which is better

My mother was just diagnosed with a "ministroke".  The doctors are putting her on plavix.  I heard it was very expensive and was wondering if coumadin is just as effective.  She's unemployed, has no healthcare, and lives with my husband and I and our 6 kids and I'm worried she will end up not taking her meds if she can't afford it.

[SassyLassie]

I do not know a whole lot about those two drugs, but, I believe Plavix keeps the blood platelets from clumping together as well as keeping them "slippery" The coumadin is a blood thinner which will help keep the blood fromt getting to "sludgy". They are closely related, yet different.

I take 2 tablespoons of Carlson fish oil daily, this too is supposed to be the same as Plavix and coumadin, but, I know the MD's prefer the drugs, especially if the patient has had any kind of stroke. Since I see a Naturopathic physician, I deal more in the natural vein, and I know for a fact it works, my triglycerides were over 200, now, they are 72, it is like eating fish daily. Anyway, I always say to do what your doctor says if that makes you comfortable, after all, that is what you are paying them for, I was just sharing what I do and how it has helped. (It is also a lot less expensive than Plavix, I know it is awfully expensive.)

Hope this helps
Susie