.

I have a suspicion that the PTT may be slightly elevated because I only stopped taking fish oil 8 days ago.  Also, I drink a lot of decaf green tea.  Apparently, these substances act as blood thinners.

Tomorrow is supposed to be the day we pack and tie up all the final loose ends.  We were planning to fly out of here on Saturday, and now I don't know whether I'm going to be able to have the surgery or not.

 

Liz

[BeckyMax]

Lîz, my hubby is currently on blood thinners for a pulmonary embolism.  He has to avoid vitamin K because it works against his coumadin.  Eat lots of green leafy veggies....spinach and collard greens are the highest.  Broccoli and cauliflower also.

[miller]

I am scheduled for surgery in two weeks.  I didn't know that regular foods can affect your  blood work.  Are there any other things that you should or should not eat?  Is coffee/caffeine ok?

Thank you,

Cheryl

[CHD63]

Oh Liz .....

So sorry for this last minute bump in the road.

It brings back so many memories of my first brain surgery 18 years ago ..... for trigeminal neuralgia decompression surgery, not the AN.  We had driven 4 1/5 hours from my home the day before the surgery.  Because I had been on Aspirin (and stopped a week before), they did a bleeding time test the morning of surgery, which I failed.  What a blow to be sent home and wait a week before the next surgery date.

Many, many prayers that the next test will be acceptable and all plans are able to be resumed!!!  Let us know!

Clarice

[It is what it is]

Oh no!!! I am so disappointed for you. I can only guess at the level of stress you must be experiencing at this very moment. All the preparation physically and emotionally that brought you to this point in time has been huge. I am hoping and praying the blood test tomorrow is normal and you will be able to proceed as planned. If not, I will be thankful for you that you had the foresight to check your blood before arriving in California. It is amazing to me that you thought to do that!

With caring,

karen

[BlueSky]

I hope this is a short setback and you can proceed forward soon. Good luck!

[Kaybo]

My original surgery was also postponed a week - thank goodness I had only traveled 4.5 hours (& my family - 12 hrs - hadn't left yet!). I had flown ahead for pre-op so my hubs could work a couple of more days though, so that was a wasted plane ticket! BUT, as the Dr said, "it's your brain...it's where you live - we can't be too careful..." Everything worked out ok in the end as I'm sure it will for you too!

K 

[LizAN]

Thanks everyone for your comfort, good wishes and prayers.

I have good news.  The repeat blood test for PTT came back within normal range.  We are going to fly to LA tomorrow and surgery is once again scheduled for Tuesday!

That was a close call.  Funny thing, the relief is now outweighing the original dread, at least for the moment.

Liz

[It is what it is]

Hurray!!   
Safe travels Liz.  Let us know how things go for you.

Karen

[MDemisay]

These Bumps in the Road are normal,

Do not let them rattle you Liz, everyone is praying for you that your operation will turn out just as HE planned ! Your road has been well planned and thought out just relax, have the operation and let the healing begin! We are all here for you!

Mike

[alabamajane]

Safe travels and our prayers are with you for a successful surgery.. think of all the bar-b-que you will get on Wed........ glad bloodwork came back ok and that you are on your way to being one of us Posties... our thoughts will be with you and your family.. Jane

[pjb]

So glad that you can proceed and finally put this all behind you soon...Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Best Wishes,

[Jim Scott]

Liz ~

I'm so pleased to learn that the second blood test was satisfactory and your surgery schedule can be maintained.

I can relate to the stress this can cause because I had a similar experience prior to my AN debulking surgery in 2006.  They discovered a 'mass' on my liver and thought it was cancer.  A liver biopsy showed that it was a (benign) hemangioma (whew!) and not a threat to my health or a reason to postpone my AN surgery, which I underwent about a week late (with a great outcome).  I'm confident your surgery will have a similar result. 

Jim

[Cheryl R]

Great news for your blood work and all systems are go!      Have a good trip out and try to relax once you get there!          We will be thinking of you next week!
                                                            Cheryl R

[lrobie]

Liz,

I hadn't been on to see this.  I'm glad it worked out for you.  I, too, was having some testing done (not related to the AN) but, if results were abnormal, the surgery would have been on hold.  My tests came back normal.  I think it's the anxiety.  Anyhow, I'll be watching for your posts on Caring Bridge and I'll be texting when we arrive in LA on the 11th.  Good luck to you.

Lisa