Why do I get clots test?

[Janbu]

Three years ago I had a DVT which led to a PE.

I stayed on warfarin for 1 Year andcame off it for a hip replacement and never went back on. Two weeks ago I became confused, memory loss and left sided weakness and a cerebral venous thrombosis was diagnosed . I am now back on warfarin for life.

No follow up has been arranged apart from visits to the anticoagulant clinic. I want to know what tests are available to see why I’m clotting and can they be done whilst I’m taking warfarin.

Many thanks for advice.

[Hidden]

When you go to the clinic, ask when you're due to see the consultant and if not, why not. Do talk to the nurses at the clinic - they will be the best people to advise you.

[Maurice23]

The way forward is in the hands of your GP Consultant or practice nurse. Warfarin requires regular monitoring to measure the INR, that is the effect the drug is having on your blood. The INR reading will usually determine whether your Warfarin dosage is correct, or needs to be adjusted. Overall, be guided by the healthcare professionals who will be experienced in such matters.

[Janbu in reply to Maurice23]

Thank you for your reply. Having taken warfarin before I know the how’s and wherefores I just want to know if there are any tests that would explain why my blood is sticky.

[MillaZ]

There are quite a few tests which can be taken to determine if a person is more prone to clotting due to genetic mutations. I have personally taken two (both returned negative, thank the gods), and I am waiting for the hospital to call me to take 5 more (I am in Italy so the total number of tests one can take on the equivalent of the NHS is 7; I do not know if there are more tests going to a private clinic).

The first test that was offered to me was for the mutation of Factor V Leiden. You can find further info here:

labtestsonline.org/tests/fa...

The second test was for mutation G20210A:

stoptheclot.org/risk_factor...

I found a page on the web which helped me a lot with understanding the further 5 mutations and tests which I will have to take:

ihtc.org/patient/blood-diso...

Hope all the above will be of help.

[Janbu in reply to MillaZ]

Thank you so much, just the information I was after.

[misswoosie]

You need to see a Haematologist. Wondering why you had the DVT in the first place, who said you could stop for surgery and not restart? If you have your old yellow book it should say in there how long you needed to be on warfarin. You should probably have been referred to a Haematologist when you had the DVT/PE. Not good management.