Mechanical valve patients on coumadin/warfarin are a minority of the ACT patients that many, if not most, Cardios, ER and GP's see on a routine basis. My experience has been that docs and lab techs often lump ALL ACT patients (valves, Afib, clotting disorders, etc.) together. I know that my range is to be 2.5-3.5 and how to adjust when its not in range. I can't recall ever ignoring a doctors instructions regarding warfarin dosing, but I do challenge them when I think it is "out of line". The "good docs" will listen and the "bad docs" who won't listen need to be fired.
I agree that errors and bad judgement by medical professionals can and do occur, but, in my opinion, the majority of "coumadin/warfarin horror stories" are the result of patient, not professional, error.
Sorry, I had to get this off my chest. I have been amazed, since joining this forum, at the "whipping" coumadin takes and at the decisions that some make, seemingly, just to stay away from ACT.
I agree that errors and bad judgement by medical professionals can and do occur, but, in my opinion, the majority of "coumadin/warfarin horror stories" are the result of patient, not professional, error.
Sorry, I had to get this off my chest. I have been amazed, since joining this forum, at the "whipping" coumadin takes and at the decisions that some make, seemingly, just to stay away from ACT.
