Who Is This Guy?

[Lisa in Katy]

Is there anyone who lives in or near Indiana who knows anything about this guy? I suggest that someone contact him and educate him. He is spreading false information like crazy and apparently people think he is a genius. Of course some of the comments and questions he gets are ridiculous, but it shows the lack of education regarding health. I will admit that if you read the comments starting at the bottom (oldest) and moving to the top (newest), it looks like he has gained some education over time, where he stops mentioning the word "avoid" and starts talking about consistency. His article talks about the blood being too thick or too thin! AAARRRGGGHHH!

http://www.fwdailynews1.com/article...ists/terry_gaff/doc4662f160cfb7a978675753.txt

 

[Ross]

I'll have to read that more later, I got bent out of shape in less then 2 minutes with some of the responses. Another clueless wonder spreading the myth.

I made a post for him this morning and awaiting it's approval to be posted. Lets see if it appears.

 

[Karlynn]

It got in Ross - good job! Will be interesting to see if anyone responds to disagree with you.

blebs wrote on Apr 4, 2009 6:49 AM:
" I've been a Coumadin home tester and self doser for 8 years now. Reading through all of these posts disturbs me.

First off, there is no thick or thin blood. Coumadin is an anticoagulant which simply inhibits the clotting time of the blood. It does not make it thick or thin like engine oil. Calling it a thinner makes it sound as if your blood is water. It is not, not even when way over INR range.

Secondly, do not stop eating like you always have (Unless your diabetic). This includes all the leafy greens and other high content Vit K foods. If you normally eat them, continue to do so. Dose the diet that you eat, don't diet the dose of the drug.

Third Consistency-Consistency simply means no sudden binging or sudden massive change in your diet. It's impossible for most anyone to eat the same amounts of Vit K each day and you'll drive yourself crazy trying too. Put down the vit K charts, throw out the Dr. Gourmet cook book and the Coumadin cook book and do what you've always done before. Don't sit around worrying about Vit K. Just don't sit down one day with a bag of spinich or brussel sprouts and go at it and not expect your INR to drop. Diet plays a very small roll in INR management.
Everything can be adjusted for!

The largest problem I see with Coumadin management are the Doctors and Clinics lack of knowledge on how to dose it properly. They neither give it enough time between dose changes, test too quickly to see where the INR is actually at and then change the dose again. This continues to go on and on creating a yo yo effect. Once it's established what may be the appropriate dose for you, they should allow a full week on that dose before testing again. Doctors worry too much about bleeding when they should be worrying about stroking. You can replace blood cells, you cannot replace brain cells. "

 

[Karlynn]

And me thinks this is the lovely Geebee!

Gina B wrote on Apr 3, 2009 11:57 PM:
" It really bothers me that the term "blood thinner" is still being used. Warfarin does not thin the blood; it merely increases the time for the blood to clot. Why not use the correct term: anti-coagulant?
Also, I have been on warfarin for 28 years. I eat whatever I want and my warfarin dose has just been adjusted if needed. To tell people they have to avoid healthy fruits and vegies because of warfarin is just plain wrong. "

 

[catwoman]

I sent a post, dealing with dosing the diet, not dieting the dose, and just living life. Just as I hit send, I realized I did not address thickness or thinness. mad

 

[Ross]

Poor guys going to come apart at the seams.

 

[Cris N]

Hmmm.... we'll see it this makes it in:
Dr. Gaff,it looks like you're starting to get the word out that consistency is one of the keys to proper warfarin (anticoagulant - NOT BLOODTHINNER) management. I have a mechanical mitral valve and my INR range is 2.5-3.5

I have no trouble staying in range - I take a daily multivitamin with a full RDA of Vit. K, and eat all sorts of fruits and veggies of all colors - along with the rest of nature's bounty. Because I self-test once a week AND manage my dosage (with my doctor's full approval I might add) I live my life to its fullest with panicking about being on warfarin. This isn't rocket science. For a wealth of information about warfarin and its management I would encourage you and other interested people to check out this website: http://www.warfarinfo.com/

 

[geebee]

And me thinks this is the lovely Geebee!

