How long you need anticoagulants depends on the balance of risks between having a blood clot and bleeding; these will differ for each individual. Your specialist will decide the length of time anticoagulants are needed in your particular case. This is just a guide. To help you remember, I have added song titles from the performers at the Coronation Concert. I have even … [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...]
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...]
Clot detectives
I attended the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand regional meeting in Auckland last week. Professor Barbara Bain, a highly regarded International expert from London was one of the invited speakers. She gave a really interesting talk on "Haematologists as Detectives". She highlighted some of the cases of poisoning and accidental drug errors that were picked up by … [Read more...]
Clots in Pregnancy – Treatment
A confirmed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) should be treated with low molecular weight (LMW) heparin (enoxaparin, dalteparin or tinzaparin) immediately. Even if the diagnosis is only suspected you should start on treatment and only stop when the ultrasound scan or CTPA excludes a clot. LMW heparin is given as a subcutaneous injection. In the past … [Read more...]
Three thrombo resolutions
New Year is the time for making resolutions. If you are like me, they last for a few weeks at most but the intention is good. For people who have had a blood clot these are three things that you might want to add to your resolutions for this year. Take your tablets regularly If you are taking an anticoagulant it is very important that you keep taking it regularly. This is … [Read more...]
David Clotterfield Saga – scene 6
David Clotterfield and Clara Clearvessel are both on warfarin and as we follow their saga we discover their beliefs about anticoagulation through the various comments they make about their lives. At the end of each scene, you'll get a chance to test your knowledge; Are their comments true or false? Before reading this episode, you may like to catch up with the previous … [Read more...]
Do you believe the 2 biggest myths about anticoagulants?
As we're approaching Halloween with all its myths, we thought it would be a good time to look at anticoagulant myths. Myth number 1 - anti-coagulants are blood thinners A while ago I was talking to one of my patients about the side-effects of warfarin and mentioned that some people feel cold on warfarin, but we don't know why this should be. He said to me that it is obvious, … [Read more...]
Why Noah never forgets his medication
When people meet our son Noah for the first time, they usually recognise all he can’t do; you see he has Down syndrome and Asperger’s syndrome. Once you get to know him though, you quickly fall in love with his sunny personality and quick wit. You just accept that he looks different and has some odd behaviours. And we see him for what he can do. One thing he is very good … [Read more...]