Pulmonary Embolism Support Group

By far the most common form of pulmonary embolism is a thromboembolism, which occurs when a blood clot, generally a venous thrombus, becomes dislodged from its site of formation and embolizes to the arterial blood supply of one of the lungs. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, pain during breathing, and more rarely circulatory instability and death.

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PE Meds and Meds for Arthritis

frkrhe
frkrhe
I am taking Warfarin for PE. It will be for life because it turns out that I am positive for Factor V Leiden. Fast forward I was having increased lower back and hip pain. Was diagnosed with Arthritis via symptoms and bone scan. The inflamation is compressing the Sciatica Nerve and the end result is pain in the lower back, hips and legs. So my oncologist has me follow up with my GP. The pain is pretty much consistant so my GP and I have a nice long visit/exam/discussion. The end result is 200 mg of Celebrex once a day with daily stretches. We test my INR which was 2.1 (a little low for me) however GP said Celebrex typically does not affect with Warfarin. However we will retest next week and go from there. I am nervous about using the Celebrex with the Warfarin because of the interaction of the two meds and the stated side affects of the Celebrex. At the same time the pain level has gotten to a point where I can't ignore and move on with life. Using Loratab or something like it would not be an option as it would be very long term. Has any one needed pain meds for another condition? What sort of meds can we take while on Warfarin that work for Arthritis? What choices do we have?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have spinal stenosis which was diagnosed 7 years ago and, before the PEs, I was taking Relafen for pain and aspirin along with blood pressure meds for hypertension. When Coumadin became a part of my life I had to give up the Relafen and aspirin so my PCP put me on 100 mg of Celebrex every day. It has been sufficient for the pain and I was reassured that it would not be a problem with the Coumadin. My pharmacist thought it was the better solution too so that's all I can tell you from my own case.

Wish you good luck with it. Stretches and physical therapy help me too although finding the strength to do them right now has not been easy.
frkrhe
frkrhe
Thank you for your reply. I was worried about the Celebrex and the interaction with the Warfarin. I still have a few concerns about the Celebrex and the possible long term affects. But for now I will be monitored a little closer being on both the meds. The stretches do make a difference, although there are some I can't do as I have lymphedema in my arm as a side affect of having lymph nodes removed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago. I know there will be good days and bad days with flare ups but I am determined to make more good days.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) and was diagnosed with clots a year ago in my lungs. They have me on Etodolac (anti inflammatory) and Enbrel for the RA itself. Due to these meds they have me taking Prilosec OTC to prevent a stomach bleed. So I'm surprised to hear you guys arent on something like that unless it wasnt mentioned. Just something to maybe keep in the back of your mind and ask your doc.
frkrhe
frkrhe
Poohbear4, Interesting about the Prilosec. I am not on anything like this. Could it be the specific meds we are each on and for the reasons we are on them?

I am leary about the Celebrex for long term use because of the potential risk and side affects, which I understand most NSAID's have. I am not familar with pain meds except for recovery after surgery and of course over the counter pain meds. So I don't know what it available and what is generally used for each condition with the best results and least side affects.

I go back to the doctors Tuesday for my INR check to make sure the Celebrex is working well with my Warfarin. I know I need to give the pain meds and stretches time but I also would like to be pain free. Don't get me wrong things are better and it's only been a couple days (one of those days I developed some sort of intestinal bug) so I am trying to be patient but it's not easy when you have a family who doesn't understand the pain.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ohhhh I hear you on the family not understanding the pain! Friends dont either! You know it doesnt hurt to take Prilosec. Just be sure your doctor is aware. That strikes me that your doc didnt prescribe Prilosec with any NSAID. I'd definately question it! When I have pain I dont know if it's caused from my RA or the clots that I had in my lungs. Hang in there! All this is why we are here talking with each other, cause family nor friends understand!