Hello!
I had mitral valve repair 3 weeks ago.
They have me on Coumadin 6 mg a day.
I got a nosebleed yesterday which I never get and took myself off after calling ...Read more
Hello!
I had mitral valve repair 3 weeks ago.
They have me on Coumadin 6 mg a day.
I got a nosebleed yesterday which I never get and took myself off after calling Dr office 3 times with 0 call backs. Anyone else have this issue?
For a repair I read not many are put on blood thinners
Lynn Loudermilk I had a tissue valve replacement of my aortic valve and I will be on plavix 3 months after that just ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk I had a tissue valve replacement of my aortic valve and I will be on plavix 3 months after that just a 81mg asprin. I was told that is so the healing area can't clot before it is healed.
Joseph Heinzmann Linda, I has a MV repair and I am on Coumadin for 90 days (today is day 90). I assume you are getting ... Read more
Joseph Heinzmann 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.
Susan Lynn I also took blood thinners for three months after mv repair. I agree with Joseph - don't abruptly st ... Read more
Susan Lynn I also took blood thinners for three months after mv repair. I agree with Joseph - don't abruptly stop your medication. We're placed on these prescriptions for a reason. Call the doctor or INR clinic to find out how you can continue. Best of luck! ❤
Linda Salzman Thanks everyone!
I do have levels checked but only once a week and they keep increasing
I have called ... Read more
Linda Salzman 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. 🙈
Marshall Rader I know how you feel about making calls Linda !! No different for me trying to reach the VA office. Yo ... Read more
Marshall Rader I know how you feel about making calls Linda !! No different for me trying to reach the VA office. You just get voicemail or voicemail then the waiting !!
Rita Savelis If your INR level is above what it should be, you should lower your dose by 1 mg and test again after ... Read more
Rita Savelis 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.
Deena Elani If you are spitting up blood, call your surgeon and cardiologist offices and make sure they know. You ... Read more
Deena Elani If you are spitting up blood, call your surgeon and cardiologist offices and make sure they know. You need attention now.
Joseph Heinzmann What Deena says. Also, call the INR clinic. They know exactly what to do. Tell them you are bleeding ... Read more
Joseph Heinzmann What Deena says. Also, call the INR clinic. They know exactly what to do. Tell them you are bleeding. I agree with Marshall also. If you are spitting up blood, much as we don't want to go to hospitals, a trip to the ER may be the best course.
Richard Munson I had mitral valve repair in january along with an annular ring and maze procedure. I am on eliquis ... Read more
Richard Munson 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.
David Smith Dark green veggies. Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach etc..whatever you like. .that helped lower mine. ... Read more
David Smith Dark green veggies. Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach etc..whatever you like. .that helped lower mine. I haven’t had a nose bleed in a week and a half.
Richard Munson I hope lindas doctor finally called back. I sent mine at mass general in boston a portal non emergenc ... Read more
Richard Munson I hope lindas doctor finally called back. I sent mine at mass general in boston a portal non emergency question today concerning a post surgical question and they called me in minutes of getting it.
Chris Hall I've been on blood thinners for most of my life, about 25 on Warfarin (Coumadin). INR levels can chan ... Read more
Chris Hall 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
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.
I do have levels checked but only once a week and they keep increasing
I have called ... Read more
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. 🙈
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.