Having a colonoscopy while staying on warfarin

[Consuela]

I am scheduled to have my 5 year colonoscopy. The last time I had it I got off my warfarin and had the bridging with lovenox. I had the colonoscopy and the cardio kept me on the injections for a few more days. After the third day I almost passed out and had a bloody stool. I thought I was going to get a stroke. The bottom line was I stopped the injections and went back to my medicine (warfarin) I do not want to go through that again. I have my own machine and I can get my INR readings down to where they (doctors) want it, but my cardio wants me to get the injections again. I will not do it. My gastro is willing to do it my way, but he needs the cardio's approval,which he will not give. So I am in a quandry. Has anyone else had a colonoscopy by just lowering their INR's into the range that was good for the procedure? Thanking you all for your help in this matter.

 

[DuchessBear]

Check out the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for their guidelines for remaining on warfarin. They say it's OK to remain on warfarin for a colonoscopy, and even to have polyps removed. Maybe that will convince your cardio. If not maybe your gasro and have a word directly with your cardio.

 

[Consuela]

Thank you Duchess Bear. Will do.

 

[Paul Schur]

I'm about to have my first colonoscopy and my DR says I dont need to bridge off warfarin to do it. Get a 2nd opinion.