Warfarin or Asprin

[Spotter12gb]

I have been diagnosed with Atrial flutter but have no symptoms. About a month ago I had a cardio version to correct this condition but since then I have had a few episodes of returning to AF none have lasted more than 24 hrs. My specialist has feferred me for an ablation procedure which I am waiting for now. I was put on warfarin and bisoprolol and due to the nature of my work I cannot go back whilst on warfarin as i work offshore. I was wandering why I cant be put on asprin which will at least allow me to pass my medical to return to work after the ablation. I have been off work for 3 months due to this and without pay which is causing me a great deal of stress and anxiety.

[darkphoenix]

Warfarin is a drug that is very effective at preventing clots that lead to heart attacks and strokes.  Monitoring it regularly with blood testing means that you know that your blood is thin enough for you to be safe.

If you are not going to be able to get to a hospital for regular blood testing, there are machines available where you can ***** your own finger and it will measure what your blood thickness is so that your medication can be altered as needed.

I have taken warfarin for 11 years now, (i am 25 years old - and will be on it for life) and normally I only need a blood test every 6 weeks.

If you are from Britian it can be a bit hard to obtain these machines on the NHS, but if it is the only way you will be able to return to work it might be worth buying one.

[Jerry_NJ]

I don't understand why being on Warfarin would prevent you from going back to work, it has few side effects for most people is held in the INR range of 2-3.  If you happen to suffer a cut, you will bleed more because of Warfarin, but most minor cuts are not a problem. The same, to a lesser degree, can be said about aspirin.

As you seem to have only periods of risk for a clot, and even during those times a person suffering from AFib/Flutter is only at a slight risk of "throwing" a clot, I'd not be too concerned about spending a period of time off of Warfarin, but would, take a full does aspirin, not a "baby" or reduced dose.  How does your stomach do on regular aspirin?  Take with food may reduce irritation.