stopping coumadin

[Ivyplace]

I have just been told to stop my coumadin for 4 days and on monday I will be admitted to the hospital to be monitored and preped for kidney surgery on Wednesday March 23rd, I am so worried about blood clots, I only have had this St. Jude valve since Jan 5th, already had to have a cardio conversion on Feb 3, and then they found a 10 cm growth on my left kidney.

The doctors say to say calm but I am really worried about a blood clot. I am new to all this and really don't understand everything I am suppose to watch for.

Are there signs before a blood clot? my blood level was 3.8 when I was told to stop taking it. They will put me on something Monday to regulate my blood, hefrin (unsure of spelling

 

[geebee]

Ivy,

There may be symptoms before a clot causes damage but, once you have the symptoms, the clot already exists.

I have had a number of TIAs thought to be caused by tiny clots. The symptoms were varied and included (although not all at one time):

Tingling & pain in arm
Finger numbness
Facial numbness
Headache
Dizziness
Feeling like I was walking on a slanted floor
Passing out

Unfortunately some of these symptoms can also be caused by stress and hyperventilating due to panic. If you develop any of these over the weekend, try to remain calm and call your doctor or go to the ER. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Ross]

By giving your Heparin in the hospital, they are reducing the chances for clotting. As soon as your procedure is over, they should begin your Coumadin the night of your recovery, but continue the Heparin until your at a therapeutic level.

 

[Nancy]

Heparin IV drip is an acceptable bridging therapy when stopping Coumadin. Just stopping Coumadin alone without any bridging is risky business.

You should be OK.

 

[tommy]

If you've just stopped your Coumadin and will begin the Heprin on Monday, you should be fine, especially starting from an INR of 3.8 with 3 skipped doses. The Heprin is given IV and typically requires you to be in the hospital.

Best wishes for the kidney surgery. Hope all goes well.

 

[Ivyplace]

survived the surger

survived the surger

Thought I would check in quick, still tired but I did survive the operation and it was cancer, it took 6 units of blood but I guess all turned out as well as can be expected. maybe I will get back on my feet soon, so tired of being so sick

 

[geebee]

Ivy,

I am so very sorry to hear about the cancer. Please stay in touch and let us know how things are going for you. I have you in my prayers.

 

[Barry]

Let us have an update when you're up to it, Ivyplace: Do they know whether they got all of it? Do you have to do chemo or radiation now?

Good luck!

 

[catwoman]

Ivy:

Sorry to hear it was cancer, but am glad your surgery turned out as well as could be expected. Rest up.......

Where in Texas are you?

 

[djacq]

Ivy,

I am so sorry that you have had to have two major surgeries in such a short period of time. Was the cancer encapsulated? I wish for you a good outcome with as little stress and discomfort as possible.

I hope you will keep us updated of your progress.

Donna

 

[Sherry]

My goodness, Ivyplace, you've had quite an ordeal. Please keep us informed as to how you're doing.

 

[Karlynn]

Thank you so much for checking in here. So sorry to hear about the cancer diagnosis. Wishing you much strength in your recovery and you have my prayers.

 

[Nan]

Ivy, sending you lots of positive thoughts.

 

[bvdr]

Ivy, I'm so sorry about the cancer. I'm glad you are home and hopefully can finally look forward to feeling better again. You are in my prayers.

6 units of blood is a lot of blood. Was it all during surgery or did you require replacement in the days that followed as well? You rest up now and get back to us later when you feel up to it.