Hi wonder if anyone can help me? I have been told that I might have to have my INR done while I am away, Trouble is we are going to

[suzytoshoes]

Canada, we will have to pay I think for the test, can I not just have the test when I get back ? its rather expensive just for a blood test,

Suzy

[BobD Volunteer]

I think expensive is relative.actually when your future health is concerned. . Yes you could get an INR test done before you go and again when you come back but it depends on how stable you are surely? I would be o k as I am on 84 day tests but if you are early in your warfarin life you may need more regular testing to be sure you are in range. Susy it really is a judgement call but don;t put yourself at risk . Remember that holidays usually mean different diets which can alter INR. Take care.

Bob

[Lal531]

Ask your GP to prescribe one of the newer drugs such Rivaroxaban ( Xarelto), Dabagitran etc. In the long run it is better for you, it also saves everyone's time and money. Have a look on the the NICE website:- nice.org.uk/usingguidance/c.... I hope this helps

Cheers

Lal

[Rainman3108 in reply to Lal531]

Hi. I was on Dibigan but was advised to change to Warfarin. The doctor told me that the long term affects of Dibigan were unknown and these possibly may be found to be detremental in the future whereas the former drug was well known. Regards David

[Rellim296]

How often do you usually have tests? How long are you going for? Does your INR usually appear to be stable? What is your INR at the moment?

I don't have any faith in my own ability to get on with warfarin and think one needs to be at 2.5 or thereabouts to have a sense of security.

[Hidden]

I would say Bob has a really bright idea, ask to be put on one of the new anticoagulants, at least for the duration of your holiday, so you don't have to worry about testing. I know GPs worry about the cost, but maybe for the holiday period they will see the sense.

Lis

[mallet-head in reply to Hidden]

HI Lis, I don't think these drugs are quite as interchangeable as you suggest as they work in different ways. The GP may decide to switch over to Rivaroxiban or Dabigratan if a stable INR cannot be achieved on warfarin, but it probably is not a decision to be taken lightly as they do have their own disadvantages (apart from cost).

cheers, Mallet-head

[Hidden in reply to mallet-head]

Hi Mallet-head, I'm not professing to be an expert, I never would, but they are all anti-coagulants... As you say they work differently and there are advantages and disadvantages to all of them, including warfarin and yes, the NOACs are a lot more costly but I was just wondering if the GP would wear it for a short while. After all, NICE is recommending doctors to prescribe them. If someone offered me one of the new ones I'd be tempted (no more testing! no more avoiding cranberries! yippee!), but with anything like this, you have to read up and make your own informed decision I think.

[mallet-head in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lis,

Just for background info, I found this article which describes the pros and cons of warfarin vs dabigatran or Rivaroxaban and how one might "transition" between them.

bloodjournal.hematologylibr...

It is clearly possible but it takes some time and some additional monitoring, which I guess may not be practical to switch over for a 2-3 week holiday. I am right with you regarding cranberries, and no testing! I personally would also welcome a more relaxed regime on alcohol intake!! As you say, ultimately you have make up your own mind, when in possession of all the facts relevant to your own situation.

Take care, Mallet-head

[Hidden in reply to mallet-head]

Thanks Mallet-head. It looks quite positive to me - with a bit of planning it would be do-able. I guess how much effort you're willing to put in depends on how far you're going to be from testing, how costly testing/hospitalisation is going to be, and how worried you are - all sorts of things. Interesting article.

Lis

[MarkS]

I would recommend getting a Coaguchek monitor. OK it costs £300 but it's the best thing I've ever bought. I've taken it to Canada, the States, India, etc. and carried on monitoring myself in very different conditions from the UK.

You can get some info here on INR testing for travellers:

sites.google.com/site/inrwa...

which includes some info on Canada. It would appear as though the cost would go quite a way towards a monitor.

Mark

[Hidden]

well i would either pay for check, get a monitor or try GP for a swap i lost 2 days holiday in Greece last year due to finding somewhere to get tested and INR had shot up so needed infusions re tests etc etc. The loss of 2 days hol was worse than the finacial cost. I have just started new anticoagulant so looking forward to 2 greek islands very soon

[jnh1]

Your health being more valuable than money, I would have mine checked in Canada as your diet will change and this May effect your INR readings. I travel a lot to Portugal and for the same reason I have mine checked there and it only costs three (3) euros, for peace of mind. Enjoy your holiday. J.

[Langara]

Eating and drinking in Canada is very much the same as here so you should be able to maintain a normal diet, and keep your INR fairly well balanced.

[suzytoshoes]

Hi

everyone thank you for your help, I don't know what I would do without this group, you are great help, I am only going to Canada for 2 weeks regarding my INR I go next week they have left me for 8 weeks this time. last one was 2 I am normally between 2&3 I have been on Warfarin since last sept, had a Cardio version, it only lasted a day then jump back,

I am on Verapamil 120g once a day Isotard, Flecanide, 50g twice a day, I have mild Asthma, that's why on Verapamil and flecanide, as some drugs cant take with Astma,

Suzy

[suzytoshoes]

and Warfarin

[Rellim296 in reply to suzytoshoes]

When was your last test? Can you have one done before you go? Then you should be OK until you get home again. I'd try to get your tests to fit in with your life, not the other way round.

[suzytoshoes in reply to Rellim296]

last test was 8 weeks ago, yes I am due to have one on the 22nd of may, so will be before I go away,

[Rellim296 in reply to suzytoshoes]

Excellent!