Hi Jeff,
On 2-11-08, I had a blood clot in the calf of my right leg. Several weeks prior, results of blood work showed my cholesterol to be 134 and triglycerides were 111. (No Meds) Blood Pressure and sugar controlled with diet.
I stayed in the hospital for 7 days on heparin and coumadin. I was told my INR (International Normalized Ratio) should be between 2 and 3. I was finally discharged when my INR reached 1.86.
The blood work the day I was admitted, showed my Protein C to be 70 and Protein S was 29, both low. Dr. told me that I must stay on coumadin the rest of my life since my Protein C/S is low. He told me there was nothing I could do to bring the Protein C/S within range because it was in my genes. This is very disturbing since I have been able to get off meds for, diabetes, cholesteral and blood pressure since following Dr. McDougall. I was walking 3 to 5 miles a day. I am 72 and never had a blood clot before. My A1C runs 5.5 blood pressure average 130-135 over 60-69.
Since leaving the hospital...blood pressure running on average 160 over 70-80. I haven't found anything that says coumadin causes a rise in blood pressure.
I must say, I do not have a lots of faith in most of the doctors...they usually want to write a prescription.
I am confused about viamin K, spinach, kale, cabbage, lettuce etc with the use of coumadin. Does vitamin K help raise the INR or does it help lower INR or neither. Is there something I can do to raise my Protein C/S?
While typing this post...it came across the CBS news that Heparin is being investigated by the FDA because of 21 deaths that heparin supposedly caused. I'm trying to stay off of these drugs and live a healthy lifestyle with diet.
I need some help!
Thanks,
Charlie