tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post5061235510352324148..comments2024-02-14T23:06:31.469-08:00Comments on Mid Sierra Musings: Cardiac Stents, Dual Antiplatelet Therapy And AnemiaDale Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-64600941895728948082017-06-13T04:58:58.069-07:002017-06-13T04:58:58.069-07:00I called my cardiologist to tell him I had blood i...I called my cardiologist to tell him I had blood in my urine for four days and took myself off the aspirin. The bleeding stopped in two days. My urologist confirmed that it was the dual antiplatelet therapy that caused the bleed and not disease or infection. My cardiologist told me I could go off the plavix. I am at the 6th month point and this is wonderful news. Additionally, I will be seeing my GI doctor next week and want to discuss reducing the antacids too since my risk of a GI bleed have been significantly reduced with the elimination of the Plavix. My questions to all cardiologists out there are, "How much bleeding are you willing to accept for elderly patients on dual antiplatelet therapy with a minimum one year protocol?" Anemia is a common symptom for older folks on DAT. How many folks have died due to anemia related problems and what quality of life does an older person have when anemia is a part of daily existence? Please let good unbiased research dictate the treatment. In this case, for me, longer was not better. I thank my cardiologist for understanding this.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659229161342692060.post-76386292181094282272017-03-15T04:36:28.281-07:002017-03-15T04:36:28.281-07:00My latest lab numbers are encouraging with a hemog...My latest lab numbers are encouraging with a hemoglobin of 9.8 and hematocrit of 34.1. In spite of all the other meds, my anemia is improving! I will continue to to test for anemia monthly and hope each new test will show improvement.Dale Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12975212053636312471noreply@blogger.com