Stopping Tamoxifen Prior to minor operation

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Hi all

I am going in to hace a cartilage repair op on my knee. It is just a small op keyhole surgery I think. Go into hosp in the morning out in the afternoon. I wondered if I should stop taking my tamoxifen or is it ok to continue on with it.

Hope everyone is well

Carolyn x

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Hi Carolyn,

I’ve had several operations whilst I’ve been on Tamoxifen and have never been advised to stop taking it.

Wishing you well with your operation x

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Thanks Doxey I did think that but just wanted to check. I will be glad to have the op I have been hobbling about for week. It is very annoying not being able to walk far especially with 2 labradors sitting looking at me all day.

Thanks and take care

Carolynx

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Always best to check with your doctor as everyone has a different medical history. If you have a preassessment a few weeks before the op you can ask then. If not, you could ring your surgeon’s secretary and ask her to check with him/her. Better to be safe…

Elinda x

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I just had another op and kept on taking my Arimdiex as normal so I don’t see why you should have to stop Tam. They would only stop it if if contraindicates with something essential for the op and I doubt if Tamoxifen does.
Good luck with it all - that special look labradors give you is a killer isn’t it?!

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Just a reminder that Tamoxifen increases the risk of clotting. Check that it is policy to give Klexane for blood thinning pre op.

I had surgery where I wasn’t given Klexane and despite stopping Tamoxifen a few weeks before the surgery ended up hospitalized with multiple clots in both lungs.

Hope your op goes well

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hello,
I would definately speak to the Dr about this. When I was on tamoxifen I had an oophrectomy, wasn’t taken off it, had no anti-clotting and was fine - then 6 months later I had recon, still didn’t stop taking it,(even though I queried it ), had anti-clotting and ended up with pulmonary emboli (blood clots on the lung). Was told by medics trewating me it was almost certainly caused by tamoxifen. I had no contributing factors - not overweight, non smoker, fit, and was extremely active after my surgery ( in fact, the hospital staff used to joke that I would never get a DVT because I would get up evrey 1/2 hr and go for a walk!!
Very scary, would strongly advise you get an opinion on this.
Must add - it appears to be more of a risk for major surgery, but I presume for a knee op your mobility will be greatly reduced afterwards.

Good luck.
XX

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Thanks everybody I will ask surgeon about tamoxifen just to be on the safe side. As always your support is appreciated.

Love to all

Carolyn x

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