Joan:

The only thing Alan was told to go off of is Plavix. No one mentioned anything about aspirin. He even asked the pain management specialist if he should go off of aspirin and the 4000 of Omega 3 fish oil he takes and she said "All we care about is that you go off of Aspirin".

so ANYONE!!! Alan's doctor wrote the note clearing him for the procedure and wrote that he can go off of Plavix for 7 days prior. What do we do about the aspirin and the fish oil??

thanks much

Typically before surgical things, all substances that thin the blood should be stopped.

Fish oil
NSAIDs, aspirin
Vit E
Blood thinners (like Plavix)
Even SSRIs, because they increase bleeding

Contact the pain specialist and get more specifics. Every office is different in degree.

Hi! I just had an epidural shot into the neck. The physiatrist had me go off fish oil, aspirin, anti-inflammatories (i.e. ibuprofen) and all vitamins 1 week prior to the procedure. The reason they told me that I had to go off the vitamins is there could be something in the vitamin that thins the blood. Aspirin and anti-inflammatories are thought to thin the blood, too. Definitely check again with the place during the procedure.

It is basically an in-n-out procedure. Some anesthetic to numb the area, then the medication is injected, then you are monitored for a few minutes afterwards to make sure the vitals are okay.

Jeepers, Mel...maybe I was stooooopid for a reason! You better check and maybe it's a good thing that I made a mistake and then mentioned it here!

Contacting the pain specialist first thing Monday morning.

THANKS MUCH

P.S. When Alan and I were sitting being interviewed by the person who takes down all the info and she's the one who said "You MUST get a release from your doctor to go off of Plavix for 7 days prior to the procedure", Alan chimed in 'But I'm on aspirin, and I take Fish Oil".

She said "We are only concerned about Plavix"


I remember that conversation like it happend 5 minutes ago because we both said "But isn't Aspirin a blood thinner and isn't fish oil a blood thinner", and she again said "We only need you to be authorized to go off of plavix" Alan was going on and on about the supplements he takes and the lady said "no, we are only interested in the Plavix".

But believe me, I'm calling on Monday
I guess each office has their own rules

It is possible that the "release" they seek is a legal thing...
Plavix is RX and all the rest are OTC. Doctors must give RX for Plavix but OTC things are up to the patient.

I am concerned because ALL blood thinning things should be included in the final directions to the patient. So while it is true, legally they need that release from your doctor for the Plavix, it is their responsibility to see that YOU the patient do not consume other drugs or OTC things that can thin the blood.

You know I have been researching Fenugreek, (put a thread up on Diabetes forum), and Fenugreek has blood thinning potential too. Does Alan eat those sprouts with you? Many herbs including ginger have warnings to not consume with Coumadin, because of this blood thinning potential.

The doctors doing surgical procedures typically have lengthy lists of things to avoid. I don't understand what is going on at this place Alan is due to visit. It is possible to hit a blood vessel doing spinal injections. The bleeding warnings are to cover this possibility.

I'm sure it's a legal thing. They were specific about not doing anything unless his physician wrote an actual clearance for going off of plavix.

Sending you a PM.

Melody

You know if Alan stopped his Plavix without his doctor's release, to have another doctor do a "procedure" and he then had a heart attack, the surgeon could be liable for being sued. This is to protect the surgeon, NOT Alan.

Here is a typical pre-procedure guide:
http://www.spineuniverse.com/treatme...ural-injection

It is interesting that the OTC things including aspirin are not included. I know a gal who had one in her neck, and the doctor hit a hemangioma, and she bled into the spinal canal and was severely injured as a result.

I'd call the doctor's office just to make sure.

Now you KNOW I'm calling the doctor's office.

lol

Hi All.

Just got off of the phone with the Pain Management Doctor. He says Alan can stay on Aspirin and Fish Oil.

I wanted to make sure so I asked again and he said "no, there's no problem"


So, because Alan takes 4000 a day of the Omega 3, I simply said "Alan for the 7 days you will be off of Plavix, just go down to 1000 of the Fish oil"

he said 'sounds good"

So that's all set.

I guess different doctors have different criteria.

But lowering the fish oil for the 7 days, well, I think it's better than taking the 4000 a day.

Melody