“What is causing all my pain?”
Hi, I have been taking warfarin for over 30 years now because I had 3 blood clots, 2 in my leg and 1 in my lung. For about 5 months I have been having pain in my chest when I walk, when or when it's cold. I now for 3 months have really bad attacks in my chest, neck, back, down my arms and hands, when it's cold, or I eat, rest, sleep, walk, or dress. I have had all tests and they say nothing wrong with my heart. I have every symptom of angina but they say I have not that either. I'm taking a spray for under my tongue, and tablets that are longer-lasting, but they don't seem to work that well. I can't sleep at night without taking diazepan. I feel so drugged up, and they seem to be working lesss. Also, I feel it's just shoving it under the carpet so to speak. It's not going away. Some days are better than others, but now I feel it's worse. What do you think it could be?
Female | 58 years old
Complaint duration: Months
Medications: Warfarin Trinispray diazepan
Conditions: On warfarin over 30 years
3 Answers
DoctorDoctor
Jennifer McLeod
Family Nurse Practitioner, Gerontology, emergency medicine, critical care, long term care, hospice
Wisconsin
Long term use of Warfarin can cause increased chest wall pain. It also has effects of calcium deposits. Increased vascular wall stiffness and reduced compliance is what I'm speaking of. This side effect can cause the pain you are speaking of, however with the anxiety of not knowing why you feel this way you can also be having some panic which often results in chest pain andor shortness of breath. Its hard for a better detailed answer with seeing tests and medications. If you have e received an echo, ultrasound of your arteries, blood work and so on, with no findings, I suggest a second opinion if you are not getting relief. Given DVT issues I am uncertain why you are not on Plavix or Elquis verses the warfarin. There are far less side effects with the constant testing. Please see your primary for a referral to a second opinion. Take care.Sent from my U.S.Cellular Smartphone.
Good evening, Your case sounds unique for sure. Have you ever had an EGD done? People who are on anticoagulants for long periods tend to have GERD. Severe GERD can cause all the symptoms you are speaking of. I would ask to have an order for an EGD. In addition you could start Pepcid over the counter to test the theory. Second theory is you may have a pinched nerve in your neck or down between your shoulder blades. The only way to diagnose that is with an MRI on CSpine and TSpine to see if thats an issue. Another consideration is maybe getting labs for an auto immune disorder. Thats an ANA with titer reflex. If you have an auto immune disorder that can also cause circulation issues that can cause the symptoms you are speaking of. Also see if you can get your TSH, T4 Free and Thypoid Antibodies drawn to rule out thyroid issues because that can also cause chest pain and certain issues. I really hopes this helps give you another starting point and get you on the way to relief. Stephanie.
This is way too complex for a QA20 See a hematologist why coumadin for that many years why not another blood thinner . I would not be able to answer you unless I have seen your labs your chart.
