Due To Start Warfarin Next Week

[gordie1]

I have an appointment with the anti- colugalant clinic on wednesday to start the warfarin I think I am doing the right thing I dont want to risk a stroke with AF

[Sqad]

Quite.

[boxtops]

If it's been prescribed, then you are doing the right thing. My sister was put on warfarin after she had a mild stroke. It seems to do the trick.

[SeaJayPea]

Hi Gordie, you really are going through it, aren't you?

I take Warfarin regularly. It's not a problem. You have a regular blood test where they test for your INR (International Normalised Ratio - a measure of how likely your blood is to coagulate). In my case, I go straight to the blood test, then have a coffee while the labs work on it. After about 45 minutes I go back to the clinic and they tell me how much I need to take for the next week.

They'll give you packs of tablets in 1mg, 3mg and 5mg doses. Then they tell you how much to take every day. If they say 7mg, then you take a 5 and two x 1. Take them at the same time each day and you'll soon get into the routine.

Once your level settles down at or near your target INR they'll extend the period for regular blood tests. I've just been changed from weekly to fortnightly and it'll become monthly in time.

They'll also give you a list of foods to avoid. Cranberries and grapefruit are big no-nos, as are many green leafy vegetables.

You'll be fine. Remember, prevention is so much better than cure.

Good luck with it.

[coffeeboy]

As seajaypea says no problem taking
Warfarin I've been taking them for over
12 yrs, good luck

[masma]

I've been on Warfarin for 6 months without any problems, just started on the monthly blood test. They don't do 'while you wait' results here, I go for my blood test then get a letter in the post the next day stating how much to take and when to go next.

[Lillymoon]

I too have been on anti coagulants for many years now. Your nuse will tell you a few do's and dont's. Don't drink cranberry juice, don't eat too much greens at a time, alcohol in moderation and take your meds at a regular time each night.

By the way I also have AF, you are doing the right thing hun.