Should I be on Coumadin/Warfarin?!
Question: Should I be on Coumadin/Warfarin!?
2 years ago, at the age of 22 I suffered a massive pulmonary embolism!. My doctor told me unless I suffer another, there's no reason to continue my blood thinning medications after 6 months!. I have a hereditary blood coagulation disorder called Factor V Leiden!. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with a PE, did I know that I had this disorder!. My family members have discussed my situation with their doctors and some seem to think that I should have been on coumadin for life after my first diagnosis!. So I guess my question is directed to medical professionals and others who have had PE's!. What is your opinion on this!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Here is some info that may help answer your question:
http://www!.fvleiden!.org/ask/09!.htmlWww@Answer-Health@Com
http://www!.fvleiden!.org/ask/09!.htmlWww@Answer-Health@Com
Many factors go into deciding how long a person should receive anti coagulation following a pulmonary embolism!. some of them are why you got the blood clot in the first place i!.e!. your risk factors -travel, immobility, postoperatively or just because, hereditary as you mentioned, how "massive" life threatening the PE was, risks associated with thinning the blood i!.e!. occupation, contact sports willingness, child bearing etc!. You need to discuss your individual risks with your doctor, generally recommendations would advise you to receive blood thinning medications for at least 12 months for one PE, however if you had a massive PE (could have died!) a second could be fatal and lifelong blood thinning medication is often recommended in this situation!.Www@Answer-Health@Com