Discontinuing Plavix for needle biopsy

[Suzie2127]

I am a 76-year-old female with AFib for the past three years.  The last of Jan. I was hospitalized for AFib with a high heart rate that wouldn't stabilize. Feb. 13th I had a major heart attack and SCD. Was sent to the heart hospital where two stents, one bare metal and one drug eluding, were implanted in the LAD. Five days later a pacemaker/defibrillator was implanted. The next week I was hospitalized for a blood clot near the area of the implant, then back into hospital for AFib, after which I had an infected right arm from the IV. Three months ago I had a very infected left breast, also many cysts-- which is not unusual for me. One small one has debris, and a needle biopsy was recommended. The problem is the radiologist wants me to go off Plavix and aspirin to do this. I am confused because the surgeon who saw me for the breast infection said he could aspirate the large, infected cyst in his office that day even though, at that time, I was on both Coumadin and Plavix. The cardiologist said I shouldn't have the biopsy until the middle of August. Several weeks ago, the cardiologist took me off of Coumadin and added two 81-mg, aspirin and recommended that I stay on the Plavix for the biopsy. The radiologist's office contacted the cardiologist and they agreed I could go off Plavix for seven days prior to the biopsy. At this point, I am more concerned about a blood clot in my stents than breast cancer. Is it safe for me to discontinue Plavix? Which is the greater risk, bleeding from a needle biopsy or a possible blood clot as a result of stopping the Plavix? Thank you for any advice you can give me.

[bluebutterfly2222]

No problem at all; just wanted to be sure you get the very best advice regarding this important matter.

Hope everything goes well for you!

Regards,
bluebutterfly

[Suzie2127]

Sorry. . .as I explained to anoher of your posts, I'm inexperienced in this.

[bluebutterfly2222]

This is a community forum where questions about breast issues are answered by breast cancer survivors and others, who generally are not identified as health professionals.

You have posed a personal medical issue which would come into play in regard to ANY surgery, and would be best addressed by consultation between your cardiologist and the radiologist or  surgeon, not by strangers over the Internet.

Best wishes...