From: john schweinfurth
To: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Subject: Re: MED: Coumadin and singing
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

On Sun, 26 Dec 1999 21:13:56 -0600 (CST), VOCALIST wrote:

> I was treated with IV heparin for 4 days, then made the transition to
oral
> Coumadin. I am wondering how these blood-thinning drugs affect vocal
fold
> function and singing, if there are any precautions to take, etc. Is it
safe to sing, or am I better off putting off my "big singing" until after I
go off the medication?
MaryBeth D. Smith
> Coordinator of Voice/Opera
> Southwest Texas State University

Mary Beth,

You're going to need to be on that medication for 6 months - a long time not
too sing. I would recommend that you have someone look down there, or
better yet get a video strobe - before going back to singing, to make sure
that you don't have a 'varix' or an exposed blood vessel - that's just an
accident waiting to happen for a singer on coumadin. Certainly avoid any
'big singing' that's not necessary because you are at significantly
increased risk for a vocal fold hemorrhage. I don't think you need to give
it up completely, though.


John M. Schweinfurth, MD
Laryngology and Professional Voice Care
Assistant Professor
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
(615) 322-6180





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