All Blood Tests

Blood thinners are considered to be one of the most Dangerous medications on the market today. Many believe that the blood thinner known as “rat poison”is the cause of many deaths each year. What I believe, and know, may shock you. The information I will provide to you is in no way meant to replace the advice of your physician. I am not suggesting you change any instructions from your doctor. The information I will share with you is to EDUCATE you on things you NEED to understand to take better control while being managed on a blood thinner.

People are placed on blood thinners for a “number” of different reasons. Some such as DVT’s, PE’s, Afib, mitral valve replacement, stroke, etc. This is a medication that is most times referred to as a “blood thinner” because in a sense that is exactly what it is used for. If a blood thinner is “used” correctly AND “managed” correctly there is a very low probability of any serious conditions occurring. The problem is: if one of these elements ARE NOT done correctly – serious conditions can occur.

I have independently managed over 600 patients so I am quite aware of how serious this medication can be. If a person is educated on the medication itself and the seriousness of not following instructions, they can actually Enjoy their life as they did before. Many doctors offices are Not equipped for managing oral blood thinners. Why do I say this? Blood thinners require “attention and time management”, which many physicians just dont have. Doctors are bombarded with many different issues and situations that require their attention, therefore, the proper attention is not given to the patient taking a blood thinner. Is this an excuse for the doctor? Absolutely not. If a physician is NOT able to devote the time and effort necessary in managing a patient, he/she should refer the patient to someone who can. This could be, which is the best choice if available, to an anticoagulant clinic.

Education is “required” for the patient. Many patients are discharged from the hospital with inadequate information about taking a blood thinner, or they are started on one in a physician office and are not given the proper instructions. Both of these can cause “serious” complications. Blood thinners are probably one of the most important medications when started, that REQUIRE specific instructions. If Doctors and Patients understood this, the amount of deaths related to this medication will decrease! I honestly believe that we are “blaming” the Drug and the Drug Company because we are unwilling to place the blame “many times” where it belongs. As I have stated earlier: if the Patient or the Doctor does not fully understand the importance of managing this medication – serious complications Can And Will occur.

Spending 15-20 minutes with a patient who is started on a blood thinner and “walking” them through the steps in managing their medication is of the utmost importance. Teaching the patient that “testing” is Required on the exact day specified is essential. Following up with the patient in a “timely fashion” – is Mandatory. Patients should be given the: Date they need to have their blood work done, they should receive their results that day or the next day at the latest, they should also be given instructions on what dose to take and the next scheduled blood test date. Patients should be instructed to WRITE ALL this information done and record their doses along with their results and next scheduled follow up. Teaching a patient to take CONTROL will teach them the importance of taking this medication. These steps are very important!

Doctors offices need to make sure their staff is properly trained on managing anti-coag patients. That means, they need to understand what ranges the patient is to be kept in, what their diagnosis is, and how to properly start someone on a blood thinner and to teach the patient the steps given above. If and when, we actually hold ourselves accountable for treating and managing these patients, I truly believe we will see a difference in the complications that exist today. I encourage you to start to take this medication “seriously”. Patients should not have to live in fear while taking this medication.

If You are starting on blood thinner or even if you have been taking it for awhile now, I invite you to educate yourself. You may want to look up Coumadin Forum – it is on the Topix website and join in with many members who are educating themselves on what “they” and “their doctors” should be doing. Education is a must for taking for anyone taking a blood thinner. From Physicians to Patients – take control and do you part and YOU WILL enjoy your life.

Perhaps you would like more detailed information on what you need to know if you are taking a blood thinner. You will find it here: http://healthinu.wordpress.com

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