Advice Please....

[Chris1945]

Bit of an unsavoury query! Been on warfarin for 4 years now but over the past month or so I'm pretty certain I've developed haemorrhoids and consequently, any bleeding is a lot more than usual. It's always bright red so has anyone had any experience of this and have advice as to what I can get from chemist which is ok to use when on warfarin, I'd like to give something like that a try before I get a gastro guy involved. Thanks a lot.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Chris, you really need to see your GP for advice on this as all rectal bleeding should be investigated. Would probably prescribe you something safe to use too, or may even suggest a procedure to get rid of them for good.

Jean

[Chris1945 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean I know you’re absolutely right, guess I’m just putting off the inevitable! X

[BobD Volunteer]

What Jean said. The good news is that if it is bright red it is external not anything sinister in the bowels.

[Hidden]

You need to see your GP to exclude the possibility of something more serious than haemorrhoids

[Buffafly]

Try taking Apixaban instead.

[Chris1945 in reply to Buffafly]

Thanks Buffafly, my GP has actually indicated that he would consider putting me on Apixaban but why would that make any difference...isn't one blood thinner pretty much like another and I'd get the same results? My only reason for wanting off warfarin is because I'm veggie/vegan and I can't eat enough of the green veggies stuff that I love and I understand there are no such restrictions when on Apixaban....is that correct?

[Dodie117 in reply to Chris1945]

That is correct - no veg restrictions. I changed to apixaban and a lot less hassle as well.

[Chris1945 in reply to Dodie117]

Sounds good, will definitely ask...thanks x

[Buffafly in reply to Chris1945]

No, warfarin has a different action to DOACs and even they are not precisely the same. I have taken warfarin, nightmare! Then I took Rivaroxaban which was much easier but I did have bad bruising and bleeding, also dietary issues so now I take Apixaban. Maybe it is because it is taken twice a day but I don't have the bleeding probs I had before including rectal bleeding. That said, I would recommend having the haemorrhoids treated if possible. I had mine banded, quick and effective though not fun 🙄

[Chris1945 in reply to Buffafly]

Thanks Buffafly, if all goes ok, think I might give apixaban a try, in the meantime I can’t wait for the ‘banding’ procedure!!😳

[7Helena]

I have the same problem and checked with my GP and the anticoagulation unit at the hospital. It seems to depend on the quantity of blood. Mine was just fairly minor which stopped within minutes and the quantity was small. I was told that if the flow increases and seems to go on for too long that I must contact the unit immediately - the number is on the card that I receive after my INR blood tests.

[irene75359]

Don't worry, we talk about everything here! On occasion I develop haemorrhoids especially if I get constipated. But I am in no doubt that I have them, they are painful and very sensitive but mine don't bleed. I agree with the others, get checked out.

[Paulbounce]

Ouch !

I shouldn`t worry Chris. If you have haemorrhoids the chances are you will have some bleeding.

However it`s best to get it checked - just for piece of mind if nothing else. If the blood is bright red it`s 'new blood' and unlikely to be anything sinister.

Get it checked though just to be sure. I`m think you`ll be fine but it`s better to be safe than sorry

Best,

Paul

[Chris1945]

Hi everyone thanks for your replies, I'm waiting for a call from my GP later this morning, (everything seems to be done by 'phone nowadays, indeed last time I went to the surgery I was the only one there!) Anyway will let you know what he says....thanks again for your comments.....ever onwards! xx

[Paulbounce in reply to Chris1945]

Nice one Chris. It`s better to check it out with your GP. I think you`ll be fine

Keep off the vindaloo until you know for sure though heheh.

Best,

Paul

[Chris1945 in reply to Paulbounce]

😂 I'll do my best! xx

[Paulbounce]

Heheh - it`s for the best Chris. You don`t want to be in a Korma

Best,

Paul

PS - good luck with the call from your doc.

[Chris1945]

Update, my GP would not be comfortable without sending me to a specialist for a full investigation....I guess I should be reassured but not looking forward to any of it!😱 Anyway thanks again for your advice guys, I really appreciate it.... digits crossed🤞

[Chris1945]

Forgot to mention, all being well my GP said he would be prepared to put me on Apixaban but advised there is no antidote in the case of severe bleeding as there is with the K2 injection(?) that works with warfarin.....it's all a bit of a minefield really! I'm sure I did read somewhere that there was such a thing now but one thing at a time!

[Buffafly in reply to Chris1945]

There have been several discussions on that point on here and the consensus is that the usual procedures for stopping bleeding are effective.

[Hidden]

Think the antidote is awaiting Nice approval. It already has FDA approval in the States.

Archie

[Chris1945 in reply to Hidden]

That’s good to know Archie, thanks. I’ll point my GP in the right direction!

[plopper]

Main thing is not to get anemic. That opens up another can of worms that you definitely don't want!