Getting bleeding to stop

[westkane]

It has been two weeks since I have had my surgery and started Coumadin, and have not cut myself yet (although I have quit running with sissors). I am a little paranoid and don't know what to expect when I have my first encounter with a sharp object. I envision that I will bleed like stuck pig from a paper cut, but I don't know. Are there any specialty products on the market designed for us "bleeders? Band-aids on steroids? Any suggestions what I should have on hand for the first aid kit? Thanks a bunch

 

[Cooker]

I don?t think you need to worry. I have not had a major cut or injury but I have had the normal cuts and scrapes, paper cuts, shaving cuts etc. I have really not noticed much difference in bleeding. Sometimes it takes longer to stop but there really does not seem to be more volume. No O positive geysers so to speak.

For shaving cuts I use as crazy as it sounds, a spray nasal decongestant, like ?Dristan?. It causes the blood vessels to constrict and helps to stop the bleeding. It seems to work better than stiptic pencils.

 

[Bina]

I've always had alot of respect for sharp objects, but I have to say that now I am extra careful with certain things...like chopping and slicing in the kitchen. If you get a cut, apply pressure with a clean piece of gauze. Even a clean piece of paper towel or a napkin will do fine. It may take several minutes for the bleeding to stop, just sit quietly. If the cut is open or bleeding profusely, then go to the ER for a couple of stitches.

 

[Ross]

Stop the bleeding the same as always, sterile pad and pressure. You have to hold it a little longer, but unless it's something that needs stitched, you should be fine within 5 minutes or less.

 

[Karlynn]

Yep - not to worry. All the scary stuff written about Coumadin makes people think the first time they cut themselves it's going to be like Old Faithful geyser at Yellowstone.

 

[dick0236]

I've been on Warfarin(Coumadin) for many years and have had all the normal cuts and scrapes along the way. I have even had cuts that required "stitches". None of these took longer to clot than for a non-ACT person.....maybe just a "tad" longer. I used to have serious nose bleeds and even those did not take an unusual time to clot. Like what has been said, "don't run with the scissors".

 

[terryj]

About 6 months after my husbands AVR he got hit in the mouth with a metal pipe at work. It bled some, but no more than someone not on coumadin according to the emergency room doctor. It took 3 stitches. It his now been 6 years since his surgery and he has had various cuts at work and at home working in the yard and on building projects and he has never had a major bleeding issue.

 

[lance]

eight-year experience with ACT

eight-year experience with ACT

Twice I needed sutering from a wound during the past 8 years both requiring 6-8 sutures.

One one my index finger and one on my face. Neither one bled that much. By the time I arrived at the emergency room the finger had stopped bleeding because pressure was applied. The one on my face stopped before I left the hospital. So cuts,scrapes and bruising are not a concern.

I think internal bleeds are more serious as someone already mentioned.

 

[westkane]

I feel a whole lot better

I feel a whole lot better

Thank you so much for your reassuring posts, I was expecting I would bleed like a geyser.
........Now, if I could figure out how to get my snowmobile out and take advantage of the 1 1/2' of snow we have, that'd be fun. Unfortunately the track marks in the yard would probably give me away and my wife would have a cow. It is tempting though.......Thanks for the info and everyon have a joyous Holiday Season.

 

[Karlynn]

When did the doc say you could "hit the trail" again on your snowmobile??

 

[Ross]

Thank you so much for your reassuring posts, I was expecting I would bleed like a geyser.

Yeap, gotta love propaganda and myth. Every single newbie says the same things. Problem is, some of these people are resigning themselves to future surgeries for no other reason then to avoid Coumadin. A whole lot more risk goes into surgery then taking Coumadin!

Now, if your chest is up to it, get that mobile out and have some fun. Coumadin is no reason to restrict that form of fun. Put on a helmet and charge!