clotting

[amyemmasmum]

Hi i suffer from blood clots i suffered a PE, arterial clots and dvt all at the same time, i also clotted while on warfarin in hospital so the doctors want my inr higher than most between 2 and 3. My last inr results were 2.9 and i take 8mg of warfarin. Recently i have started bruising very badly and wen you feel around the larger bruises there is lumps behind the bruise's, the 1st bruise appeared weeks ago when i needed heparin injections at home the ball like lump appeared behind the injection site and although it does seem to be getting smaller its still there but bruising gone now i have bruises and lumps on my arm and tummy has anyone else experienced this. Thank you Caroline :-)

Tags: warfarin, clotting

[Jerry_NJ]

I have been on Warfarin for about 15 years at the 5 mg level per day. I need clot prevention because I suffer from Atrial Fibrillation.  

I have not had any real problems, lucky me.  My monthly test of INR usually comes in near 2.5 but rarely at 3.1 or thereabouts which raises concerns, but no over problems.

Last week a awoke with a bleeding noise (it has been unusually cold in New Jersey USA this year) and that may have been the driver.  The bleed was so bad and uncontrollable that I went to the Emergence Room at the local hospital.  They stopped the bleeding with a nose balloon.  My INR was 2.2 at that time.

I have subsequently learned by my own investigation, not by doctor recommendation and I don't know why it was never recommended, products in the USA called NasalCEASE and Wound Seal.  Both of these products can be used to stop nose and other difficult bleeding situations.  They form their own clot thereby given the body more time to build a natural clot, much as the nose balloon did.  I have also learned that an also over-the-counter nose spray like Afrin (USA) which shrinks blood vessels can be used.  In the case of the nose simply sprayed in if bleed in minor, or sprayed on cotton balls and that are then inserted in the nose to block flow.  This may be enough to stop the bleeding, if not it would still be an aid in the trip to the hospital.

Sorry if I went off target, but given you are having what appears to be internal bleeding you may want to consider having emergency first-aid tools on had should you cut yourself (I do that) or have a nose bleed for any reason.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi Caroline!
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. Please be in touch with your doctor on a daily basis. You probably need a daily or alternate day assessment of your INR and subsequent adjustment of your blood thinners. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.