Gina B wrote on Apr 3, 2009 11:57 PM:
" It really bothers me that the term "blood thinner" is still being used. Warfarin does not thin the blood; it merely increases the time for the blood to clot. Why not use the correct term: anti-coagulant?
Also, I have been on warfarin for 28 years. I eat whatever I want and my warfarin dose has just been adjusted if needed. To tell people they have to avoid healthy fruits and vegies because of warfarin is just plain wrong. "

It's very interesting but I actually got a message telling me my post didn't go through so I just decided to not continue. Glad it made it in and I wonder if he will respond to these types of posts or just the ones that he thinks makes him look like a knowledgeable "hero".

Great post Ross.

 

[Bina]

Hee Hee.......this guy is getting bombarded today.....

I also got the error msg after I posted, but I just re-typed the anti-spam code and it seems to have worked. We'll see.
Here it is....I kept a copy.

Dr. Gaff,
I am wondering why you would prescribe an antibiotic to your patient, who is on warfarin, without checking for an interaction first. This was a potentially serious oversight on your part.
It is no wonder that the general public becomes somewhat nervous at the mention of warfarin/Coumadin, and it's management.

Even though my GP is superb at managing my dosages, I have chosen to become pro-active in my health care. I have purchased a home monitor for INR verification, and educated myself on the possible interactions between some common meds and my Coumadin. This is not rocket science....a little common sense goes a long way.
If I may make 2 closing notes: 1) warfarin does not THIN the blood. It is an anticoagulant, it affects the coagulation or clotting action only.
2) I am aware of the high vitamin K foods and do eat them, in moderation. I eat regular healthy meals and my dinners always include a portion of broccoli, salad, asparagus, and even spinach. Why would I skip out on nutrition?
Thank you very much for allowing replies to your article

 

[geebee]

Great post Bina.

Who wants to bet that these posts end up being deleted?

 

[Bina]

HOpefully they won't be deleted.....we were all very polite. Oh, and educated too.

 

[Karlynn]

Good posts guys! This poor fellow is going to be wondering what dastardly warfarin cabal is out after him. Should I post too!

 

[Bina]

Go for it!

 

[geebee]

Good posts guys! This poor fellow is going to be wondering what dastardly warfarin cabal is out after him. Should I post too!

Yes, ma'am.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hmmm.... we'll see it this makes it in:
Dr. Gaff,it looks like you're starting to get the word out that consistency is one of the keys to proper warfarin (anticoagulant - NOT BLOODTHINNER) management. I have a mechanical mitral valve and my INR range is 2.5-3.5

I have no trouble staying in range - I take a daily multivitamin with a full RDA of Vit. K, and eat all sorts of fruits and veggies of all colors - along with the rest of nature's bounty. Because I self-test once a week AND manage my dosage (with my doctor's full approval I might add) I live my life to its fullest with panicking about being on warfarin. This isn't rocket science. For a wealth of information about warfarin and its management I would encourage you and other interested people to check out this website: http://www.warfarinfo.com/

Uhhh.....

I believe you meant to say:
'I live my life WITHOUT panicking about being on warfarin' instead of
"I live my life with panicking about being on warfarin" as posted above.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Bina]

Good catch Al.

 

[seth]

Tried to post the following:
Warfarin is not a "blood thinner" as some people call it. Warfarin does not change the VISCOSITY of the blood. Warfarin is an anti-coagulant, meaning it inhibits coagulation... it slows the rate at which blood clots. It is commonly used to treat patients with deep-vein thrombosis, and mechanical heart valves (to prevent clots from forming, potentially leading to stroke). There is a no doubt it is a serious drug which deserves understanding by patients and doctors alike.

 

[catwoman]

Dr. Gaff,
I am wondering why you would prescribe an antibiotic to your patient, who is on warfarin, without checking for an interaction first. This was a potentially serious oversight on your part.

Bina:

I wondered the same thing. And some media has this dude fielding questions from patients on its website?
Duh.............

 

[Lisa in Katy]

Good job guys! I haven't posted a reply yet. He's kind of being bombarded right now so maybe I'll wait a few days!

 

[tex]

Hi Guys,
Just been reading this thread,and your replys to what Dr Gaff site had said about the use of Warfarin, I cannot believe that this Doctor is telling people the things he is. If i would of found his site first i would be so worried about taking Warfarin, and the problem is people are listening to him/her and taking his advice. If i would of listened to what he said i would be scared of eating thinking is this ok for me.
He doesnt even seem to know what Warfarin does.
But i didnt find his site first i found this one, and you guys have been brillant, helping me to understand all about my Meds and the operation.
I will post a reply just trying to work out what to say without going off on one LOL
thanks again for all your help
Jane