Coumadin - would you take it?

Question

I asked this question - out of 15 replies only one answer was on target. I didn't ask if I should take it - I gave reasons why I didn't feel it was a viable option for me - so I asked if YOU would take it. Well?

Amy P - I am not 75, and have none of the conditions you listed after atrial fibrillation.

frustratednurse - I don't know why you're frustrated - I just asked a simple question. I have had internal bleeding aside from the time I was on Coumadin - am not supposed to take any anti inflammatories. I can tolerate 2 coated aspirins daily, which serves to keep my fibromaylgia under control. Otherwise I have nothing for pain. Taking Coumadin precludes even that questionable relief. Your father is lucky if he only has to have INR bloodwork once every 2 weeks - I would have to go 3 times a week, with no guarantee that there wouldn't be a problem in between. And taking Coumadin is only 85% effective in preventing strokes - if there is an existing blood clot or deep vein thrombosis it doesn't work.

p.s. to Amy P. You're right. I don't trust my doctor - for many reasons - and I'm in a majority of people who are dissatisfied with him. I have an app't with another doctor tomorrow.

Answer 1

Would I take it? If it was indicated. There are many indications for the use of coumadin.

But you again haven't given all the pertinent details behind your question. You have atrial fibrillation. As I understand it, you had trouble regulating the drug, running an INR over nine at one point, with some bleeding.

If I had atrial fibrillation, I would take the drug if I was older than 75 years, had valve problems, a prior stroke or tia, hypertension, or heart failure. And I'd regulate it carefully with the assistance of an anticoagulation clinic. Because I'd run the risk of hemorrhage over the risk of stroke any day; strokes are the worst thing that can happen to a patient. Bleeding can generally be controlled.

If I had none of those conditions above, I'd discuss it with my physician, because a daily aspirin may be enough to prevent stroke (IF none of the above are present).

And you need to seek the opinion of another physician who knows your entire medical history, because you don't trust the doctor you are seeing.

Answer 2

It depends if the risks outweights the benefit then I wouldn't. But if it is beneficial like for instance in the case of post heart valve replacement or if you're are risk in developing bloot clots then, yes. If you take coumadin you have to be very keen with you doctor's appointment and blood works which is the PT/INR to monitor if you're within the therapeutic level or if your blood is too thin which makes you prone to bleeding. You have to observe any signs of bleeding, such as your urine, stools, bleeding gums, nose and if you fall you're very high risk to bleeding. If you're blood becomes too thin it can be reversed with Vit. K. If you're on Coumadin therapy you can not also take aspirin or other medications that could contribute to thin your blood more. Or medications that could counteract the effect of coumadin such as Vit. K which is present in most multivitamin and leafy green vegetables.

Answer 3

I don't know why you are on it or questioning taking it but as a nurse and the daugther of a parent who is on it, YES if this is medically necessary to extend your life. My father has been on it for years and has lived a long and active life..if you are concerned about bleeding and the complications that go with any medications then you just must work that out and deal with..I can clearly tell you that Dad has had surgeries, gone on vacations, cared for his home and family and just goes to the hospital every two weeks for level checks to adjust his coumadin..I hope this helps you decide and if you have any further questions to add to your site and I will check back to see.

Answer 4

Yes, I would take coumadin. I have taken coumadin and will probably have to take it again. When it comes to a matter of life and death you will take it. I had a Mio cardiac infarction, (blood clot) and coumadin saved my life.
If your prone to blood clots, coumadin would be the answer. I take plavix, aspirin and atenolol daily. I have to take this for the rest of my life. In a week or so I'm having surgery again and will be given coumadin. Don't really look forward to the shots in the stomach. Not trying to scare you, but they give you shots in the stomach after surgery.

Answer 5

If the doctor ordered it, yes. Although while taking coumadin one must carefully watch the kale, lettuce, vitamin K intake or it can throw off your bloodwork, which should be monthly. It also makes the skin a bit thinner so bruising and bleeding can occur much easily. But, if necessary I'd take it.

Answer 6

Thankfully I don't have a need for it, but my grandfather does. He's 83 and on 2 heart rhythm medications, warfarin (generic Coumadin), a water pill, and some other things.

I don't know if there are other options, so... If the dr told me I had to go on it, told me I had to take it, I'd be asking a lot of quesions, then I'd probably take it.

Answer 7

yes and i have to the rest of my life. i have what is called factor v leiden, which is a rare dna mutation which causes me to constantly get blood clots. sometimes the va has to put me on heprin shots to bring my levels to 3.5. without it, i could die at anytime. i found i'm one of four in the va system that has it. even though i have to take it, i still get blood clots anyway, but with the medication, its a better chance to survive.

Answer 8

IN cases of replacement of a heart valve with a prothesis it is a necessity. For coronary heart disease, I would not take it. It is a difficult drug to regulate and many foods interfere with its action.

Answer 9

yep, i agree with ringcox. id take it if i knew it would signifcantly decrease my risk of dying. most people dont like taking medications, sure there are some negative side effects but it also prevents you from having a stroke or heart attack. its a trade off.