Warfarin

[Veridico]

I've been on 4mg/day warfarin since Jun/10, after a very minor stroke. I don't like it as it entails blood check every 7-10 days just to ascertain the right blood thickness. Would a right dose of aspirin be adequate substitute for warfarin?
Veridico
e-mail: ***@****

[Veridico]

I wish to thank both of you for your feedback on Warfarin.
Just to keep you up to date, my blood thickness has now stabilized, thanks to your comment about diet which I have implemented.
I'm now on once a month blood test.
Thanks again to both of you for the very helpful info.

Veridico

[Veridico]

Thanks for the info.   I've just learned from other medical sites exactly what you said. I will start watching my diet very carefully.
Have a great day.

Veridico

[ksig]

If you are having difficulty staying in range, you might consider going to a nutritionist or dietitian.  I have one associated with my coumadin clinic.  They were able to give me a list of foods containing vitamin K and helped me learn how much of the dark leafy greens I needed in my diet everyday.  By stabilizing my vitamin K intake, I am able to manage my INR.  I go once a month to have my blood checked and I remain vigilant on the vitamin K foods in my diet.

[Veridico]

You're right, Jerry. I just got back from seeing my doctor and was told that aspirin is no substitute for warfarin. The problem is in establishing a consistent INR reading of 2-3.
as soon as  I can achieve that reading I will only have to go for blood test once a month.
The stroke, according to my cardiologist was caused by Afib. I was working on my front yard raking some grass clippings on a very hot day and all of a sudden I felt needles and pins in my left arm and within seconds it went dead and before I could walk back to the house, (the whole episode took less than one minute) everything was back to normal as though nothing had happened. By the way, I'm 68 years old.
It was the most weird thing I had ever experienced.
Of interest is that, some 18-19 years ago I suffered a TIA but at that time, my doctor did not do anything or prescribed any medication at all.  Life went on as usual until the stroke last April.  

[Jerry_NJ]

A simple aspirin is used only if the risk factors are low...we have no idea what your risk factors are, but I can tell you aspirin and warfarin are not equivalent.

I have been on 5 mg of Warfarin for about 10 years, and I get my blood tested about once a month.  I manage to stay in range (INR 2 to 3) and so checking more often is not necessary.  If you continue to have a need for a check every10 days it is reasonable that you look for some better approach.

What caused your minor stroke?  Do you have a heart rhythm problem and are you past middle age?  My main reason for taking Warfarin is I suffer from AFib. And I am a senior age-wise.