Blood thinner

Anticoagulant

by Gemita - 2020-07-05 18:29:50

Hello Vandyike

Follow your clinic's instructions and you won't go wrong.  My doctor only recommended stopping the last daily dose before implant procedure but I believe other doctors will have a different view.  It so depends on your team, your health conditions, the risk to you of stopping your anticoagulation treatment if you have arrhythmias like AF and so on. In my experience anticoagulation treatment is often continued without a break.

For peace of mind I would contact your doctor though for advice

Anticoagulant

by AgentX86 - 2020-07-05 18:55:43

I agree.  It's important to make sure that you didn't misunderstand the directions.  No one is going to think any less of you for making sure, and then damn sure.

I was told to suspend it the night before.  It depends on the anticoagulant but the half life of Eliquis, for instance, is about 12 hours (which is why it's taken twice a day).  That means, every 12 hours, half of the Eliquis in your blood stream is halved.  In 24hrs, only a quarter remains, so not a lot.  It becomes a trade-off between potential bleeding from the shoulder and a potential stroke.  Depending on your situation, there isn't a big choice here.

Good to ask, but maybe not a big deal

by Protimenow - 2020-07-06 22:23:03

I've been on coumadin/warfarin for nearly 29 years. 

I had my PM put in on May 30. I  was told to go to the hospital, have them call the  doctor, and get the PM that day.

Actually, they gave me the choice of coming back a few days later, or having it done right away. I chose 'right away.' They weren't kidding. 

They did the pre-op, took me to the waiting area outside the O.R., I spoke to the anesthesiologist, and was soon transported to the O.R.

Only after the surgery was completed, I was told by the EP who did the surgery that he did it even though my INR was 2.4. This means that it takes 2.4 times as long for blood to clot than it does for people who aren't on anticoagulants. 

I don't think that making an incision in the skin and putting the PM in a pocket is a particularly bloody procedure. 

It still doesn't hurt to check with your doctor's office to see if they want you to skip your dose for a day or two, just to be safe, but, from my experience, even if your blood is slightly anticoagulated, you should be fine.

Surgery over

by vandyike - 2020-07-11 12:52:49

Had. my pacemaker surgery Wednesday . So far so good. Lots of bruising and still a little painful. Did half mile walk today and noticed some difference . Doctor changed my blood thinner. Xarelto from 20mg to 15mg until I see him.