holding blood thinners for a procedure is a gamble

[sullidog]

I had my catheter out today and since Tuesday I had to hold my blood thinners, I'm on thinners to help keep my access open, I noticed my thrill has changed a bit since they've been held. I know they have you hold your blood  thinners but in my oppinion if it's to keep your access running, it's taking a risk on having to be declotted, but if you don't hold them then you can bleed like crazy so it's a darned if you do darned if you don't situation, anyone else agree?

[jbeany]

My blood thinners were to keep my retinopathy from getting worse.  Even more thrilling to have to go off them with going blind as a possible complication.   

[Hemodoc]

You can ask your doctor about low molecular weight heparin (Lovenox is one of the more commonly used) and they can stop the coumadin which I believe you are implying as your anti-coagulant while covered by the LMW heparin which is then held and restarted after pulling the catheter. That gives you about 12 hours without coagulation which most patients tolerate compared to several days without coumadin. You may wish to discuss this with your medical team.


Another way to do this is a heparin window which is even shorter, as little as three hours without anticoagulation. That was used more frequently in hospitalized patients who needed coagulation for instance of artificial heart valves but also needed surgery.  None of these are without their own risks, but if clotting is the highest risk, they are the considerations most often utilized.

I hope that this is helpful information to discuss with your medical team.

God bless,

Peter