I had to administer coumadin to my father for years. Too little and he ran the risk of heart attack and stroke; too much caused excessive bleeding and bruising. The tendancy was to prescribe more than was needed, as the consequenses were less dire. After Dad had a artificial valve placed in his heart, he was stuck taking coumadin for the rest of his life. Not taking it wasn't an option. Coumadin use required constant monitoring and lab testing. Hopefully, you'll only need it for a limited time.