If your taking Coumadin, you need to be watched very carefully. You have to be consistent on your diet and not add or take away a lot. If you pro time is too high it may cause bleeding and if it is too low it is not protecting you. Once you adjust to it and if you don't have any reaction from the pill itself, you can enjoy life again knowing your protected from stroke. I have been on Warfarin (generic Coumadin) for over two years. I don't have many complications from the pill. I have noticed my hair has thinned out since starting the drug. You have to let your Dentist and other medical staff know your taking it. Be careful of bumps as you bruise so easy now.

I never had any side effects from warfarin, but, as a vegetarian, i have to be careful about my intake of greens. and, i've always bruised easily, so at first i was a little wary about "strenuous" activities and getting bumped, but not any more.

Hair thinning from coumadin is interesting. My hairdresser has recommended that I tell my doctor that I'm losing too much hair. (he thought it might be a thyroid problem) But, maybe it is from coumadin.

Blessings...
I have been newly diagnosed and have been on coumadin for since January...blood readings are "perfect" as described by my doctor. I have no side affects. I am looking to adjust my intake of supplements Omega 3s and Coensme Q-10, plus to increase more salads into my diet...all of this can affect blood thickness. More salads is a personal decisions I just feel like eating more salad.
I am discussing this with my doctor.

I am adjusting well to coumadin as far as my levels are concerned. I do have issues with salad fixings.. I am a salad lover.
Since I am allergic to every known statin and even COQ10, it is difficult to adjust.
Cholesterol is about 310, even though I am taking OMACOR as well. Doctors are working on another plan of action for me.

I was settled in my INR readings but recently I have been low...about 6 weeks ago I was at 1.6 and I looked at whatI was eating and notice I was eatin cashews for controling appetite. Cashews are high in Vitamin K, my reading went up to 2.3. I had another blood test to make sure I was steady. The readings were back down to 1.8. The only thing I changed that time was the brand of Omega 3 I take...I changed back to my original brand and will get a blood test today to see what happens.

I'm really frustrated at this, I've not had an event since April 17th and I think its time to switch to natural anti coagulants. I will be making that switch soon.

I have most of the self injury books and I agree with you it is a powerful story. Have you read Bodily Harm?

It is very frustrating.. I also have high cholesterol and there is a battle with the do and don't eat food listing..

I,ve been taking counadin for 2 years now. NO side effects except for bruising. The only thing I really hate is that my doctor has me going for blood work to check my INR every 3 weeks.

I liked this book because it was a good balance between help and the stories and experiences of others who SI. I used it extensively to research for a paper I wrote on SI! Well worth having for the resources too.

Best book out there on self harm, and I have read several. Highly recommend it.

If you are just starting therapy, might also want to read Scarred Souls by Tracy Alderman. It is a very elementary read, but it has exercises in it to help you understand your SH behaviors which can help start the dialogue with your therapist.

A Bright Red Scream helped me know I'm not crazy. Grateful for this book.

i have read most of the SI books..this book is a thumbs up as well. :)

I love this book. It describes me so so much. I want to carry it around so I can let people know about all the torment inside my head. And it wasn't very SI triggering, just emotionally intense because there was finally someone talking about what I was going through.