INR

[Blooto]

Hi folks,

My INR is normally in the 2-3 range & I am tested every 6 weeks. I sometime worry that this is too infrequent & wonder what you think, & are there any experts who recommend testing frequency times?

cheers

Blooto

[Marion62]

Hi Blooto

As long as I am in 2 - 3 range my GP seems to up the frequency by 2 weeks until I am at 12 week testing.

I think 12 weeks is far too long between tests and when I said I was not happy with this he said it was in the Guidelines.

I would be much happier with 4 - 6 week testing as so much can happen in 12 weeks.

Marion

[Hidden]

My INR is usually steady between 2-3 but I am on 6 week testing. Don't know why. I wouldn't like to be on 12 weeks I have to say.

Koll

_____

[BobD Volunteer]

Personally I think most people worry too much about this. I am usually on 12 weeks until recently when antibiotics threw me out of range and can't wait to get back to that frankly. If you are always in range when tested then the random nature would suggest that you always are. Why would you not be? If you are out of range at 12 weeks then you will be tested more frequently until you have been back in range for a few weeks. What I worry about is the computer system which decides on dosage. When you have just dropped from 3 to 2 why does it continue on the same dose and wait till you are out of range? Maybe I have been at it too long but I do tend to play my own game with dose and keep a straight face at testing time.LOL

Bob

[Tobw in reply to BobD]

I tend to agree with you Bob - they say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating and the fact is that, invariably, I'm in range when I have my INR checked after twelve weeks. In my experience, your INR can become quite settled once it has been in range for a while and in needs something like a virus, drastic change of diet or, as in my case recently, coming off it for a medical procedure to get into a situation whereby it needs more regular checking.

[Rellim296 in reply to Tobw]

I think you are very lucky if you are invariably in range. I'm usually at the lower fringes of the therapeutic range and frequently dip down to 1.9 and below. No consistency, however hard I try.

I wouldn't say I worry about my INR - it is so fickle that I've lost interest - but it is rarely pleasing. It's boring to have to go every week for a test and I find it equally annoying to be sent away for 6 weeks when only just in range.

[rosyG]

I self test weekly and have been out of range twice since January- I have read studies which show weekly testing and dose adjustment has kept people in range for a higher proportion of time- my argument is that I would have remained out of range for 11 weeks before the next test if I had been attending the anti- coagulation clinic whereas because I test weekly I have been able to prevent that situation twice.

i agree with Bob about the dosage system and if one tests weekly one can see what is needed as it's very individual .

[Blooto]

Marion62, ask if they will test you more frequently as its causing you to worry...... BobD I agree about the computer system. If i'm just slightly over 3 the computer says drop the dose slightly which I know from experience will cause my INR to go too low, so I stick to my normal dose and next time round its normally ok........its the "computer says no" syndrome LOL.

[AnticoagulateNow]

It's down to the individual. If you are content with long gaps between testing then fine but if it is something that is causing you concern or anxiety then go more frequently - weekly if you like. Obviously the logistics of attending a clinic will play a part but again that is up to you. Show me a phlebotomist that reprimands you because you are coming to the clinic too frequently and I'll show you a job seeker!

[lingooz]

Hi mine has just gone to six weeks too , with between 2-3 results , I thought like you that is too long as my last was 2.9 but as nurse once said , it could change tomorrow !!

Guess we just have to trust the people who do the tests as they have probably many that are like us , lets hope in six weeks we are good to stay.with so few blood tests , especially as no pin prick at our surgery , and the needles cause me pain and much bruising !! So fingers crossed x

[Offcut]

As a Warfarin user since 1992 Once I go into settled mode with my INR I am happy with a 12 week check. I am on a 2 weekly at the moment as I am all over the place for reasons not understood.

You need to look at yourself in more detail are you bruising more and do those nicks take longer than they used to? Or vice versa.

I eat and drink pretty much the same week in week out and know what I need to stay away from so not to upset my INR My range is 2.5 - 3.5, 3.0 ideal a couple of points past that is not going to worry me, from what I understand it should not be worrying you either.

Be Well

[Marion62]

My GP sets my dose and frequency of testing. I once went to see the nurse for a non- AF related blood test and asked if my INR could be tested a few days early to save me going back a few days later - and she refused saying it wasn't due until next week.. (on 10/12 week testing at the time)

I have also been asking for a cholesterol blood test for over 18 months to see if I am on the correct dose of statin without success - again he says according to the guidelines it's not necessary.

[Dodie117]

Like rosyg I self test every week/2 weeks. I do find I am out of range from time to time so i adjust meds or diet myself. Have you considered getting a machine. Really does give peace of mind and reducing anxiety/stress levels for af sufferers is worth a lot.

[hondajazz]

I have been having my INR checked for a long time now and i go to the hospital for blood tests and I go every two to three weeks and i am usually between 2 and 2.5. The only time mine has gone awry is if i have been on antibiotics or something like that and then they call me back every week until Im stable again and then revert back to between two and three weeks again. I think its if you go to your GP to have your bloods done that they don't bother doing them very often.

[gerryatriq]

its always a `snapshot` taken on the day of test. the 2-3 range is also quite generous, if not,everyone would be testing every week, as INR can alter with so many different influences. If you are concerned you can always get your INR to be at the higher end. As I understand it Dentists can extract a tooth with an INR up to 4. SO no real worries if it goes a tad over for a few days. Also if you take any new meds for any length of time (eg Antibiotics) it may be worth getting a test after the course. But in all probability it would revert to the normal level range on its own.