John & Joann
Well-known member
Joann has 2 mechanical valves, 3 bypass, and a pacemaker. She will need the battery on the pacemaker changed in the near future. Her INR range is 2.5 to 3.5 since she is HIGH risk with 2 valves. She has already had 1 stroke prior to her last surgery with no significant residual problems and approximately 20 TIA's following her last surgery.
She is also allergic to Heaperin due to a reaction. The Heaperin issue is very serious. They have used Refludin with success, but this drug has no reversal and is dangerous. She can not use Lovenox since that is closely related to Heaperin.
Can the battery be changed without going off Coumadin? Can the procedure be done with the INR at 2.0. She did go off Coumadin prior to the last valve surgery without any problem.
We are both very concerned about this issue. Al, we would really appreciate your comments. The local cardiologist thinks that she must go off coumadin. Cleveland Clinic is still reviewing the issue.
We will have the procedure done at Cleveland Clinic. This is not open to discussion.
Sorry for the long post, but the details are all important.
She is also allergic to Heaperin due to a reaction. The Heaperin issue is very serious. They have used Refludin with success, but this drug has no reversal and is dangerous. She can not use Lovenox since that is closely related to Heaperin.
Can the battery be changed without going off Coumadin? Can the procedure be done with the INR at 2.0. She did go off Coumadin prior to the last valve surgery without any problem.
We are both very concerned about this issue. Al, we would really appreciate your comments. The local cardiologist thinks that she must go off coumadin. Cleveland Clinic is still reviewing the issue.
We will have the procedure done at Cleveland Clinic. This is not open to discussion.
Sorry for the long post, but the details are all important.