08/02/2026
Recently a new patient attended Happy Feet Podiatry Clinic for the first time with a thickened nail. As part of their medical history they advised that they were prescribed blood thinners and in anticipation of the appointment didn't take their medication as prescribed. This is a massive NO NO from our perspective. We are qualified health care professionals and have lots of ways to migate the risks associated with thinner blood such as careful treating techniques, haemostatic dressings and appropriate aftercare if required. Blood thinners are life saving medication and should never be stopped on your own accord - the risk to your health is too great. Instead keep taking your medication, visit a clinician who is appropriately trained and communicate the medication you are taking with them. They can easily work with this.
I had a good chat with the patient and advised them to NEVER stop taking their medication unless told to do so by their healthcare professional. The treatment was carried out painlessly and effectively. The patient was pleasantly surprised how easily the condition was managed and realised there was no reason to delay seeking treatment - they had put the appointment off for quite some time.
There is a valuable lesson here so spread the word with loved ones - if you are prescribed blood thinners DO NOT stop taking them on your own initiative - it really could save a life.