What dose of hepron should the machine be set at when a patient is on her menstral cycle? Obviously the patient will hemorage if the dose is too high. Is this as serious as it sounds?

Pam,

This is a question for your nephrologist and ob/gyn MD. The dialysis unit should have a procedure for minimal heparin protocol when ordered by the nephrologist. Some procedures allow the nurse to use the protocol until the nephrologist can give additional orders. Ask your nurse and MD�s about your particular case. Heparin dose needs to be very patient specific.

Deborah

I used to have my heparin cut for menses, until I started clotting my dialyzer. Now I don't do anything different during menses, and I don't have any 'accidents'. I may just be lucky and able to get away with it, but maybe you should try doing one treatment with the regular dose of heparin and see if you can get through the treatment without needing to use the ladies' room.