Coumadin - is this to used following knee replacement surgery for someone who takes NO medicine?

Yes. This is common protochol after this type of surgery. He most likely will not have to be on it long. Anytime they do this kind of surgery where they cut into bones like this, it raises the risk for blood clots exponentially. A blood clot that travels to the heart, lung or brain can be fatal or can cause a stroke so it is VERY important that he take this medication and follow his surgeons advice. It doesnt matter what drugs he has been on in the past or lack of drugs in the past. That has no bearing on the situation. Coumadin can sound like a very scary drug but with careful vigilance to diet and following up with regular blood work to check INR counts, this drug can be a lifesaver. He does NEED to be on the medication. Are they sending a home health nurse out to him? Many times home health will come out to help educate on dietary restrictions and perhaps to do the first few labs (bloodwork).

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If not he needs to be sure to read up on it and make sure that his Dr has set up for his bloodwork. Depending on the results, they may change his dose frequently. Everyone reacts a bit differently to the drug, thats why there is aneed for careful monitoring. Yes, the drug can be scary and somewhat dangerous if not monitored. As long as it is monitored carefully, it is much safer than going without and ending up with a blood clot. Blood clots can be fatal or cause permanent brain damage and paralysis. Most likely he will only need to be on it a short time until he heals.

Hi Cathy -

Because of the risk of developing blood clots following these types of procedures, it is an absolute necessity that he take a blood thinner. Coumadin is for that. They usually are not long term, okay??? I understand the fear and can appreciate being leery because of the perceived side-effects but those side-effects are not the norm. The medicine is nothing like Aleve and has nothing to do with pain. Coumadin is administered to avoid blood clots, which can be deadly.

Following my hip replacement, I was on it for only 1 month. When my levels were within range - the doctor told me I could stop. Peace of mind is a small price to pay - death is pretty final.

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The worst of it is over... Your surgeon has been doing this a long time. You chose the surgeon to do the surgery (a risk because of the possibility of infections and other complications associated with surgery) and let the anesthesiologist put him under (much bigger risk because of the deep sedation which has been known to stop breathing [that happened to me] or death), I'm not sure why the concern over any perceived side-effects of the Coumadin (teenie, weenie risk compared to anesthesia)?

Blood work will be done at appropriate intervals to monitor him and how he is doing. I wouldn't be so concerned about the Coumadin side effects. I would be more alarmed about complications if he doesn't take it!!! Without a blood thinner the risk is extremely high for blood clots; a risk your surgeon wants to avoid at all cost. Tthe risk seems miniscule if put into proper context and perspective, right? You don't want new complications - you want healing and a smooth recovery.

I hope this doesn't sound like a lecture but I am more concerned that he will make a bad choice just to avoid a side effect that is relatively small in comparison to what he has already undergone.

I wish him well and a speedy recovery. I hope your mind is put at ease, too. .

Many blessings,
Mary