WARFARIN AND BRUISING

[BuckleyBoy]

Hi, I've been on Warfarin for nearly 3 months now. (5mg/day). 3 days ago I had cycling accident - came off my bike at about 12mph, and took most of the energy out on my left hip. Initially the area became swollen and I applied ice packs later. As expected bruising appeared after 12 hours, initially over an area similar to the palm of my hand. Now, after 68 hours the bruising (a very dark colour) has extended to an area similar to a dinner plate size, including toward the inside of my leg. Is this normal? Should I have stopped the Warfarin after the injury? Any advice?

[Hidden]

As this bruising appears unusual to you, we would suggest that you discuss it with your doctor. Please do keep us informed.

Regards, Rachel - AF Association Patient Services

[BuckleyBoy in reply to Hidden]

Saw a GP as advised. INR check was 2.3 (in range). As bruising was still increasing in area she recommended stopping Warfarin for next 3 days when she will see me again. Also arranged blood tests. Two thirds of the thigh is now covered in bruising. I'm hoping the spreading has stopped now - waiting and observing.

[Hidden in reply to BuckleyBoy]

Great Buckleboy. You did the right thing. One problem with bruising when o warfarin is most of the time you can keep an eye on the bleeding/bruising and get help if needed. But sometimes the bleeding is going further into the body instead of showing up thru the skin and you have nothing to help you judge how much damage is happening. Blood flows in all directions.

[Hidden]

With warfarin bruising is normal, even if you are clumsy around the home. In this case, with what seems to be a form of internal bleeding, get to your GP.

[Hidden]

Always best not to stop medication without seeing your doctor

[Hidden]

Hi Buckleyboy. A caveat! DON"T EVER STOP YOUR BLOOD THINNER WITHOUT YOUR DOCTOR'S KNOWLEDGE AND PERMISSION! That being said from the description of your situation, have you seen a doctor? Might be a good thing to have the injury checked out to be sure there is no further bleeding. If it were me I would see to this asap. Take care. irina1975

[MarkS]

I fell off my bike a couple of years ago. I was clipped in and caught the edge of a pothole and slammed down on my right side. My hip took most of the impact. I too am on warfarin.

My hip turned black/blue, about the size of a small dinner plate, then purple and started to gravitate down my leg, as bruising does. After about a week it went down to my knee which made that uncomfortable

I never stopped warfarin, the damage was done, and the blood loss in the bruise would have stopped quite quickly.

My hip was still quite painful so after a couple of weeks I went to the physio. She was impressed with the bruise, got out a sort of rolling pin and rolled it over the hip (not as bad as it sounds!). That made it feel much better as the swelling was dissipated. One more physio session a few days later and I was as good as new. I'd thoroughly recommend the physio.

[BuckleyBoy]

Thanks for that - I'll look into rolling pins!

[ILowe]

If I recall right, bruising is more likely in the first year of Warfarin. I would agree with posts above: do not stop a dose. See a doctor quickly, especially if you bang your head. The big concern about bleeding is not in most skeletal muscles. The big concern is internal bleeding in vital organs, especially hidden bleeding in the brain.

[Hidden in reply to ILowe]

Thanks. My point exactly but you were more succinct .

[BuckleyBoy]

Thanks for that.