Warfarin side effects

[TAVIshock]

I habe been on Warfarin for the last 6 months and, I gather, must continue taking it for the rest of my life. As I am a month short of 90 this does not seem a serious issue - except that I have begun to suffer from minor facial skin-abrasions ( electric razor burns etc) that over, 6 months, seem to refuse to heal. I would much appreciate advice from other Warfarin users as to whether this is a common problem, and how I can get these little scrapes and wounds to heal (since they are scabbed over with vivid blood they look much more enigmatic and serious than they are.

All advice gratefully welcomed.

Tavishock

[Leaf100]

Hi Tavishock,My Mom was a long term warfarin user.

We found that a product called Traumacare worked to help her heal fast faster if she got a bruise or an oops. It's made in Montreal Canada and is available in the UK.

There is a cream and a gel. For your face the cream might be better.

The other trick I know is from an old school nurse . Wash with saddle soap - the old school one with no synthetic stuff in it. It thickens your skin up.

The other thing is to check with your doc to make sure you are having your blood regulated properly. There should be a number range they shoot for - you need to know what that is and make sure you aren't too far above. Some people are more sensitive than others and some docs don't think there is an issue if it is a hit too high - but there can be.

Especially as a person ages you can get to the point where you spring little leaks. (If you feel nauseous and your legs feel really heavy get your hemoglobin checked right away- it may be dropping and that's dangerous.)

Take good care.

Leaf

[TAVIshock in reply to Leaf100]

Thanks very much for warfarin advice. Very complete and, I hope, transformative.

Tavishock

[Leaf100 in reply to TAVIshock]

I hope it works for you .

[Karkar33]

Hi Tavi,

I am sorry you are experiencing this.

It is unfortunately extremely common. Especially as we age and our skin becomes even thinner.

this medications main job is to prevent the blood from clotting (usually we use it for a-fib to prevent stroke) But it also can cause delayed would healing.

Have you had your inr checked recently to make sure your in range?

Obviously don’t do anything without talking to your doc but having a nutritious diet with protein and vitamin C and zinc can help with the healing

***(If you change drastically and get vit K involved you have to check INR sooner as this will impact the INR level!!)***

The other thing too is your 90 which is amazing. You have a say in your care and each medication has both risks and benefits and you can partake in shared clinical decision making with your provider. There are other options out there. Not as effective but if you understand the risks and are okay with it it’s totally reasonable to not want to have to worry about the nicks/bleeding on your face etc.

Hopefully the nutrition aspect will help, but don’t get discouraged it sounds like you are doing all the right things ❤️

[TAVIshock in reply to Karkar33]

Thanks Karka,

Very helpful. Shall pursue your useful sugstions

best

Tavishock