Surviving a brain bleed

[dmwestoby]

Is there anyone on here who survived a brainbleed and has been on Coumadin or Warfarin since the 90's? My husband's INR has to be from 2.8 to 3.4. Talk about a balancing act.

[Hidden]

I’m not able to answer your question directly, but I assume you are concerned that your husband is at risk as soon as his INR goes outside this range. I’m not medically trained, but it’s my understanding that this is not the case. Just consider how many millions of people in this country (UK) let alone the USA, take Warfarin. Patients inevitably will fall outside the range at some stage between tests but that does not mean they will immediately have a brain bleed. I suggest you talk to his clinic because they are likely to tell you that spontaneous bleeds rarely occur, but if the INR is consistently too high, then they are more vulnerable, especially if they suffer trauma to the head or body. The alternative is to take one of the newer DOAC’s. Maintaining an INR range is no longer an issue and from what we are told, some are marginally safer regarding spontaneous bleeding. The risk of having a stroke without taking an anticoagulant is significantly higher so whilst it is not ideal, most of us recognise that there is little option. Consequently, most adjust their lifestyle to take account of the increased risk of a bleed by avoiding high risk activities......hope this helps....

[MarkS]

I would definitely get a Coagucheck in your husband's position and check every week. If you remain in your range then warfarin's safer than the NOACs. Also consider how you will stabilise your Vit K intake - either a steady diet or as in my case by taking a Vit K2 pill every day and eating whatever you like.

[Dodie117 in reply to MarkS]

As flapjack says, discuss the newer anticoagulants with you doctor. (known as DOACs) If he is a suitable candidate then they are much easier to manage. I changed to apixaban and have a blood test every 6 months to check renal function. They are not processed in the same way as warfarin so no diet worries and no INR testing.

[ILowe]

Many people consider 3.4 to be a middle ideal figure, especially those with metallic valves. Up to 5 is not usually considered significant.. and I can document that.