plavix - Heart Disorders Message Board

californian · 11-04-2004, 10:29 PM

I have been on Plavix for about 5 months. I am scheduled to receive an epederal shot due to a work related accident. the heart doctor says i can't quit taking the plavix and the doctor who is scheduled to give the shot says I can't take it for a week before. the heart doc says if I quit before a year I run the risk of blood clots. anyone know of such things?

Excelsoir · 01-16-2005, 08:57 PM

You must be taking Plavix to prevent clot formation - it affects platelet aggregation.
So you will bleed much easier and will not cease as is usual. I presume the doctor giving the epidural shot is worried about bleeding into the space and ultimately a clot forming there and maybe compressing your spine. I am not a qualified medically, but maybe the two doctors should have a chat. It is a case of risk verses benefit(s). Why are you having the epidural ? I am afraid you will have to listen to your doctors on this one, and find out about the risks.All the best,
Regards, Excelsoir

NineLives · 01-16-2005, 09:24 PM

I had a stent in Nov of 2001. Was put on Plavix. In December of 2001 I needed to have my gallbladder out and was taken off of Plavix with no ill side effects. I was off of it for a week. In Feb. of 2002 while still on Plavix I needed to have emergency heart bypass due to scarring around the stented area and therefore did not have time to get off of the Plavix. I was told I would be given platelets and the surgery went fine so on or off it I suspect you would be okay if just off of it for a week. Of course it depends on what you were originally put on the drug for. Like someone else mentioned. It would be nice if the two would confer.

Kitten1980 · 01-16-2005, 10:50 PM

Yes, this is definately a case of the two doctors needing to know what the other is doing. There are too many variables involved that unless both doctors know all the details no one can make an educated choice. Good luck hon.

KarenBeth · 01-16-2005, 11:29 PM

My father had to go off his blood thinning meds a week before an operation and then he went back on it after it was done.. I dont know.. you need to confirm this between the 2 doctors