Warfarin.

[benmaise]

I'm having a short holiday next week. Rather worried as I am taking Warfarin. The problem is I won't be eating the same food. My INR is usually fine at home. I'm stopping in a hotel so I can't choose the food I would normally eat..I normally eat a lot of greens. Every time I have a holiday it's the same. My INR will be high. I'll only be away for six days. The doctor won't change the dose for the holiday. I worry about a bleed. Any ideas, please?

[BobD Volunteer]

Have a great time and stop worrying. It takes some time for INR to change so just enjoy your break . INR is greatly overrated and anything below 4 won't hurt you. Many people are on 2.5 to 3.5 anyway so your 2 to 3 is well within safety margins even if you slide slightly over.

[benmaise in reply to BobD]

Thank you, Bob. I won't worry now I know that.😀

[ILowe in reply to BobD]

I can beat that!! My range is 3.0 to 4.0 and no real concern for 2.5 through to 5.0.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

You may wish to download the 'Warfarin and Diet' factsheet heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... you will also find helpful advice about travelling on page 73 of our A F Fact File heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[Bob56]

Just to support the advice already given, I know that holidays usually have a temporary affect on my INR readings due to change in diet, but it is temporary and rarely enough to worry about. It’s highly unlikely you would have a bleeding problem out there, and my only concern was if I was scheduled to take a test immediately following a holiday as the reading could spike and shorten the interval between tests for a few weeks. My INR nurse went as far as telling me to delay my test a short while following a holiday, but of course I wouldn’t suggest that for anyone else. I used to worry a lot about bleeding, but other than the odd shaving cut which might have persisted a bit longer than before I was on the drug, I’ve not had a problem in 15 years or more Warfarin use. People do sometimes call me a little bleeder, but for other reasons 😂

[Jetcat]

Have a lovely holiday and don’t worry. 👍

[Mrsvemb]

Why don’t you ask your GP to change you over to one of the newer anticoagulants? You can eat as much or as little veg as you like without worrying about INR. Only tests are kidney function bloods every 6 months. I was on warfarin for about 6 months, my INR was never stable, even though I kept my vitamin K intake consistent. Just a thought to consider.

[jwsonoma]

I am plant based and have have the same problem. I bought an INR selftester on ebay and test strips. That gives me a lot of peace of mind. If I go high I supplement with parsley from a grocery store which I wash and eat in my hotel room. Better to be a little high than low.

[Suemoylan21]

I wouldn’t stress about it if your inr is normally stable a few days holidays shouldn’t impact much enjoy your holidays x

[pogven]

Unless there's a reason why you can't take the newer anticoagulants, I would change asap. Just taking the same dose pill daily and no thoughts of diet and INR is incredibly liberating.

[Echinopsis]

Just carry on taking warfarin like you normally do. You say you eat a lot of greens.I thought greens were not a good idea so I minimise them but because you take a lot, just carry on.

[24yearsandcounting]

yes, i concur with the other people who have replied; i eat loads of greens at home and as much as i can when on holiday - although that hasnt happened for some time!

you could ask the waitress / waiter for extra greens 'for your condition' but honestly i wouldnt worry - it's only a week.

[Emsysy]

I would not worry one iota with your situation. I have been in your position many times over many years on warfarin and never had a bleed problem despite variations in my INR.

[3killeens]

Went to Africa india Cambodia Thailand whilst taking warfarin, personally had no problems, good luck

[Mira265]

I would eat everything in the greens department in moderation.I have always avoided certain greens and my number has not been affected. Dark greens like kale and cabbage and broccoli.

[benmaise]

Thanks all for your helpful replies.