Diep Flap on Coumadin

Snowflake888

Has anyone who required Coumadin on a daily basis had a diep flap. I am on Coumadin for an artificial heart valve and am considering a revision of my uncomfortable implants. My INR is usually well maintained, but after my PBMX and being sent home i bled out and nearly died. I required five units of blood. I had no issues with tissue expander to implant exchange six months later. If the risks are too great, I will try a pre-pec revision or at least switch to smaller sub-pec implants to reduce this chest muscle strain. I am so unsure of the best way to go. Like so many, I have put off medical appointments because of COVID-19.

Spookiesmom

Been on it for years. Prior to any surgery I was told to stop it 5 days before. Then after, I was sent home with lovenox, an injection I did my self twice a day 5 days. Then into PCP for INR, and any med adjustment Really wasn't a big deal. I have history of lung and leg clots.

Snowflake888

Thank you for your reply. I am so glad you didn’t have problems. I have done the lovenox thing a few times now. After the mastectomy, as I was bringing my INR back to therapeutic levels, I am lucky enough to have a home test kit. I began bleeding internally. After being sent home, I continued to deteriorate until I blacked out. After three units of blood, the plastic surgeon decided I was fine and should be sent home. I owe my life to a strong willed ER nurse who got the ER doctors involved who refused to release me. A day later, I was back in surgery and required another two units of blood. My entire breast area was blackened from hematomas. Needless to say, it was a long recovery. My plastic surgeon had originally cleared me for diep flap, but I chose the “easier” route. I guess I am worried about bleeding risks with a micro surgery, and hours of surgery. After almost two years, I still find my implants so uncomfortable. The balls of my shoulders ache every night and just taking a deep breath pulls at my chest muscles. I hope to make some sort of change after vaccines. Covid has kept me away. God bless the nurses. Has anyone else had a Diep Flap on blood thinners