General Medical issues thread

[RooFlyer]

How long does Xarelto last? If having a blood test I don't take it before I go, so that's over 24 hours but the phlebotomist always asks if I'm on it. My blood tests are very quick

There's usually no issues with Rivaroxaban and blood tests, at least for me it's no issue. I tell the collector and she uses a smaller needle and slightly different proceedure. YMMV.

FWIW: From what I read it lasts 24-28 hrs after the last dose.

I don't mention Xarelto and blood tests are taken normally and don't bleed afterwards. Ditto steroi_ injections into joints. (For comparison, I bruise very easily.)

For my surgeries, stop taking it 3 days prior was the instruction (checked with cardiologist each time, and OK).

 

[k_sheep]

I’ll preface this by saying I will speak to my GP but don’t fancy shelling out the $50 gap just now. Two years ago during an ultrasound for an unrelated matter a large stone was found in my gall bladder. As it was asymptomatic, I have chosen since then not to do anything about it (apart from declaring it on travel insurance and paying the surcharge). I’ve recently had hernia surgery and the surgeon painted a dire picture if I don’t have the gall bladder removed. He cited how on the previous Saturday whilst on-call he had completed three emergency gall-bladder removals with patients in perilous conditions. Now my ICU nurse daughter has told my wife that complications of the surgery can be serious and chronic e.g. diarrhoea. Do any fellow AFFers have experience?

I had no big stones and ended up with gangrenous cholecystitis in Serbia needing emergency surgery. Do not recommend. Get it sorted when you're in a controlled and English speaking environment where they believe in pain killers. Was back eating cheese and ice cream like 2 weeks later.

we can't use it unless we have tried Beriplex first and optimised every physiological thing that promotes clotting first.

I would be scared to drop it accidentally

Oh man I used to prescribe FEIBA (factor 8 inhibitor bypassing agents) ... didn't my hand shake signing those forms. Was ~$200k a pop at the time.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I had no big stones and ended up with gangrenous cholecystitis in Serbia needing emergency surgery. Do not recommend. Get it sorted when you're in a controlled and English speaking environment where they believe in pain killers. Was back eating cheese and ice cream like 2 weeks later.

This just happened to my 82 year old fit American Brother in law a few weeks ago, post a Carribean cruise @k_sheep.

Operated on in St Croix , developed pneumonia, airlifted to Miami and is now, weeks later, back home in Hawaii.
Thank goodness he is covered by the Military- he was an airforce pilot.

Sage advice above @Gladstone Tim to get yourself sorted here.

 

[Quickstatus]

didn't my hand shake signing those forms. Was ~$200k a pop at the time.

I remember I was very anxious when as a medical student was tasked to receive the baby at birth after a ceasarean.
My fear was that i would drop the baby.

 

[drron]

I remember I was very anxious when as a medical student was tasked to receive the baby at birth after a ceasarean.
My fear was that i would drop the baby.

Didn’t the consultant arrive just in time to catch the baby and issue the bill. Can’t remember catching any baby in my time as a student or resident.

 

[Quickstatus]

Didn’t the consultant arrive just in time to catch the baby and issue the bill

Was at the public hospital at RPAH and a Ceaser so the obstetrician handed me the baby after cord was cut. Of course, being a clueless med student, I quickly handed it to the Midwife.

 

[Flyfrequently]

This could also belong in WCMO thread - getting ourselves sorted for our next trip in 4/52.
Sorting through the meds we take when travelling, most have expired late 2025 with some having been bought early last year.
Fortunately, have appointment with GP next week to get letter and scripts.