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Posted by Megan Drummond Jul 8, 2007 |
The purpose of Coumadin, or its generic counterpart Warfarin Sodium, is basically to thin the blood and help prevents blockages from forming. It’s most often given to people after a heart attack, a stroke or a blood clot.
In my case, it’s two out of three: stroke and two prior blood clots in my right leg. I was on Coumadin for nine months after my doctor finally discovered my first clot (I emphasize the word finally because various other doctors had ignored the warning signs for 15 years and when one found it, the clot ran from my hip to my knee). I didn’t notice the effects back then because, I think, I was in my early 20’s and just didn’t want to.
This time around, I’ve been on it for two years and nine months. I was given a choice this time, but chose Coumadin over the alternatives Lovenox or Heparin, which goes directly into your bloodstream. While this would be nice, I just couldn’t fathom the idea of getting stuck in the abdomen with a needle twice a day for the rest of my life.
I do notice the side effects this time, however. If there’s the slightest breeze on an otherwise hot day, I get chilled. When it snows and drops below freezing, I don’t leave the house unless I absolutely have to.
My weight loss efforts have been severely curbed by the fact that I can’t eat vegetables. And this includes lettuce. I have to try and avoid anything that contains vitamin K because it will throw my blood levels off. I have to check the Coumadin web site before I try anything new to make sure it’s okay.
Oh, the joys of post-blood clot life.
Have any of you had similar experiences while on blood thinners? Post in the forum and tell us about them