Are there any members whose Dr checks for blood thick/thin-ness? Many supplements can thin blood, so for those on aspirin it could be additive. My Dr is ok with my taking curcumin, but I have noticed a minor change in bleeding.
I'm curious if there is an actual test for this?
There are several types of tests for how well your blood clots. The most common is prothrombin time test (ptt/aptt - INR). There is test called a bleeding time test, but it is not used much anymore. Depending on what is going on with bleeding and platelet levels (if they are higher) the doc may also order a von Willebrand Panel since a decrease in von Willebrand factors can cause an increase in bleeding.
You are, of course, correct that curcumin can potentiate the blood thinning effect of aspirin to some degree. Many anti-inflammatory agents seem to have this effect. So does fish oil and meds like SSRIs. My own experience is that curcumin did not seem to be a bleeding problem with the aspirin. What was a problem was the increased hemorrhage I experienced with aspirin when PLT were anywhere near or over 800. Note that I did experience a decrease in von Willebrand Factors as well, likely relate to the elevated PLTs.
Hope you get is sorted ASAP.
I did see INR somewhere. So this is what I would ask the Dr about. I had PLT over 1mill at Dx but no obvious bleeding or others specific to that.
Like blood thinning it seems a lot of pills are serotonin enhancers. I was OD on serotonin when I added lavender pills. Lav (Silexan) works great for anxiety, but my GP does not approve. It's Rx in Euro but OTC in US.
It is a fundamental truth that anything that is biologically active enough to help you can also hurt you and interact with things. Anything that affects serotonin functions can also impact how platelets behave. The reuptake of serotonin is involved in both neurological function and platelet function. Caution is advisable. Many doctors are not familiar with complimentary health interventions and are understandable reluctant to advise on it. It is outside of their scope of practice.
Your history of INR is what you are looking for in terms of appropriate clotting times. It is likely this has been checked more than once. In my case, INR always ran long when I was on aspirin, particularly when PLTs were higher it seemed. I did experience excessive bleeding/bruising. WIth the PLTs well controlled, this is no longer an issue.
I took curcumin. I noticed big bruises. My consultant recommended I stop taking it.
I followed her advice. It goes to show that we have to consult with our heamos about taking supplements and other medication.
My MPN specialist checks my INR about every other CBC and liver panel check. I am also taking Curcumin and he is OK with that - no problems so far....
I think that is unusual to Dr to check INR unless there is a reason to look. Have you had complications there?
Blood test
Blood test
Blood test 
Aspirin and hair thinning?
blood testing
