Linda's Posts

Linda, I has a MV repair and I am on Coumadin for 90 days (today is day 90). I assume you are getting weekly readings at this point at either an anti-coagulation clinic or with a visiting nurse. I was getting weekly readings until I had consistent results, then we went to by-weekly, then one month. They were targeting me at INR 2.0-2.5. I asked my cardiologist about the need for Coumadin and he said that while not all surgeons use it, it is the standard of care and that it has benefits that outweigh the risks. If you had an annuloplasty ring with your repair, I think the Coumadin is standard. My view: - Don't change/stop medication without medical advice. Yes, a nose bleed is a major pain in the butt, but it's better than increased stroke risk; - If you're not being monitored weekly and you don't know your INR, that's something to rectify immediately. Coumadin therapy is well understood and has been used for so long, they can it right if they do the testing. During my 90 days I had only mild and infrequent bleeding issues, the worst of which was a bruise that was larger than normal when i bumped into something (of course 88 days into this course). I didn't get a nose bleed and consider myself lucky because I know that can be a real problem to stop, even in the absence of the drug.

Thanks everyone! I do have levels checked but only once a week and they keep increasing I have called my Drs office 5 times now and received 0 callbacks I wouldn't have stopped but I was spitting up blood as well and not taking till they decide to call me back. 🙈

If your INR level is above what it should be, you should lower your dose by 1 mg and test again after a few days. If the INR is way above what it should be, you can stop for a day, and then continue with a lower dose. If there is a a lab near you any nurse/lab technician there can advise you. They don't have to be cardiology experts. I hate it when doctors leave you without answers when all this is so new for you. I've been on coumadin for 6 years. Take care.

I had mitral valve repair in january along with an annular ring and maze procedure. I am on eliquis 2 pills a day. I believe eliquis and plavix are basically the same only another brand. No testing with eliquis either. 5 calls and no return call. Not acceptable under any circumstance in my book. Er sounds right. Then find another doctor.

I've been on blood thinners for most of my life, about 25 on Warfarin (Coumadin). INR levels can change overnight. Nose bleeds are not uncommon but if frequent continue to call your doctor. As someone else said DO NOT STOP TAKING. a blood clot can be fatal . Warfarin takes some getting used to and tons of monitoring. Your Dr. will probably reduce your dose. Keep calling