Coumadin and J-pouchers

Fuzzy

I took Coumadin for 3-4 years covering the period of my 3 surgeries leading to and after my pouch. I had no particular issues with it. A couple of years after getting my pouch my specialist and I discussed whether I really needed it and I switched to a baby aspirin and have had no issues.

Good luck.

Lew

Coumadin is fine. The same precautions would apply to you as it would anyone else.

The one exception is possibly vitamin K. It is possible that you would have less vitamin K than those with a colon, since much of what we get is made by bacteria in the colon. They tell you to not eat too many foods rich in vitamin K (like broccoli) or at least eat it in regular quantities, because it can interfere with your clotting times. But, I never found it to be a big issue for me. I was on it for about six months.

As to the ileus, sure, it is possible that the spinal had an effect, but a general would have the same effect, if not more. Plus, all the opiates you will need have an additive effect (unless they are using local anesthetic infusion for you). Don't know if they use that for hip replacement.

Jan

For joint replacements and a j-pouch, the newer anticoagulants like xarelto (not affected by vitamin K) may be an alternative. Orthopedics have been using xarelto for about a decade now to prevent DVTs. Ask your GI or ortho surgeon about xarelto. May give more uniform anticoagulation than coumadin. If you go with coumadin, eat the same amount of greens each week, and get your protime/INR checked weekly until the INR stabilizes at where the ortho doc wants it.