Afraid of Being on Blood Thinners

I honestly don’t remember much about the days following my discharge from the ICU. As vivid as the days leading up to — and being admitted into — the ICU are, I don’t recall much from the days and weeks after.

The 2 memories I do have are pretty run-of-the-mill: my mom picking me up from the hospital to take me home and going to the local botanical garden with her while she pushed me around in a wheelchair.

Actually, my profile picture was taken that day, over 8 and a half years ago. But I do remember I was sent home with a new medication... a blood thinner.

I'd never heard of young people taking blood thinners

Just like my idea that pulmonary embolisms "only happen to old people," I was also under the impression that only elderly people or people with really bad heart problems were on blood thinners. But I was only in my late 20s! I’d never heard of anyone so young taking blood thinners, let alone imagining it would ever be me. But there I was.

I was terrified.

I lived in fear for a long time

When I was discharged from the hospital, I was sent home with a rather large packet of information, some of which covered what you should and should not do while taking anticoagulants. Don’t shave with a razor. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t jump out of airplanes (I guess I should take skydiving off my bucket list!). Lots of don’ts and should nots. Lest you get hurt and start bleeding and can’t get it to stop.

I honestly lived in fear for a very long while. I remember being on forums and people like me, new to taking blood thinners, expressing concern about not being able to do things. And people who had been on blood thinners for a long time saying not to worry about it that much and to "just live life." But how could I "just live life" when 1 little mistake could put my life in danger?

Realizing my likelihood of injury hadn't changed

For a long time, I was meticulous about following the rules. I got a new toothbrush, an electric razor, and avoided using anything sharp. Honestly, it was crippling. And then I turned to the dark side. I mean, the "just live life" side.

(Disclaimer: This is not medical advice; it’s just how I choose to function within the confines of my condition. Talk to your doctor before deciding to use a sharp pair of scissors or a butcher knife. But in all seriousness, I’m not giving advice.)

After a while of tiptoeing around anything that could possibly stab, stick, or poke me, I realized that the chances of something bad happening were no greater than they were before being put on blood thinners. Did I cut myself every time I shaved? No! I’ve accidentally shaved off a piece of skin less than the number of fingers on my hands. Have I ever cut my finger off while making dinner? No! Do I care what toothbrush I use? Not really.

Managing my fear of bleeding risk

Statistically, I’m at no greater risk of an accident happening just because I’m on anticoagulants. Yes, the consequences of getting hurt are more severe, but what good am I doing living my life in fear? What opportunities would I miss out on if I’m always afraid of bleeding?

Instead, I keep clot-forming powder and superglue on hand. Throw in some pressure bandages and I’m good to go. (I would argue that these should be part of any first aid kit, but that’s not the point I’m trying to make.)

I’m always extra careful when I’m in the kitchen, when using sharp objects, and when shaving. It’s always in the back of my mind that I could get hurt and start bleeding profusely. But I no longer let that fear control me.

No, I will probably never go skydiving, but just don’t tell my doctor that I use a razor to shave my legs, okay?

How did you cope with the fear and anxiety?

How did you feel when you started taking blood thinners? Were you anxious like I was? Let me know in the comments!

Do you have a story to share about being on blood thinning medications? Click the blue button below to share it with our community.

Share your story