Question:
elevated PTT

My surgery was scheduled for today but was cancelled because PAT blood testing revealed that I have an elevated PTT...something to do with my blood not clotting during surgery...I'm glad they caught it before something serious could happen. I have to get clearance from a hemotologist before they will do the surgery. My question...has anyone else had this issue and still able to have surgery? What did you have to do to bring your PTT level down? How long before you were rescheduled for surgery?    — Ladi_DiAnna (posted on June 4, 2008)

June 4, 2008
I had a clot issue before surgery. it should not be too much of an issue. you will see the hematoligist, he will do some bloodwork. maybe put you on some temporary meds and then you should be ok for surgery. it might delay it a few weeks but better they caught it now then during surgery. good luck..
   — JACKIESMOM

June 4, 2008
You are very fortunate that it was caught and surgery was postponed... could have been catastrophic problems. I haven't personally had this issue, but, being a nurse I have seen it often. My main question is are you taking coumadin for blood clots... DVT? Do you take any blood thinning medication like aspirin for cardiac problems? If so, you should have discontinued them for a few days or so before surgery. I'm assuming that since you have to see a hematologist that you are not. That type of blood specialist will be able to diagnose the problem and adequately treat you and manage it prior to surgery. Sorry about the delay, but this is very important. Good luck to you, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

June 5, 2008
I did not have that problem but my surgery was cancelled twice before I was able to have it, once because I had a urinary tract infection the next because of scheduling mis haps, so I know how it feels to be on the table and ready to go only to be told, we can't do it today. I'm glad that they caught your clotting issues before the surgery and pray that everything gets to where it is to be so that you can start this journey with the rest of us. Pawlla
   — PAWLLA L.