Warfarin

His choice I suppose, but if he has an irregular heartbeat or the risk of his heart beating irregularly - even if he has no symptoms - then the danger is that the blood will not all be expelled from the heart at each beat and the remaining blood could clot. This could cause a heart attack or, if it breaks up and sends pieces round the body, a stroke.
I didn't enjoy being put on Warfarin, but quite honestly, apart from remembering to take it and the blood tests every couple of months I don't see what the problem is.

I don't want to live forever, for me the quality of life is the most important thing. Perhaps your husband is telling you that he has decided he doesn't want to prolong his life. I would respect his wishes.

DH has taken warfarin for about 12 years now after having embolisms twice - he takes a large amount against what we know some other people take - 7/8 mgs daily. This keeps his INR at the right level- 2.5/3 and he has ihis INR blood test monthly. As Baden says your DH is possibly putting himself at risk not taking it. I would mention it to the GP.
DH takes his in the morning - I know that it is better to take it before bed but he was always forgetting so the Dr said OK - most drugs are supposed to have effect for 24 hours I think - I know Blood Pressure ones are.

My H takes 3mgs on 5 days and 2 on 2 days. His INR has been 2.7/2.8 in all the time he has been taking it.
He will be 81 on Thurs and apart from his memory problems has no other health issues. I will contact his GP but expect it will be 4 weeks to get an appt ?

I'd be inclined to let you GP know and let things go annsixty. If he refuses to take them, it's very difficult to over ride his wishes. My mother was in a similar situation by her late 70's and made the same decision as your husband.
I'm another one with AF, failed cardioversion and continue to take warfarin and go for the regular INF test. It's my choice and I think you're right, the choice is your husbands.
Look after yourself, there are some battles we don\t need to have. That was the decision we made when mum refused warfarin x

I leave my husband in charge of his health (and he mine). When he wants to quit trying is up to him. So far he exercises and watches his weight, with me. When he quits is his to decide. Maybe DH is ready to be done?

annsixty Warfarin has many side effects, some people can use it without any some really suffer, both my DD AND DH have suffered with really sensitive skin on the soles of their feet because of warfarin, my poor Dad can barely walk because of it. I really struggled using it when i was in my early 20s and cant imagine how bad it must be in your 70s. If he cant face taking it anymore then leave him be, it is hard, i know you only want him to be safe but you really have to accept is wishes.

Thank you all for being so understanding. I thought maybe I would have some criticism but you do seem "to get" just what it is like living with someone who is losing his way weekly.

In view of your DHs Alzheimer's I think in your position I would request an urgent telephone appt/ ordinary appt with one of your surgery doctors or nurses, to discuss the situation. In the event of your husband having a stroke/heart attack, the pressure on you would be enormous! You have my sympathy, and you don't need this added pressure ?? Best of luck.

granny piper I'm not sure age has anything to do with a reaction to drugs. I had a dreadful reaction to an anti arthritis drug 5 years ago, evidently I was the one in 10,000 affected. I'm managing warfarin with no problems so far - two years in.

Ann I don't think you would need to wait for a doctor appointment. I suggest you ring the surgery and tell them and ask for a Dr to ring you back with advice. At the least they will record it in your OH's records.

An update, I was very lax in getting in touch with our GP when so many other things seem to take preceded, however I have had a long chat with our GP who agrees with me that while it would be advisable for him to carry on he would rather take the holistic approach that the confusion it causes it is better to stop it.
H is very fit with excellent BP, not overweight and his risk factor is 2% of having a stroke per year.
I am happy with the outcome.

Precedent!!

ann I have obviously never met your H but I think that he may well outlive the lot of us. I would not think for a minute that he knows what he is rejecting (Warfarin)and life would be hell if you attempted to sneak it in his food etc. I think that your GP has the right idea- let sleeping dogs lie and please do not have second thoughts- I am aware of the mental hell you go through on a daily basis. Why upset the apple cart?

I attended a talk about AF as I also take meds. I thought I had no risk now of a stroke caused by the heart only to hear that my chances have only bettered by 25&. One in four strokes can be prevented by taking Warfarin or the German equivalent Marcumar.
I take 2 3mg tablets per week. 1/4 everyday and half on Sundays.
I would not fight with him about it, it may even pass or he might take them now and again.

Sorry I meant 25per cent This lap top is rather small.

Sorry I meant 25per cent This lap top is rather small.