Warfarin

[Pilgrim]

It seems likely that I will soon have to take the medication Warfarin (Coumadin) and have been warned that this could stop me undertaking long walks as the feet could bruise badly. Please, anyone out there taking this heart medication who could give me the benefit of their experience? Pilgrim

 

[alan_hogarth]

Hi Pilgrim, I'm on Warfarin after a major heart attack in 1990 I also have atrial fibrilation and Diabetes type 2!!

I walked the Camino Frances Roncesvalles - Santiago in 2002 and enjoyed it so much that I went back in 2003 and walked the last 100 km again.

In 2007, when I will be 70, I plan to walk the Via de la Plata. Yes it can be done! Just pay a lot of attention to your feet, prepare well and make sure that you are really comfortable with your footwear and socks. I used lightweight boots with a gortex liner in 2002 May to July pilgrimage but often found my feet uncomfortably hot; but the same boots were fine in November 2003 for the 100km walk. In 2007 I plan to use unlined boots and walking sandals alternating them as circumstances dictate. :roll:

Alan

 

[Pilgrim]

Walking with Warfarin

Alan, Thanks!! I am very grateful to you for your cheering message bringing hope that my Warfarin will not stop me walking. Without giving a long 'sob story' I will just fill in the details - after three Caminos I was planning the Plata this April when my Doctor, who was conducting some tests, told me to stop my plans as I urgently needed a heart operation, so on Wednesday this week I am having a heart valve replaced, Warfarin is a necessary medication to stop the artificial valve from causing blood clots. It was my heart surgeon who suggested that Warfarin might be, but only might be, a problem. At this stage awaiting hospital entry tomorrow, Tuesday, afternoon your message could not have come at a better time so I again thank you!! Pilgrim

 

[Dael]

When the going gets tough the tough get going.
Hang in there.
Don't just dream your dream, live it.
Buen Camino.
Dael

 

[ivar]

Get well soon Pilgrim!

Un saludo,
Ivar

 

[alan_hogarth]

Pilgrim,
Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Hope to meet you on the camino when you overtake me!

Alan

 

[Pilgrim]

Out of Hospital

Thanks for the kind messages!! I came out of Hospital yesterday with my new heart valve 'clicking' away happily. Ultreya Pilgrim

 

[alan_hogarth]

Great news Pilgrim delighted to hear that your pump is now fully repaired, the trick now is to gradually increase the use until it is 100% (under medical supervision) Once you get back onto the Camino you will need to set up an arrangement to check your INR level which dictates the Warfarin dosage. My hospital are prepared to give me a Warfarin level over the phone if I contact them with an INR level, apparently this is usual for people travelling.

Ultreya
Alan