Breast biopsy with local anaesthetic on flecainide and warfarin.

[Bagrat]

This has I'm pleased to say turned into a hypothetical question. I was recalled following routine mammogram and there was a possibility of biopsies. Explained I was on the above meds and took the precaution of having an INR yesterday which was 2.5. Had fine needle aspiration which showed the problem to be a cyst so didn't need core biopsy. Just wondered if anyone has had similar experience. They were happy to proceed to biopsy if INR below 2.5. but were going to take advice re flecainide but as I'd had local at the dentist didn't seem too worried

[Frances123]

Hi Bagrat,

I'm so pleased for you that it turned out to be a cyst. I went through a similar thing a couple of months ago and it turned out to be nodules. I'm not on warfarin but have been on flecainide for 9 years. Flecainide has never been a problem at dentist or hospital with any treatment I have had or using either a local or general anaesthetic.

Enjoy your day.

Frances.

[Tobw]

I had a prostate biopsy nine days ago and had to come off Warfarin five days beforehand. Since then I've been injecting myself with Clexane (which I was very grateful for, because, of course, my AFib decided to play up as soon as I stopped taking the Warfarin). I started up on the Warfarin again last Saturday with the dose of 6mg I was taking before, but, my INR was only 1.2 yesterday and so now I'm up to 7 mg a day along with the Clexane which I'm still having to inject.

Bleeding from the prostate is common after biopsies and I'm on a lot of anticoagulent at the moment which has had me somewhat concerned but, although I'm getting a little blood when I start peeing, it's not as bad as it might be - the whole process is made that much more tricky by my AFib though.

[lizwright]

I had to have a biopsy and had I not been on wafarin they would have done it straight away but then I had a week to worry further while the wafarin was adjusted. It turned out to be nothing but what I think the abnormality was, was where they put the paddles for cardio version. I said this and they said oh couldn't be and I said well have you come across a patient that has had 12 or more cardioversions before? I think it is thickened tissue.

[Bagrat in reply to lizwright]

We do know our own bodies so well, it's a shame we are not always credited with that.

[Bagrat]

Thanks for your replies. You are so right Tob w AF does complicate things. Hope your biopsy has a good outcome. Frances that is very reassuring to hear as Flecainide is my security blanket. Last night hubby said he'd put my warfarin and flec out with my vits as usual but when I went to take them only vitamins, Because he was so sure I began to believe I had taken them. Then I wondered if he'd taken mine as well as his ( he took my flec once before by mistake!!) He was due an INR today so I made him confess and although it was fine they are doing another in a week.

I have gently said I will put my own pills out in future as I now believe I've missed a dose of warfarin!!