I have vascular dementia, and very poor hearing, so avoid the phone if possible. I wondered if anyone else has seemingly been abandoned, or have they cut back on blood tests?
My feet have suddenly swollen something awful, would this have anything to do with Warfarin level, please?.
Hi inchcock, your feet are very swollen. I can't help with the cause, but I would urge you to seek medical help as soon as you can, even if it means using the telephone. I feel for those people in your situation in having to use the telephone and in particular with having to deal with GP receptionists who don't always understand some of the difficulties of dementia. If you aren't confident, is there someone, (friend, family member or trusted neighbour) who could support you in making that call? It's really necessary, honestly.Unfortunately many people are reporting exactly what you are; that tests are overdue or have been ignored, but in your case it's really essential to bring it to someone's attention. Take care.
Thanks a lot gal.I'll ask the carer if she can ring them for me, depends on which one comes, and at what time. The surgery only takes calls for appointments after 11:00hrs. I only have carers to give me the medications, I seem to have been getting in a pickle taking them myself. I beg them to mention the Flu jab appointment as well. Cheers.
I have been on Warfarin for nearly 12 years and have never had this issue with my feet. It maybe that something else is going on and you should seek treatment on a priority basis. Forget the GP, service from GP's surgeries are beyond woeful .... I would phone 111 if you are in Britain.
Alternatively, if you are OK on computers send a copy of that photo to your GP asking for an urgent appointment.
Hope all goes well for you.
Cheers, Sir,I used to be able (before Covid) to email the surgery - but now it gets bounced back to me? Unless I'm doing something wrong. If a caring carer calls (few and far between), I could ask them to be there while I call 111 and monitor what is said, so I don't miss-hear or forget what is said. I went for a memory test last month and felt as if I was in the way. Because I forgot to put my hearing aids in, my bad results were put down to that by the Doctor who phoned me, not that I could understand everything she said. Sorry, I'm waffling.
Thanks again.
May I suggest if your email is bouncing back then it is likely the address you are sending to is incorrect. Suggest you check your surgery letterheading and type exactly the email address given. Exactly 🙂Also make sure you are not trying to email the web address. Apologies in advance if I am telling you something you are already aware of.
John
Thanks, my friend. I've had help from a Carer at the complex. She has arranged for my flu jab. And found out that I should have been informed that the Warfarin DVT nurse has stopped home calls, and I should go to the surgery for my INR test. But I'm sure I have not had any letter about that. She's made me an appointment for a blood test. 5th October is the earliest date. According to how I am on the day, it will mean two bus trips either way. That will kill the rest of the day for me, but at least I can some guidance on how many Warfarin tablets to take. Chief Care Natalie, also arranged for me prescriptions to be collected, and the chemist not to moss delivering again. It's all confusing me a little, but I appreciate the help so much. Cheers.
Some gp surgeries are rubbish aren't they and not fit for purpose!
I'll double-check, Sir. Then try again. Thanks.
As everyone has said, get help to ensure your swollen feet are looked at urgently.
Meantime don't know your circumstances, but self testing (in your case with help from a carer or community nurse) using Coaguchek monitor (£300) will put you in control and provide you with your INR level regularly. Your health authority may decide to fund the monitor.
Also many surgeries are triaging which starts with an application called eConsult where you describe your issues. You will then get an appointment if you make clear issues with hearing/telephone.
Otherwise get someone to call 111 which almost certainly will prompt contact by them with your surgery.
Good luck. I hope at least one of my suggestions is of some help. TC
Thanks for your concern, A couple of years ago, I asked about Coagucheck, but the Nottingham Area do not provide any assistance. I looked up the price of machines and swaps on the web, and mentioned that I'd like to give it ago to the nurse who called to do the IRN checks (But no longer, all cancelled due to Covid now). And she spoke with someone, and they decided because of my Peripheral neuropathy and the shaking right side from the stroke, it would not be safe to let me use them, for a prick on the finger end? And yet, I have filled needles in the event of the INR going too low, and have to inject the Enoxaparin into the stomach, and they let me do that??? Confusion reigns. Thanks again!
It’s good that you are asking for help If you are registered with a warfarin service I am very surprised that you have nit had INR tests regularly- managing your warfarin is their responsibility.
I am an Anticoagulation nurse so do understand the importance.
I am also concerned about your hugely swollen feet. Are you in warfarin for previous DVTs? Sometimes ones feet can swell due to your heart not working as well as previously and you may require some water tablets.
Whatever is the case, you should ring 111 today and get some urgent advice- please?
Thanks, Suebo2.
The head Meridian carer in the complex spoke with the Doctor's surgery last week for me. It seems I should have got an email or letter, most likely, telling me that the haematology nurses no longer do home visits for blood-test. But I have not been informed about this. So months later, I find out? I have to go to my doctor's surgery. Not going to be easy, two buses each way, and a long wait if I miss the connection. At least they have given me a date and time I should attend for the next test - but it is not until 5th October.
The carer also booked my flu jab for 25th October at the surgery. Then spoke with the chemist, who had not delivered my prescriptions and had them in the store for a week.
This morning (Sunday), the swelling on the left foot has died down; the right one is still swollen.
At least something is being done at last. I'd be lost and confused without help.
Sorry to waffle on. Thanks again.
Is the swelling better in the morning snd gets worse during the day ?
No rigid pattern, Suebo2. The carers give me the Furesomide each morning, so I know I've not missed any. Tonight, the right foot is painful to stand on, but I could do the hokey cokey with the left one. (I couldn't really, Haha!) But the pains in the left has greatly reduced, as has the fluid retention. Thanks, Mon Ami. 👍
Sunday night. Thank you.
I just joined this group and came across your health conversations today. How are you faring, now? Do you have your INRs under control? Are you having them monthly? Your ankles looked so painful in the photos you shared. Have you seen a Dr. about that? It's been a year since your last message, so I pray that you are so much better. Please respond to let us know how you are doing. I would really like to know. Thank you! ♥
Thank you: The Warden at the flats sent a photo of the ankles to the surgery (Doctor) for me. She said she was not concerned about the ankles. But doubled my Angina tablets as I was having more bother with Anne Gyna. That worked; it is a lot easier now.
The INR blood tests average about every fortnight at the moment - up and down. I have just had it confirmed that I have Vascular Dementia (Dementia Doreen - I give them all names. Hehe!) This is not good, the Doctor is referring me to somewhere to get help, but even with the hearing aids in, I didn't catch who or where. I got a smidge confused during the appointment.
Good news: I'm going in to have the Cataract in the right eye done on Thursday, 9th Nov. Again, ILC warden (Deana) helped me out with arranging a lift there and back, where to go, and reading the 8 - A4 pages of instructions on what to take with me. Between Dementia Doreen and Cataract Katie, I could not read or understand it. A saviour is Deana, and so busy with all the other tenants as well.
I'm waffling, sorry.
The ankles have gone down tremendously on their own accord.
OH MY GOD! Because of appointment delays in testing my INR, I almost died and was bleeding internally and through my stomach muscles. My INR level was 8!! Someone who is monitoring you is a quack.
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