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1569985 tn?1328247482

Concerned about hitting my head while on Warfarin

Hi -- I stood up under a cabinet today and hit my head.  I am worried about being on Warfarin.  I really smacked it, but it did not break the skin and I did not see stars, pass out or anything.  I called the nurse and she told me to watch for double vision or dizziness, but she said they worry more about people slipping and falling and cracking their head. So far I just have a slight headache, but my anxiety is kicking in and that's never good.

Has anyone had this happen?  Any input?  Thanks.
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1423357 tn?1511085442
My accident prone dad was sitting on an upside 5 gallon bucket when  he leaned backwards, lost his balance, and fell backwards striking his head on some hard packed dirt.  He ended up with a subdural hematoma and was touch and go for a while.  They drilled two holes in his skull to drain the blood out.  The injury was delayed and didn't appear for several days.  It marked the beginning of my dad's failing health.  Don't take any chances.  Please get it checked out!
Helpful - 0
20820794 tn?1522894085
When the anxiety hits, I usually try to do something to take my mind off of it, and it usually goes away.
Helpful - 0
20820794 tn?1522894085
Im in the same warfarin boat, massive pe and dvt.
Hit my head earlier on the suv back door thing that lifts up, putting in groceries.
Hit it good but not enough to see stars.
And the anxiety starts making symptoms placebo style.
I have been to the ER so many times because of it.
Paranoid about every little thing, I hate it.
Seems to really kick in when im tired.
Hope all is well with you.
Helpful - 0
1569985 tn?1328247482
I was told, years ago after chemo treatments, not to sky dive or roller blade or any of the obvious stuff because of osteoporosis brought on by the treatments.  No high impact exercise.  My EP also told me about Pradaxa not being something they could reverse, whereas with Warfarin, they can give you Vitamin K or Plasma.  The only thing I know for sure about blood thinners is falling and hitting your head should warrant a trip to the ER to be checked out.  I think it is the weight of your body making the impact harder and, of course, if it's on cement that would factor in too.  I would think if your INR is within the range you have less to worry about.  Just checked the booklet I got from the Coumadin Clinic.  "Notify your doctor immediately if any of he following occur:  A serious fall or if you hit your head; bleeding that does not stop from cuts or from your nose; more bleeding than usual when brushing your teeth; more bleeding than usual with your menstrual period or any other vaginal bleeding; blood in your urine (may be pink to dark brown); blood in your stool (black or tarry stool); unusual bruising  (black-and-blue marks on your skin) for unknown reasons; fever, sickness, severe diarrhea or nausea, dizziness or confusion; rapid or unusual heartbeat, shortness of breath or chest pain; pain or swelling in any part of  your leg or foot."  I also found out that Pepto bismal and antibiotics will interact badly with Coumadin.  Hope some of this is useful.  I would REALLY like to be off this medication!
Helpful - 0
1970283 tn?1326211799
Good luck with your head Injury
I've been on Pradaxa for about a month now.  The EP just said be careful - if you start bleeding there's no reversing the anticoagulation effects of Pradaxa.  Now I'm not saying I'm accident prone - but I live an active life style that usually involves bumps and Bruises.  I've looked online for activities to be avoided and I can figure out the obvious - no Ice Skating or Hockey, skiing - even with a helmet - seems off limits - but what about Cycling or Mountain biking, or trail running.  My Wife thinks that doing construction projects around the house should also be off limits.
What have people been told to avoid while on Pradaxa or Warfarin?
Helpful - 0
1569985 tn?1328247482
Thanks for the input.  I was concerned because my Dad was on Plavix and had a fall and had a bleed.  I won't go into details, but it wasn't pretty.  I seem to be okay, but it's the first thing that popped into my mind, don't want to injure my brain, having heart issues is quite enough.  My head is sore today, but no lump and my hubby says just a small bruise.  I seem to be walking and talking and no double vision, so guess it's all right.  I do appreciate your input.  Anxiety seems to find me no matter what, and staying informed  is my best cure for it.  Thanks again.
Helpful - 0
612551 tn?1450022175
COMMUNITY LEADER
I am, or was, about 6' 6" and as is the problem with this height I often hit my head.  The last time was on the kitchen range hood while I was working on the wall behind it for painting.   I did break the skin, and being on warfarin did some bleeding, but not enough to worry me.  

I have been on warfarin for many years, and recall in my down-hill skiing days taking a spill that made me think "concussion", but after a few minutes I seemed to be fine.  Hum, maybe this is what is wrong with my memory : (  

Since the end of 2007 I have been in permanent AFib too.  To your question, yes, I have hit an banged my head a number of times and I have not had any bleeding related problems, related to warfarin or just to accidents.   Then too, I get on rather well with warfarin, and a good thing it will be with me until the end, unless there is some miracle AFib cure invented before that time.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Permanent AFIB - why don't you have ablation- it's no biggie
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