I think I may be going for a record where DVTs and PEs are concerned!!!!

[Pepsicoley]

Four years ago (2009) I had an operation for cancer (confirmed) and in 2011 I had another operation for for a suspect nodule (nothing nasty found this time).

In the last four years I have lost count of the number of DVTs and PEs I have had. I have had three hospital admissions (the last one, in August, for three weeks) and I don't want another one. The 'run up' to the hospital admissions is most distressing - I can cope with the aches and pains but not the feeling of being unable to breathe.

I was originally prescribed Warfar and was on it for quite some time. My last hospital admission showed that the Warfarin had not been working and I was prescribed Dalteparin which I inject daily.

It was suggested, by the doctors, that I have a valve implanted in my vena cava (I think) but that's on hold for the moment.

What I could do with is some suggestions on how to avoid DVT's. Should I avoid eating certain things?

Annec

[nissanjean]

HI

I AM SORRY TO HEAR THIS. I TOO WAS SUBJECTED TO ONE BLOOD CLOT AFTER ANOTHER THEN I WENT TO SEE SOMEONE PRIVATELY WHO SET THE INR TARGET RANGE AT A MUCH HIGHER LEVEL. SINCE THEN- 2007- TOUCH WOOD I HAVE THANKFULLY REMAINED CLOT FREE.

MY SET TARGET INR IS NOW BETWEEN 3 and 4.

However each of us is an individual and I do not know your full history . I am a retired nurse and can only relate my own experiences!

I understand that the more blood clots that one has the higher the target range for the INR.

I self check and calculate the dose of warfarin.

All of the above is in the Public Domain.

What is your set target range of INR?

What foods do you eat the most and are you taking any medication that interacts with Warfarin?

Even some fruit juices can interact for example cranberry juice.

Hope this helps.

[Pepsicoley in reply to nissanjean]

Hi Nissan Jean

I'm pleased to hear that you are clot-free.

My target INR was 3.5 and it was fairly steady. I have been prescribed Airomir, Qvar and Paroxetine. I tried to keep on the same diet because I knew that it didn't help to introduce too many new things.

In the run up to the problems with the DVTs and PEs:

1 I had an op in 2009 for lung cancer - lobectomy right lung - no chemo or radiotherapy.

2 A short time after I had my first DVT and PE and was put on Warfarin.

3 In 2011 I had a futher op - removal of wedge sections - no cancer found.

4 After the 2011 op I was diagnosed with COPD (emysema).

4 Then lots of DVTs and PEs!!!!

5 One month ago it was found I had multiple DVTs in my legs and PEs on three lobes

6 It was confirmed that warfarin was not working and I was prescribed Dalteparin.

Thank you for your kind message.

Annec

[nissanjean]

What is your INR target range set at.

[Pepsicoley in reply to nissanjean]

The INR stands for International Normalised Ratio. It is a test used to check how long it takes for your blood to clot and it has been standardised so that tests done in different laboratories around the world on the same sample of blood will give the same result

[daisyd]

I have Hughes syndrome, which means my INR needs to be 3-4

Have you had any problems since starting on your new injections ?

Diet on warfarin keep vit K foods about the same every day

Not sure about your new drug

No smoking. Don't cross your legs, support stockings, exercise, don't sit still for long periods of time, if you have to exercise your legs, drink plenty of water. Hughes syndrome effects my memory, so hope this makes sense

Hope things improve for you soon

? Not sure but somewhere I think I have read about a mesh barrier to stop clots getting though, may have dreamt it but maybe worth looking up on the web for it

[Pepsicoley in reply to daisyd]

Hello Daisy D

I have to look up Hughes Syndrome (I haven't heard of it before).

No, I haven't had any problems since starting the injections although I had had pains in my legs. I am due to see Consultant next week so I will mentioned the pains in my legs to him.

Thanks for all you tips.

Annec