Welcome to Coagulation Conversation.
However overwhelmed you may feel about your new diagnosis and treatment, first remember you are not alone; more than 1% of the population are on anticoagulants.
Coagulation Conversation is run by Dr Paul Harper, MD, FRCP, MRCPath; a specialist haematologist with a passion for improving anticoagulant management who is on anticoagulants himself. That means it offers information, support and reassurance that you can trust. Although this site was started primarily for New Zealanders managing warfarin through the CPAMS pharmacy service or by self-testing, there is plenty here for everyone, no matter where you live or what treatment you are on.
Our readers have a spectrum of symptoms
Our readers include:
- those who didn’t even feel unwell and now just have to add one more medication to their already long list – this is true for many people with atrial fibrillation, which is the commonest reason for being on anticoagulants.
- those who had severe chest pain and shortness of breath, ending up in intensive care, almost dying from a massive pulmonary embolus (blood clot in the lung)
Whichever end of the spectrum your symptoms may be, we look forward to helping you find your “new normal” as you adjust to your diagnosis and treatment.
Treat yourself gently at first. Take things at your own pace and when you are ready, we have information on your diagnosis and your treatment. We write regular posts including our Medical Monday and Frivolous Friday series. Of course we are no substitute for your regular doctor and can’t offer individual medical management.
Some posts you may find helpful to start with are
Bleeding - the Big, the Bad and the Ugly
Treat yourself gently at first