Coumadin

Hi all. So I had my pre-op blood draw today. The woman drawing my blood said to me (after she found out I was going to have a pm put in) "so I guess I'll be seeing you for your coumadin blood tests from now on" Does this mean I'm going to be on coumadin from now on? What kind of meds will I have to take after my implant and will it be forever?

10 Comments

nope

by Tracey_E - 2010-02-11 07:02:24

She doesn't know what she's talking about! Just having a pacemaker doesn't mean we need to be on any meds. Some people are at risk for stroke and need to be on blood thinners but that has anything to do with simply having a pm.

Coumadin With Pacemaker

by Bill-2 - 2010-02-11 07:02:45

I say pay no attention to that comment. In some cases the doctor may prescribe an anti clotting medicine, but not always. It depends on the patient and the doctor, so to get an answer ask your doctor. Even if you were to get coumadin, it would probably be for a short period of time.

Bill and Tracey are right.

by pacergirl - 2010-02-11 08:02:32

I wonder where some medical people get there education for the medical field.

Both Bill and Tracey are right.
Just because we have a pacemaker does not mean we need to be on a blood thinner or coumadin. I would certainly speak to your dr. about the unwelcome comment and ask him/her if that is going to be a concern for you. That way you will know what is in store and the dr. will know to speak to his staff about alarming the patients without cause.

Too Much Information ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-02-11 10:02:07

Some of the doctor "wannabes" need to learn how to control their opening/shutting of their mouths. I would think most PM implant patients do not require any meds and if so, for only a short time per your doctor.

I will be on some type of Coumadin the rest of my life due to my history of having a previous blood clot and the possibility of having a stroke or another clot, but I was on Coumadin products (Warfarin) before the doctor prescribed my implant 10/2/09. I started 3/08.

My EP/cardiologist told me last year, there is a new med developed to take place of the Coumadin type meds which will not require INR (blood tests). This med is still going through all its tests/regulations, etc. before they will release the med. I sure could use it now!

Just ask your cardio doctor for the real information, and if that office won't give you any information, call your PM company and ask.

Take care, Carolyn G. in TEXAS ( : BRRRRRR

no way

by patsy - 2010-02-11 10:02:59

hey dana how are you doing havent heard from you in a while was trying to let you absorb thing. About the med i am not on any meds for my pm only a low dose of anxiety meds wen needed so how have you been i no the big day is coming but you will be fine my only fear was that dam iv needle they have to put in i am a scary cat wen it comes to needles . But i had a really good nurse who did mine if you feel the same as me about needles tell the wen your in your room that you want someone real good who puts them in an they will surely do that for you if you make it clear to them like i did remember we are PAYING THEM there not paying us lol keep your head up girl lost of luck and prayers............Patsy

Coumadin= NOT typical

by jvaltos - 2010-02-11 11:02:10

As an implanting doctor, we almost never place a pacemaker in a patient who is currently taking coumadin. In fact if they are on Coumadin, we stop it for several days before the procedure. So, would have that reviewed before the procedure.

In addition, it is quite uncommon to simply be put on Coumadin after a pacemaker. I do not know any implanters that routinely do that.

HOWEVER, if you have another reason to be on Coumadin, then that is a different story and only affects the Coumadin around the time of the procedure.

Goog Luck!

Coumadin

by richan - 2010-02-11 11:02:19

Hi DanaT,

As you can see. There are a lot of "answers". I'm taking coumadin "for ever". They are worried about a clot forming and then breaking loose and creating a stroke (like Carolyn65). My cardio also talked about a new med that will take the place of coumadin (which isn't as nasty) - it hasn't been FDA approved yet.
I'm sure that your cardio can help you understand your particular set of circumstances.
Hang in there! also: in Michigan BRRRRRRR....

Richard

:)

by DanaT - 2010-02-11 11:02:59

Thank you all.....and BRRRRRR in CT too.

Coumadin for AFib

by janetinak - 2010-02-12 02:02:50

I am on the big C med with a PM but I have Afib (AV node ablation & PM). Was on Coumadin for almost two yrs before & as I am still in Afib with about 80% risk of a stroke I will be taking it forever unless they OK a new med that does the same thing,that is, hopefully prevent stokes. Guess the person who drew your blood was used to seeing folks with Afib & other stroke risk problems.

Mild here in AK, teens during the day usually. Hope it gets better with cold & snow in rest of the USA.

Janet

Now stop and think about it

by lenora - 2010-02-12 07:02:37

The person drawing your blood was probably a lab tech and was more than likely just making conversation.

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