Well, I called my PCP to tell him about my squamous cell CA and to let him know that I didn't want to come off my coumadin to have the scheduled surgery. He said he wanted to see me anyway before I left for Mexico again therefore I had an appointment this morning.
He agreed that there was greater risk of coming off the coumadin than having the surgery without it. He said that the worst case scenario would probably entail having to receive fresh frozen plasma and that the coagulation effect of that doesn't last more than twelve hours. He told me though to be prepared for some big time brusing since the upper lip and surrounding area can bleed quite freely.
We talked about the mesenteric embolus I had in January and I could tell he remains nervous about that. Because of that he wants me to stay well anti-coagulated. I have his blessing to keep adjusting my coumadin to try to stay around 3.5 to 4.0.
We leave in a couple of days for about three weeks. He asked if I had any trouble traveling with my pro-time monitor, which I have not. He also warned me about faithfully wearing lotion and a wide brimmed hat and staying out of the sun as much as possible. I really appreciate that he never tries to talk me out of traveling. He just asked me if my Spanish was good enough to ask where the nearest hospital is.
He also wants me to use name brand coumadin. I didn't have the heart to tell him about the studies so I just kept quiet. He is a real good doctor and I can't expect him to be up on everything.
He agreed that there was greater risk of coming off the coumadin than having the surgery without it. He said that the worst case scenario would probably entail having to receive fresh frozen plasma and that the coagulation effect of that doesn't last more than twelve hours. He told me though to be prepared for some big time brusing since the upper lip and surrounding area can bleed quite freely.
We talked about the mesenteric embolus I had in January and I could tell he remains nervous about that. Because of that he wants me to stay well anti-coagulated. I have his blessing to keep adjusting my coumadin to try to stay around 3.5 to 4.0.
We leave in a couple of days for about three weeks. He asked if I had any trouble traveling with my pro-time monitor, which I have not. He also warned me about faithfully wearing lotion and a wide brimmed hat and staying out of the sun as much as possible. I really appreciate that he never tries to talk me out of traveling. He just asked me if my Spanish was good enough to ask where the nearest hospital is.
He also wants me to use name brand coumadin. I didn't have the heart to tell him about the studies so I just kept quiet. He is a real good doctor and I can't expect him to be up on everything.
