Coumadin?

[sorcerermick]

Hey all. Not sure this is the correct place to ask, but I figured it was the most appropriate spot to start.

Anyway, I have been suffering with superficial blood clots in my legs for 2 months, and I was scheduled to have the entire vein removed on June 6. I was restricted from any heavy activities, only allowed to work (at a desk job) and walk casually. Anyway, 2 weeks before my surgery....POW! A clot somehow splinters off and I get a clot in the lung, a pulmonary embolism.

Now, I spent a week in the hospital and I am glad to be on the road to recovery. Obviously, surgery is off because now I face 6 months of coumadin blood thinners before I can even think about coming off of it. I have a trip to Disney scheduled in 6 weeks. Has anybody else experienced anything similiar?

I know many people take coumadin and other thinners regularly, and I certainly plan on asking my doctors all necessary questions before my trip. But my question to anybody who takes this type of medication is....what kind of restrictions are you placed under? Can I still have a vacation safely? Anybody?

I guess I'm really looking for a sympathetic ear, since I see my surgeon on Tuesday and I know I need to ask him. I'm just worried my entire vacation may be in jeopardy, and we were actually having my parents and my brother all meet there for a 2 week stay. I just hope my trip isn't ruined!

Thanks for listening! Needed to voice that concern because only DISBOARDS people would understand!

 

[Creola]

Hi,
I've been taking coumadin for about 4 years. We went to WDW last December. My doctor knew we were going and I was not given any special instructions at all.

Have a great time!

 

[cdhheidi]

Hey all. Not sure this is the correct place to ask, but I figured it was the most appropriate spot to start.

Anyway, I have been suffering with superficial blood clots in my legs for 2 months, and I was scheduled to have the entire vein removed on June 6. I was restricted from any heavy activities, only allowed to work (at a desk job) and walk casually. Anyway, 2 weeks before my surgery....POW! A clot somehow splinters off and I get a clot in the lung, a pulmonary embolism.

Now, I spent a week in the hospital and I am glad to be on the road to recovery. Obviously, surgery is off because now I face 6 months of coumadin blood thinners before I can even think about coming off of it. I have a trip to Disney scheduled in 6 weeks. Has anybody else experienced anything similiar?

I know many people take coumadin and other thinners regularly, and I certainly plan on asking my doctors all necessary questions before my trip. But my question to anybody who takes this type of medication is....what kind of restrictions are you placed under? Can I still have a vacation safely? Anybody?

I guess I'm really looking for a sympathetic ear, since I see my surgeon on Tuesday and I know I need to ask him. I'm just worried my entire vacation may be in jeopardy, and we were actually having my parents and my brother all meet there for a 2 week stay. I just hope my trip isn't ruined!

Thanks for listening! Needed to voice that concern because only DISBOARDS people would understand!

My son has been on coumadin for several years now, and though he is stable, we are somewhat careful about some things. He does bruise easier, so we try and make sure that if there is a ride where he will be jostled too much we try to sit next to him so we can give him some extra padded support.


Also, since you are new to coumadin therapy, until your levels are stable you will need to do frequent lab draws. What INR does your doc want you at? Sean is to be at 2.5-3.0, and we have worked out what works for HIM pretty nicely.

You will want to have a prescription from your doc so you can get labs drawn if needed while you are gone... we carry one with us everywhere we go, just in case.

have a wonderfilled trip, and enjoy!

 

[PatMcDuck]

My 16 year old daughter is on Coumadin long term, well probably for life. She has no restrictions at Disney, we will do a Make a Wish trip to DL in August in fact. (she also had a PE after major hip surgery on both hips, and then tested and found more risk factors in her blood)

Of course, it is tricky thing to keep our INR in the right range, but we mange with some ups and downs. DD is on so MANY other medications that interfere with the coumadin. So, often she gets checked weekly.

I think the big thing is with a head injury, it is hard to apply pressure inside your head! Otherwise, for other injuries, the blood just takes longer to clot when applying pressure.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

First I am sorry for your clots...

I was on Coumadin for what was supposed to be 6 months for DVT's & PE's, that was 2 1/2 years ago & I was told a few months ago that I will be on Coumadin for life (I am 41).
I am on a high dose of Coumadin 12.5 daily and still sometimes have problems keeping my INR where it needs to be, that being said I do travel often but when I am having trouble with my INR I have had to have my blood drawn while away.
I have canceled vacations as recently as this past May because I had a UTI and was on Cipro. Antibiotics are one of the medications that make my INR numbers really drop.
The thing to be careful about is injury especially of your head......

I hope everything goes well at your doctor appointment & keep us posted

 

[freepixie]

My aunt is on Coumadin. She had a lengthy illness this spring, and during one of her several hospital stays, developed a clot in her right leg. She is on Coumadin, and the doctors say probably the rest of her life, that seems to be protocol right now for most people.

We are going to WDW in 26 days and she has no restrictions. We are renting her a scooter because she tires easily from her illness, and has difficulty walking.

The only thing I would give advice about is to get a wheelchair or scooter, my aunt's doctor has told her to be careful about standing in one position for too long (i.e. in lines), and I believe that has something to do with the Coumadin, but I'm not sure!

Anyhow, good luck with your surgery and hope you are on the road to wellness again!! Sending lots of hugs your way!

 

[sorcerermick]

Well I appreciate all of the well wishes and I send hugs and well wishes back to you all!

It seems like there shouldn't be any real restrictions as long as I am careful.

MY docs want my INR between a 2.0 and 3.0 to be considered "therapuetic". Currently I am taking 7.5 mg per day and I am at a 2.1. Blood will be drawn every Friday right now to make sure it stays there. Who knows, given the amount of clots in me legs, I may need to be on coumadin for life too. I am 38 this year. That's a bridge I'll cross when I come to it. All in all, if that is the worst the "big guy" can throw at me, I'll manage. Heaven knoes there are so many others who face bigger challenges every day!

Thanks for the support and I will keep you posted.

Bill