ALCapshaw2
Well-known member
As previously reported, I survived the Lancing of my infected Sebaceous Cyst, located under one of my arms, with little bleeding *at the time*. My INR was 'probably' 3.2 at the time of the procedure. An earlier fingerstick result came back with INR = 5.5 after an inordinately L O N G time following a HUGE drop applied by an unknown lab tech.
Two days later, I went to a local Hospital affiliated Urgent Care facility with a bleeding ear, apparently from a scratch from a fingernail. I asked the Doctor to check my incision. After unpacking the cavity, it bled FREELY (maybe a few ounces). He repacked the cavity and applied a Compression Bandage. INR had risen to 4.6, probably due to the anti-biotic I was taking (Bactrim).
Two days later, the surgeon replaced that bandage with NO Problem. Two days after that, he replaced the packing and I was bleeding again, on the table, on the floor, and on the Surgeon's nice white jacket. Probably another few ounces. His nurse said it was the worst bleed she has seen for a lanced cyst in her 7 years. "Boots and Raincoat" might have been useful. "Umbrella" was not needed. INR measured 2.6 on my ProTime Anticoagulation System meter just before the procedure.
The surgeon changed clothes and came back in green 'scrubs' this time and stitched a bleeder and cauterized several capilaries. This time it held and we've been able to change the dressing daily at home with NO more problems.
Two notes of interest:
The Surgeon used Regular Tape and advised laying on my side for an hour or so after the procedure to keep pressure on the incision.
In retrospect, the Compression Bandage applied at the Urgent Care facility seemed to work better, keeping modest pressure on the wound continuously.
We later used an ACE Bandage and regular tape to maintain a constant pressure on the wound. A Coumadin Clinic Nurse cautioned against having too much pressure across my chest, especially while sleeping. Duly noted.
It turns out that the (newer and much more expensive)antibiotic Levaquin is probably more potent against bacteria and has much less effect on INR.
I HATE being a Pioneer (on Coumadin) !
Now I KNOW why my (third) Heart Surgeon doesn't like to use (Lovenox or Heparin) Bridge Therapy AFTER surgery, prefering to wait for the Coumadin to come up to theraputic level. Hmmm..... To Bridge or Not to Bridge, (or 'half bridge'), THAT is the Question!
'AL Capshaw'
Two days later, I went to a local Hospital affiliated Urgent Care facility with a bleeding ear, apparently from a scratch from a fingernail. I asked the Doctor to check my incision. After unpacking the cavity, it bled FREELY (maybe a few ounces). He repacked the cavity and applied a Compression Bandage. INR had risen to 4.6, probably due to the anti-biotic I was taking (Bactrim).
Two days later, the surgeon replaced that bandage with NO Problem. Two days after that, he replaced the packing and I was bleeding again, on the table, on the floor, and on the Surgeon's nice white jacket. Probably another few ounces. His nurse said it was the worst bleed she has seen for a lanced cyst in her 7 years. "Boots and Raincoat" might have been useful. "Umbrella" was not needed. INR measured 2.6 on my ProTime Anticoagulation System meter just before the procedure.
The surgeon changed clothes and came back in green 'scrubs' this time and stitched a bleeder and cauterized several capilaries. This time it held and we've been able to change the dressing daily at home with NO more problems.
Two notes of interest:
The Surgeon used Regular Tape and advised laying on my side for an hour or so after the procedure to keep pressure on the incision.
In retrospect, the Compression Bandage applied at the Urgent Care facility seemed to work better, keeping modest pressure on the wound continuously.
We later used an ACE Bandage and regular tape to maintain a constant pressure on the wound. A Coumadin Clinic Nurse cautioned against having too much pressure across my chest, especially while sleeping. Duly noted.
It turns out that the (newer and much more expensive)antibiotic Levaquin is probably more potent against bacteria and has much less effect on INR.
I HATE being a Pioneer (on Coumadin) !
Now I KNOW why my (third) Heart Surgeon doesn't like to use (Lovenox or Heparin) Bridge Therapy AFTER surgery, prefering to wait for the Coumadin to come up to theraputic level. Hmmm..... To Bridge or Not to Bridge, (or 'half bridge'), THAT is the Question!
'AL Capshaw'
