Should I get a second opinion regarding my taking coumadin?

I have a history of heart problems..I had mitral valve stenoses which was repaired and then had a few different operations for non related problems since.I had no problems.I am a middle age woman now and have been on coumadin as a precaution for the past ten years.I had one operation while on this blood thinner and this was the last and only operation after which I had complications with and end up in intesive care on a transfusion and then another op to drain a pool of blood in my abdomen.I'd feel safer without the stuff.Should I get a second opinion?

It sounds to me like your treatment with coumadin is appropriate, given your history of mitral stenosis with "repair." However, without knowing details of your medical history, I cannot comment with certainty and would advise that you talk it over with another physician.

That said, usually mitral stenosis is not "repaired," but the valve is replaced with a prosthetic valve and coumadin is usually required in this situation. And patients with mitral stenosis also tend to have atrial fibrillation, in which case coumadin is also required. If either of these statements apply to you, you require the drug to prevent valve thrombosis and stroke.

It certainly could not hurt to get a second opinion. Coumadin, is as you know, a blood thinner. While I am not a medical professional, it is my understanding that no one should be on a blood thinner for that length of time.

That being said, you should definitely consult your cardiologist. Express your feelings with him/her and see if there isn't another option.

DIscuss with your physican about your concerns.
You are on the coumadin to prevent the formation of small blood clots related to your valve repair? did you have an artificial valve placed?
Many people are placed on coumadin for life for assorted conditions, valve replacements, atrial fibrillation, a history of blood clots, just to name a few.
If a surgery is elective they usually try to stop the med for a few days before the procedure. This is not always possible.
It would sound like you had some other complications from your last surgery that were exacerbated by the coumadin.

You should always get a second opinion to see what other options are possibly out there and make sure your doctor is providing you with the best care.

As for the coumadin, it's like anything else, it has both positives and negatives. Because you have a history of mitral valve stenosis, the coumadin has been preventing possible clots from lodging into your mitral valve, not allowing blood to flow freely and subsequently causing heart failure. Now, to say that any clots exist(ed) no one really knows (unless you've been diagnosed with a clotting disorder) but it has been a preventative measure for that 'just in case' incidence.

As for the blood pooling, it is an unfortunate side effect of coumadin combined with your cardiac disorder.

I don't blame you for asking about discontinuing the coumadin but I would not do so without first speaking to a physician; who knows how your body will react after ten years.

You still need the coumadin if you've had a valve repair. You don't say if you have an artificial valve, but as you know, problem and artificial valves can have minute blood clots form around them which, if those clots break loose, can lead to stroke.

The problem is that you had an operation while on a blood thinner. The coumadin should have been temporarily stopped days before your surgery. Didn't your surgeon ask if you were on any medications? He/she should have, and you should have informed them of that fact.

Have you asked your own doctor if you can discontinue the coumadin? If you'd feel better with a second opinion, get one. Perhaps you can take aspirin on a daily basis, if you don't have an artificial valve and a recent echocardiogram shows your valve to be functioning normally.

I'd suggest you talk to your physician first. There may be a reason that long-term anticoagulation is a no-brainer for your doctor (an artificial mitral valve, for instance, leaves no room for a second opinion). While you're there, you can sign the usual release forms so a copy of your records can be sent to the consultant.

if you stop taking coumadin you will form clots on your replaced mitral valve and will eventually have a stroke. if you are having any surgical procedure the coumadin should be stopped for at least 7 days prior, and this should be discussed with your surgeon. if your operation was planned, and the doctor had knowledge of your coumadin use and did not instruct you to stop, you have grounds for a lawsuit.