Coumadin

I recently sent in a pacemaker reading. They called me back and said that I had 18 episodes of Atrial fib, half of them less than 30 seconds, but some lasting up to 4 minutes. I have had a pacemaker since 2002, I had a new one implanted in May 2009. I was originally diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome. I am 81 yrs old. My doctor wants to put me on Coumadin now, so far I have been taking 81 mg aspirin daily. What are some of your experiences with Coumadin? Will I have a lot of bleeding problems from taking it, such as nosebleeds and bruising? Thank you.

10 Comments

COOEEENOTHANKS

by pete - 2009-12-14 03:12:38

Of the four people I know who have been on warfarin because they have a pacemaker, Me, 2 neighbours and a ex work friend- none of us are now taking it. My work friend was dangerously ill and hospitalised due to coumadin/warfarin. I personally think that although studies appear to show that it reduces the risk of a clot forming and is better than aspirin in this respect, the studies do not take risk into consideration the downside. When you take in the actual risks of taking it , which studies chose to ignore, then a completely different picture emerges. When your doctor gives you medicine how often does he tell you what the side effects are or may be? Coumadin has so many problems that I can only think it gets prescribed because its dirt cheap to prescribe. There are other anticoagulents out there . I personally would be inclined to stay on the aspirin. This is only my opinion. I am not a doctor, just my thoughts for what they are worth ? Cheers Peter

Coumadin

by Christmmpace - 2009-12-14 03:12:54

Hello Dee,
My name is James nice to meet you.
I've been on Coumadin/Warfarin for about four years. I take 10 mgs daily. I truly think with out it I would be dead right now, because I form blood clots in my subclavian vain. I'm 36 years old and I've haven't had any problems with taking it. Although bruising will happen if you hit your leg or you get hit in the arm by the kids it will leave a bruis indeed. You just have to make sure you get your INR check weekly for the first couple of months to make sure you diet doesn't effect the proper dose you have to take, too much veggies (vitamin K) will change the effect of the Coumadin. Make sure your veggy intake stays the same. I hope the best with your future on Coumadin, if you need any help or need a question answer by someone who has been on coumadin just let me know. Take care and God bless you on this wonderful day to live.

WARFARIN ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2009-12-14 05:12:05

I was put on Warfarin in March, 2008 w/aspirin dosage.
After a few weeks, I started hemorraging really bad (lost 4). My GP wanted to put me in the hospital, and I refused to go, so he put me on iron pills & gave me a vitamin B12 shot ~ boy, wish I had one of those shots every day; I could leap the moon. He took me off the Warfarin + aspirin. At that time, I had not been in a hospital since my last child was born in 1969. I am/have been on BP meds, cholesterol & Flecanide at one time (Flec. not now). In March, 2009, I developed a blood clot in my lower right leg and was hospitalized for a week. After the clot surgery, the vascular surgeon put me back on Warfarin (no aspirin). I have not had any "side/bad" affects as of yet. I was told w/o Warfarin, I was a prime candidate for blood clots. Boy, I can say the hospitals HAVE changed in the 40 years ago when I was a patient in the maternity area!

I get really disgusted & perturbed by my INR readings. It does not seem to matter what I eat, the INR counts fluctuate. I do try to stay away from foods high in Vitamin K. When I think I am "cruisin" between 2.0-3.0 like the tech prefers, I am above that number & the elevator is still goin' up! When I think I have been absolutely "bad" for that week ~ my INR count is good! Beats me, this just is so frustrating for me. Too low/too high, you can have a stroke/internal bleeding. I take 5 mg. all week, except 2.5 each Wednesday (?).

I hear comments on the PM Club site about the "down side" of Coumadin/Warfarin, but the member(s) never say what exactly they are. I have heard Coumadin called "rat poison" on this site ~ have not a clue why?

Please, IF anyone can tell us what the "bad" things are for taking Coumadin/Warfarin over a certain time period, let us know. The doctors will not tell a patient.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ~ Carolyn G. in TEXAS ( :

ONE SIDE EFFECT

by pete - 2009-12-14 06:12:20

Warfarin can cause blindness if you take it long term Cheers Peter

Coumadin

by aldeer - 2009-12-14 07:12:24

I was on Coumadin for many years because of a-fib. I did have a bad fall and ended up with bi-lateral hematoma surgery..had to learn to stand, walk, eye hand coordination, etc. Will be 82 very soon and was taken off Coumadin about a year ago because of high risk of falling..balance also was affected. I am now on one 81mg aspirin daily, and doing o.k. Coumadin is a stressful drug to be on, but it really is one that you and your doctor have to decide is right for you. I am in a-fib with a pm and av-node ablation. Lots of good luck to you in making the right decision for you and most of all, enjoy your life :) aldeer

No problems for me

by ted - 2009-12-14 08:12:21

I've been on Coumadin for many years with no real problems. But is has to be monitored regularly and watched closely if you are prescribed certain antibiotics. I found that I just have to trust my doctor. Reading about all the bad side effects in the PDR or on the internet will scare anyone so I gave up researching.

No horror stories here

by lenora - 2009-12-15 01:12:42

Dee, I've been on coumadin for afib for 10 years and other than the occasional bruise where I've maybe dinged myself on the coffee table or whatever, I've never had a problem. You need to have a discussion with your doctor and if he feels you need coumadin, ask him what to expect. Don't be scared into thinking you'll go blind on coumadin. Afib can cause blood to pool in your heart and form clots. Afib puts you at highest risk for a stroke and that risk has to be addressed. Your doctor is your best source for medical advice.

Afib

by golden_snitch - 2009-12-15 02:12:01

Hi,

if this is just what the holter report (done by the evaluation program) states then it's not even sure that you have Afib. And even if you do, the episodes are in my opinion too short to justify putting you on Coumadin. Especially since complications (bleedings) from Coumadin are more likely in the elderly.

Just had a similar case here a week or two ago. Doctor put the patient on Coumadin, two weeks later the EP said, no reason to worry at all, no Coumadin.

So, until you haven't seen an EP who has taken a look at the printed out Afib episodes, I would not start taking the Coumadin.

Best wishes
Inga

Me too

by janetinak - 2009-12-15 02:12:06

on Coumadin since early 1999 for Afib. Aspirin got added couple of yrs ago as I have very bad cardiac family history & can't take statins (muscle pain). So far so good. INR settled down after 1st few months & as above as long as I eat pretty much same stuff (veggies, etc), do the same exercise (it affects it too) & get checked every month all OK so far. Anything new (meds, vitamins, herbs, etc, etc) need to have INR checked in about 4 days to see effect on INR. Of course some bruising but no bleedinfg otherwise.
Check with your trusted provider & good luck,

Janet

No big deal!

by GMan - 2009-12-15 09:12:13

Hi Dee50. I use 2.5 right now. I stopped using the razor and watch not to get cut. As a good nurse told me "No one ever bled to death taking Coumadin!" The doc may take me off it. I'd rather not use it.

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