On Coumadin then adding asprin therapy???

[KeegansMom02]

Hi everyone!

It's been a long time since I've posted. A new baby and a move to Arizona would be most of my reason.

We have seen Dr. Washington in Denver since my son was born. We just got back from an appt in Phoenix with our new cardio, Dr. Jedaiken. He has asked us to begin asprin therapy on Keegan. He wants us to give a 1/2 of a baby asprin a day, along with his coumadin. He also wants us to try and Keep his INR around 2.8. Now Dr. Washington told us to keep it between 2.5 and 3.5, keeping it a bit on the high side...Everything I read says aim for the high side? SO why would be now start going for the lower end? Also, Dr. Washington told us NOT to do asprin. He said that it's adds more meds to him that he really doesn't need.

Now we're nervous. We don't know who is right? We don't know what to do. It sucks moving and having to start over with new doctors.

Is it normal to be on asprin as well as coumadin?

TIA!!!

 

[geebee]

I am on both because they do act differently on the types of clotting.

You are right, it is difficult to start over especially when there are differences. I would start asking around about the qualifications of the doctor you are seeing. If things come back positive, you may need to just trust the doctor is doing the right thing for Keegan.

You could always ask for the reasons of the med change and contact Keegan's old doctor to discuss. A second opinion would also not be out of the question if you want to take the time.

 

[briansmom]

My 16 yr old son is on coumadin AND 1 full strenght aspirin/day AND persantine 3x a day (platelet thinner). His platelet count was really high before and after surgery - I think due to his anemia.

 

[Guest]

There is no right answer

Please look at
http://warfarinfo.com/warfasaclop.htm
http://warfarinfo.com/aspirin-platelets.htm
http://warfarinfo.com/warfarin-platelets.htm
http://warfarinfo.com/aspirinwithwarfarin.htm
http://warfarinfo.com/aspirin-warfarin.htm

This is a very complex subject.

Some doctors feel that by using a combination of warfarin and aspirin that you can lower the INR range. There isn't much to back this up. However, there isn't anything to say that it is wrong either.

Your new doctor just has a different philosophy of management. It is not right or wrong, just different from the previous one.

 

[KeegansMom02]

Another Question???

Another Question???

Thanks Al, for the info.....


Is it crazy for me to think about moving back to Denver to be near, doctor's that i feel care more and know more about my family and esp. my son???

As in Dr. Whashington, and Dr. Simon, for whom without we would not even have keegan around.....

Trying to figure it all out.......

Lisa and Husband

 

[KeegansMom02]

Oops

Oops

I truely thank everyone for the comments, didn't want to leave anyone out, you are all so helpful......



Lisa and Husband

 

[Guest]

Where are you living in AZ?

 

[briansmom]

Keegansmom,
After reading Al's articles, I do want to point out that my son has had a heart attack.

As for moving back to your favorite doc, I would recommend waiting at least a few months. We moms will do anything for our kids and we get especially attached to the docs that saved their life. Continue to keep informed and question, question, question. Hopefully, you will find comfort and confidence with this new doc and with this forum. It is so tough balancing your family's needs with the needs of your ill child.

Hang in there!

 

[Guest]

What if you moved back and your doctor moved somewhere else?

 

[KeegansMom02]

True...

True...

Thanks guys.
Good way to look at things.
We moved to Casa Grande, AZ.

I know there is a coumadin clinic here, but I don't know anything about it. I've never been to one.

 

[Guest]

I'd call the clinic and ask them what the requirements are for going. Some only take patients from certain HMOs, etc.

I'm doing a day-long continuing education seminar on warfarin in Tucson on Jan 31 and in Phoenix on Feb 1.

 

[JimL]

Al gave a very fine presentation at the Golden reunion a few years ago, lots of common sense. Going to one of the presentations he lists would be well worth the time.

 

[gijanet]

Lisa

Lisa

Katie is on both aspirin and coumadin. Katie has been on aspirin since birth. 'Course we only added the coumadin after the valve job in 2005. Katie's cardiologists and Dr. Bove are all on the same wavelength with the dual regimine of aspirin and coumadin. Aspirin was always added back into Katie's meds before we left the hospital after each surgery.

I know what you mean about losing doctors you trust. Our beloved PC, the one who had tracked Katie since birth, moved to South Carolina right before Katie's last surgical adventure. Believe me, I was tempted to move to SC. We dearly loved him, trusted him, and had the utmost respect for him. He would always return my phone calls, regardless. One night his nurse tracked him down and he called me from his car as he was driving home. Can't find many like that. Our new PC is good, too, but we just don't have that same bond.................or as open communication.

Hugs. J.

 

[KeegansMom02]

Seminar?

Seminar?

Al,

How do I get info on your seminars? I would LOVE to make it to the one in Tucson!!!

Thank you Janet for your input. I really appreciate having you all here to help me when I need it! Sorry I don't come as often as I used to.

 

[Guest]

the one in Tucson and the next day in Phoenix is listed at http://www.crosscountryeducation.com/cce/seminars/search_results.jsp

http://www.crosscountryeducation.com/cce/seminars/program_details.jsp?programcode=RXCOAG

 

[Mb]

My husband is on coumaden, and a baby aspirin, daily, and has been for five and a half years or so. Since he is having OHS next week, they had originally told him to stop taking the baby aspirin 10 days prior to surgery, but when reminded that the last time he didn;t take it for a couple of days, he had a TIA. His cardio then said to stop 7 days prior. These are both doctors at Mass General.

Since your son has already had a neurological event, I can understand the recommendation for a baby aspirin.

Mb

 

[Guest]

As I said, this is a very complex topic with no proven right answers.

 

[KeegansMom02]

Too confusing...

Too confusing...

I am going to have to do a lot of research on this topic! Thanks for the different perspectives!

Al~

Is this seminar for the common person as well.
I don't have to be a nurse or doctor to attend?

 

[Guest]

I wonder where the reply from yesterday went....

Anyone with the $$$ can attend. It is geared for people who are managing warfarin but others will learn , too.