Coudmin how much longer?

Question:

I have been on coudmin since April some how my doc doesnt know what she is doing cause she cant keep my blood level where it needs to me. After a INR its either 2 high or 2 low. It really affects my body I'm really light-headed and dizzy and nausea. What should I do I'm so tried of all this already I want to just stop. I already asked her why all she tells my is "We have to continue to see what mg is the best 4 you" To me thats not a answer.

Answers:
Hi there. I am on Coumadin and will have to be for the rest of my life. How long you will have to be on it has to do with whatever she put you on it for. Honestly, your doctor is right. If you have only been on it since April, sometimes it takes several months to get your prothrombin time to where she wants it and where it should be. After I had my surgery it took 7 months to get mine pretty much stabilized. Many people can get it stabilized quickly once beginning it, many people takes much longer. Once I was stabilized, I have very few problems now and that was 5 years ago. My mother went on Coumadin and it took 6 months for her stabilize. My uncle went on Coumadin and it took 3 months for him stabilize. My aunt went on Coumadin and it took her a month and a half, so everyone is different. Coumadin can be tricky and they do have to find the right daily dosage for you. I know it is frustrating and irritating, but that is just the fact of it. But what your doctor is telling you is correct. I have to take different milligrams every day and it can be tricky to get the "stabilized" prothrombin time. Most people they like between 2.0 and 3.0, but again that depends on you and what you are taking it for. I have a mechanical heart valve so they like mine from 3.0 to 3.7 because a lower prothrombin time for me caused me to have clots and I had to go back to the hospital.

Again I know it is frustrating and aggravating. But if you were put on Coumadin it was for a very important reason. Hang in there, they will find the right daily dosage for you and it will stabilize itself. Don't forget that certain foods such as foods that are high in K (dark green vegetables) can cause your prothrombin time to lower (or your blood to thicken). Taking Tylenol and using decongestants can cause your blood to become thinner. Talk with your doctor also about these things: What makes your blood thicker and what makes it thinner while on Coumadin.

Also never stop taking your Coumadin or miss a dose unless directed by your physician, if you do, this will definitely throw your prothrombin time off and you will have to start all over again.

Best wishes to you.

How long you need to be on coumadin depends almost entirely on why you are taking coumadin. If it is for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter the medication is for a life. For DVT or pulmonary embolism several months. Some surgeries also require coumadin (usually lower extremity orthopedic) for several months.

For some people it can be difficult to get the right dose of coumadin. For your part it is important you are observing the proper diet (no leafy green vegetables, no grapefruit etc.) For you MD many hospitals have coumadin clinics with people who specialize in helping people maintain the correct INR. maybe you can get a referral to a coumadin clinic for management.

m taking coumodin for 4 years i mean 5 years and i have the same problems you some time is so low and some times so;high my last ptt was 6,4 and i had to stop my comudin for 2 days and then was 2,02 and my doc said is to low
i had a mistral valve replacement and i had to take it for a rest of my life

Coudmin how much longer?

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