Aspirin instead of Coumadin

Angela wrote:

Hi Kristine, just wondering if you did get the ultrasound and how it went. Also, now that you are off the coumadin, how are you doing? Have a beautiful weekend!
Angela

HI, thank you for thinking of me. Right now we're dealing with dad's feet and his renal issues. I didn't ask about the aspirin test, becuase I feel if it is the only thing he can take what diffrence does it make at this point. Coumadin or heperin is not a choice, so he's going to take the aspirin until we figure out what to do. I do plan on asking his doctor about it the next time I speak to him on the phone. Thank you for asking!

good luck... stay optimistic

Delilah wrote:

<quoted text>
HI, thank you for thinking of me. Right now we're dealing with dad's feet and his renal issues. I didn't ask about the aspirin test, becuase I feel if it is the only thing he can take what diffrence does it make at this point. Coumadin or heperin is not a choice, so he's going to take the aspirin until we figure out what to do. I do plan on asking his doctor about it the next time I speak to him on the phone. Thank you for asking!

Hi Angela,
Sorry it has taken so long for me to respond! Thanks for checking in, I did have the Ultrasound and things seem to be OK, of course because of the damage caused to my vein in my leg, I will always have circulation troubles and some achiness in that leg. I just hate to confuse the normal achiness or pain with something more, and vice versa, I don't want to assume that it is normal pain, when it could bne something more, so I guess I need to watch for the bigger warning signs, like excessive swelling, excessive pain, shortness of breath, etc....this is all very nerve racking and causes major anxiety, but I think I am beginning to feel better about being off of the Coumadin, I guess I would rather not be on medicine, if there isn't a need. I guess we'll just wait and see.

Thanks again for checking in! I appreciate the support!

I hope everything is well with you!

Thanks!
Kristine

DOCTORS ARE AFRAID TO CHANGE: COUMADIN AND ASPIRIN
Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
A report in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that aspirin is as effective as coumadin in preventing strokes, but fear of lawsuits will prevent doctors from taking advantage of this wonderful news that can improve the lives of millions of people who take coumadin because of irregular heart beats, previous history of clots, heart attacks or strokes.

Coumadin is a dangerous drug. It has to be closely regulated with frequent blood tests because too much can cause bleeding and too little increases risk for strokes. Adding any drug or changing your diet can change the dose requirements of coumadin. Since coumadin blocks the clotting vitamin K, foods with vitamin K increase needs for coumadin. So doctors tell their patients to avoid all leafy green vegetables. This creates an unhealthy diet which increases a person's chances of getting heart attacks and stokes. Simple accidents can cause a person on coumadin to bleed to death.
On the other hand, aspirin is far safer. Doses rarely need to be changed when a person changes his diet or medication. Unlike coumadin, aspirin allows people to eat a perfectly healthful diet. This recent report shows that the far safer aspirin is as effective as the far more dangerous coumadin. However, the definition of malpractice is "not practicing the way that other doctors practice." Since most doctors today have not read these recent reports, they will continue to prescribe coumadin to people with irregular heart beats and clots. Therefore, anyone who does anything else is guilty of the legal definition of malpractice. That is the only reason doctors will not switch from the highly dangerous coumadin to the far safer aspirin.
NEMJ, November 15, 2001
Checked

Kristine - still out there? How are things going?

I myself have found a new doctor that came very highly recommended and I was able to get squeezed in on the 22nd....wish me luck :)

Hope you are doing well...hang in there....

Angela

Angela - go get him tiger --:)

Hi Angela, I'm still here! Things are going well! My leg feels pretty good, and I'm not sure if you saw my ast post to you, I had my Ultrasound and everything seemed OK. I guess I just wait until my hemotologist does some blood work in November. So we'll wait and see!

Best of luck to you at your appointment! I'll be thinking of you!

All the best!
Kristine

I had a stroke 2 yrs ago and was put on plavix & aspirin....then they found that I have atrial fibilation and switched me to coumadin and told me that I would be on it for the rest of my life...but it doesn't help me....my legs feel like I haven't any circulation..they are so painful all the way down to my feet...I am only taking 1mg and my INR is good...mostly I watch what I eat.....I am wondering why they are putting me on this dangerous drug and only 1 mg and I am not feeling any better......should I ask for a ultrasound for my circulation again?

Maryc - its not the mg of your coumadin that matters - it is that you are in range and thats great. Everyones dose is different with no rhyme or reason. I Would recommend the ultrasound for the problems in your legs.

I am a 50 year old male, had a pe 2 1/2 years ago, had all the tests for cancer except colonoscopy, a yeear after my first pe i flew to europe from australia and back over a short time, had another pe. went for a colonoscopy and discovered colon cancer. have completed surgery and chemo for this i look like surviving the cancer. i have been on daily injections of clexane for three months post chemo because the oncologist beleives in the efficacy of clexane as an anti angiogenic agent. here's the question do i go on apsirin and fish oil tabs now or do any of you guys recommend i stay go back on warfarin (coumadin). yes i did have another opinion the second hemo said it is beyond question that i go on warfarin for life. it's truly amazing how two equally qualified specialists could have 100% opposing suggestions and treatment palns. let me know what you guys think.

Congratulations on beating cancer, and two episodes of PE!!!

Confused, yes, I have run across the same thing, that - in my case, cardiologists - had the extreme opposite opinions in my case. It's not a good feeling for the patient!

I had PEs 3 1/2 years ago and was supposed to be on coumadin for 6 months only, even after tests found that I have Factor V Leyden and high levels of factor VIII, and a bunch of other things. I was off coumadin for 2 months, back in the hospital and then am back on coumadin for life - and no more problems.

So, even though its not ideal, since it helps me lead a much more nomal life than without the coumadin, I am staying on it.

From your history, my personal recommendation would be to go back on the coumadin - but I am not a doctor, nurse or in any way in the medical profession. This is just my opinion.

Good luck!

had a aortic valve replacement,,( st Judes)I hate coumadine, can I take asprin instead ??

Irecently was diagnosed with crvo dry. And to add to that atrial fibulation. I am 56 snd man this is scarey. Will I eventually get gangreen or with daily excercise keep this at bay?

January 2012

I'm curious to hear (if she checks back in here) from Lady Golfer who started this thread.

I've had two PEs within a little over one year and been told to stay on Coumadin for life. I have a fairly easy time staying within INR range and don't really mind the coag checks---- small price to pay, as far as I'm concerned.

However----- I'm not one of the lucky people who feels better on Coumadin (I take the brand name). There are MANY who have side effects from C.(fatigue being one that seems to be most common)

I'd like to read some studies done on the efficacy of aspirin vs coumadin to present to my doctor, who is cautious---- which I appreciate---- but will consider evidence-based medicine.

I'll start plowing through the journals but opinions and experiences from those who have tried aspirin with their doctor's o.k.

I have no genetic tendencies for clotting but I do have a chronic bacterial illness (Lyme) which many doctors feel may contribute to 'sticky' blood.

I have been on warfarin for 1 year discovered by dentist request for an ekg which said I have afib at 68 yrs old. Very interested to learn that some people get off warfarin and take aspirin. That aspirin resistance test sounds like the first step. My doctor seems to love pharmeceuticals. Is this test administered by heart doctor? thanks.