Question For Al?????

Creed3 · Jul 31, 2005

I had posted in a previous thread about how my inr was somewhat high recently and I had a nosebleed. One thing I just remembered today was that I had a yeast infection between my breasts from this heat and I used a yeast infection cream topically. It was the kind you would normally use for a vaginal yeast infection. I checked with my pharmacist first and she said that it wouldn't hurt to use it. Is it possible that the cream may have had anything to do with the jump in my inr?
Second question. I have a very sore pulled muscle in the pec area. It is hard for me to raise my arm. I bought some Tiger Balm to use on it. Is it ok to use things like Tiger Balm, BenGay etc....when you are on coumadin? Thanks in advance for your help.

Take Care!
Gail

Karlynn · Jul 31, 2005

Hi Gail,
I don't know the specific answer to your question, but you may want to try looking it up on Al's web page of interactions.

http://www.warfarinfo.com/interactions1.htm

Guest · Jul 31, 2005

It is possible that any of the creams you mentioned can be absorbed and cause elevated INRs. It is not common but several people have written to me saying that is what they suspect happened. It seems to be more of a problem if there is broken skin.

Creed3 · Jul 31, 2005

Thanks for the info.
Another quick question. I know when you have a pulled muscle you can stretch and a lot of the time tear some of the muscle which would cause some bleeding. If you take coumadin how serious could the bleeding in the muscle be? Everytime I start doing exercises to strengthen my chest and shoulder muscles I always end up hurting something. I had been doing pushups on and off last week. Thursday was the last day I did any. Saturday evening my left pec area began to feel sore and tight. As the evening progressed it became worse. It was painful to move it, especially raising it to the front and side and if I would put pressure on my arm to move around in bed. It took me back to the pain I had after my surgery except that it is muscular and not as deep as the rib area. I have been icing it and occassionally taking tylenol which seems to be helping it. It still hurts today (Sunday) but not as bad as last night. My question I guess is how serious could a strained muscle be, esecially if there are small tears, when you take coumadin?

Thanks & Take Care!
Gail

Karlynn · Jul 31, 2005

Gail,
I've lifted moderate weights for several years now and have not had a problem with torn muscles bleeding.

You may already be doing this, but may I make a few suggestions.

Make sure you warm up before doing any sort of muscular activity.
Instead of doing pushups, maybe try some free weights and work up from there (even cans of vegetables work!)
I stay away from push ups, 1. I hate them!

2. I feel like it makes me strain too much and have other weight routines that accomplish the same thing. and 3. I hate them!

If the pain continues at any time, don't ever hesitate to seek the advice of a doctor.