"I'm not having the vaccine. It kills people", was the uncompromising response from one of my patients when I asked her if she was getting vaccinated. I can't give much more detail of our discussion as consultations are confidential, but the background to her statement goes something like this. She explained that a friend of hers knew of a man who developed a stroke three … [Read more...]
I need surgery – on warfarin for a heart valve
At some time, you may need surgery. If you take an anticoagulant for a replacement mechanical heart valve, there is some additional risk. Most people are concerned that they have an increased risk of bleeding if they keep taking their treatment and an increased risk of thrombosis if they stop. How do we decide what is the safest way to manage surgery? Assessing risk If … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving – The scientists who discovered anticoagulants
Even though we live in New Zealand, we like to celebrate the American tradition of Thanksgiving. We have a big family meal and give thanks for the birth parents of our three adopted children (Angela got this idea from Mia Farrow). Afterwards, we get out our Christmas tree and lights to start the long process of decorating inside and outside the house. I am interested in the … [Read more...]
COVID, clots and shots – Vaccine reluctance
Why do some people not want the vaccine? You may wonder how this post is relevant to people with heart disease or clotting problems. And you may have heard enough about people who are opposed to mandates and vaccination. But if you have heart problems or a history of blood clots, then vaccination should be uppermost in your mind. Your biggest risk comes from the … [Read more...]
Should I be worried, doctor?
When you’re on anticoagulants, you may have concerns that you’re not quite sure about. Should you bother your doctor? My patients often bring up these concerns towards the end of a visit and start by saying, “Should I be worried, doctor?” It is essential to mention anything that bothers you rather than silently worrying. Some concerns are more important than others. In this … [Read more...]
COVID, clots and shots – Protecting the vulnerable
Part of my job is to provide Haematology services to New Plymouth Base Hospital. I visit every month to catch up with my patients. Risks of the immunosuppressed The majority of the people I see have serious blood disorders and are immunosuppressed. That means that their immune system has been damaged by their disease or chemotherapy.This causes two significant problems … [Read more...]
COVID, clots and shots – Heart Disease
I tell all my patients, "You don't want to get COVID". This is especially true if you have heart disease. Soon after the pandemic started, it became clear that people with heart problems were more likely to end up in hospital and get severe disease. So what is the risk, and why is the disease worse? Risk factors Most people think of COVID as a flu-like illness … [Read more...]
Frivolous Friday – Halloween links
Last weekend our house was packed. Overrun by small grandchildren dressed in various costumes from witches to superheroes, with a few movie characters thrown in. I believe Halloween has become a festival for children with some rather macabre decorations. I am not so keen on the "trick or treats", but find some of the myths associated with Halloween fascinating. Interestingly, a … [Read more...]
Halloween – Clotting, Vampires and Dracula
Happy Halloween - I posted this a few years ago. However, as Halloween comes around every year, it is good to be reminded that coagulation has a more exciting side linked to vampires, werewolves and Dracula. Dracula Vampires, Dracula teeth and bats have become synonymous with the decorations for Halloween. However, the story behind Dracula and vampires is … [Read more...]
COVID, Clots and Shots
Welcome Back It has been more than 3 years since I posted on this blog and a lot has changed in the field of clotting since then. The most significant difference is that COVID has come along and caused all sorts of clotting issues. So I thought now was the time to look at some of these, especially as it seems like we may have to deal with COVID in New Zealand. I plan to … [Read more...]