You know sometimes when you're "living with Mac" you learn a lot. One of the things I have learned is you have to be careful when it comes to Dad's medication. Over the last few months, when it comes to Dad's medication, the pharmacy has make mistakes and the Doctors have made mistakes. I know, I know, we all make mistakes, we are all human ... but it is scarey because when a mistake is made the medication can affect Dad's life. You know I have no idea how seniors living on their own can track and keep tabs on what they are taking and why. I am sure the majority of them put their trust in "the system". Anyway, I digress .... I bring this "medication issue" up because over the last few days the following has happened:
Dad is on blood thinners. He is on blood thinners (Warafin) because of his congenital heart failure (did I mention that before?) and to reduce the risk of stroke. You may know, or not know, Warafin is rat poison, but they call it Warafin, well, because "rat poison" doesn't sound very good, does it. I believe Dad has been on blood thinners for at least 6-7 years, maybe more.
As a result of being on Warafin, Dad needs an INR test every two weeks. This is a blood test that shows if his blood is too thin or too thick. If it is too thin he could bleed to death internally. If it is too thick he could have a stroke. Anyway, Dad has been getting his INR checked every two weeks for quite awhile. He has taken 2 or 2 1/2 milligrams of Warafin per day pretty consistently for some time. Last Thursday (Aug. 26) we had a call from the "Unattached Patient Clinic" advising to increase Dad's warafin from 2 milligrams to 3.5 milligrams. I thought that was quite an increase and was going to question it but did not (lesson learned). Today we were told his blood is much too thin to and quit taking the Warafin. That is not good.
I will be talking to the Geriatric Specialist and the Unattached Patient Clinic tomorrow to find out what happened. Something was missed somewhere. Just thought I would share this and for your information you should always check the medication prescribed and dispensed whether it is for you or your loved one!
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