Well, I'm sorry that it's come down to that. You do what makes the most sense given your options. So, I don't blame you for that decision at all.

I'm not sure if I should say 'sorry' or what to say, since I know you were somewhat uncomfortable coming off. Considering the blood tests, your decision makes sense. Normally I would consider it a pretty big negative, because I actually do hate taking it, but you know, some of us are just in the situation where we don't have much choice. When there's proof of being at a pretty significant risk, it's better to stick with the medication rather than to reclot (and believe me, I know since it took me three times clotting before I finally accepted I have to stay on coumadin - my blood work is all normal, by the way).

So I guess just settle in for now, in a way it's kind of easier being on coumadin when you know it's permanent (or semi-permanent until a better solution presents itself).

Well ... at least that's one decision you won't have to make again! Me personally, I wanted to come off warfarin after my first two clots, but after my third clotting incident, you couldn't pay me enough.

Folks have different relationships with their meds, for sure. I used to hate it, but now I consider it a dear friend. Sometimes it just takes time.

Hopefully, you find some peace out of all this.

jmac it sounds like you are content with your decision for now, and you can always change your mind later. It's great that you that the Dr reviewed everything right back to the beginning, they don't do that enough!

I'm sorry you're back on warfarin, but if I were in your shoes I would do exactly the same thing. From an anxiety standpoint at least you'll feel better! You can always come off warfarin later to have the tests re-done if you decide to test again.

hi jmac67

well what can i say, i think your doctor has done the right thing afterall we all know the consequenses of PE's and DVT's. the way i look at it is that its just some tablets but they can save your life so its a small price to pay.
i have bought the home INR testing machine and its great since i have been using it and managing my warfarin levels myself i have been much more stable, i can do a test whenever i like so it does give you a degree of freedom.
maybe this is something you may want to consider

love to you sharon

Thanks guys, I'm not sure how I feel about it at all but in a strange way I think it's a kind of relief. I mean I was nervous when I came off warfarin in April but I embraced it and filled my shopping trolley with vegetables galore, I've enjoyed the freedom to eat as I wish but the underlying worry u feel with every little niggle has remained a constant in my life and I'm not sure if it would ever leave. Too many nights I've felt like sh*t and went to bed early telling myself that if I was the same in the morning I would go back to the dr. Trouble is I am sure the dr is sick of seeing me! I see this as damage limitation perhaps. I'm certainly at ease with the decision at this time, I can't really remember how the warfarin made me feel or if the things I experienced we're as a result of the pe so I will just see how it goes. At least this time I'm not having to deal with the recovery so that's a bonus. Last night I woke with indigestion and kind of thought yes I do remember this but I'm sure it died down after a few weeks. At the moment I've been shown how to self administer the dalteparin injections. This morning I managed to bend the needle! Thank goodness they are short term, they sting like mad and leave terrible bruising. Can't wait to get to the therapeutic level and just get on with it. I'd b interested in hearing where u bought your monitor from Sharon, what did the drs think of this too? How often do you test and who decides on your dosage of warfarin? J

For a lot of us, the second go with warfarin is much easier. I think you just get over it, over micro managing the diet, the stress over your INR. I think you realize the level of vigilence it takes to constantly be focused on it takes a toll. Warfarin kind of loses its mystique the second time around and you wonder why you gave it so much power over your life. At least that's how it was for me when I went back on it.

I'm a little surprised they're having you take shots this time around since you've been off warfarin without incident, and even had the option to stay off and re-test in 6 months. I would be fighting those shots to the bitter end... ugh! I would literally shake and cry every time I had to give myself one (yes, I'm a big baby!).

I only had to do the shots for 6 days so it wasn't too bad. I did ask why when I hadn't had more pe's and was told that sometimes when u start taking the warfarin it can cause clots so the heparin stops that from happening. (Haematology dept gave me this answer)

I've heard that too. When restarting warfarin, they want you to be taking the shots at the same time. Otherwise, apparently, your risk of clotting can increase for a few days. I had to stop warfarin for surgery twice last year and everyone was very aggressive in making sure I had both shots and warfarin afterwards.