I'm going to buy one...

I am definitely going to buy a coag machine. I have just had 3 INR's in a row at 2.4 and the coag clinic put me on weekly and fortnightly testing during those three tests, why, I do not know. Then the latest result is an increase to 2.7, and they have put me down for the next test in 8 weeks time. Sorry, I just don't get it, that cannot be right, it's happened to me before and there is no way on earth I'm going to wait for 8 weeks to find out it's gone up to 3.5 which is what happened last time. I reckon their system just looks whether you are in range and not the trend, but just guessing.

So, questions are, firstly, is this the one to get? ... coaguchek.co.uk/coaguchek_p...

And any other advice / tips greatly appreciated?

I will still have tests at the surgery every now and again, and I'm also going to speak to the coag clinic at the hospital before getting it. But I am getting it whatever is said.

I don't know whether the strips will be prescription or not and I'm not bothered, quite happy to buy them.

Thank you

Koll

[Terjo]

I've got one and find it a great support. About six years ago I was in hospital with a bad liver bleed and when they wanted me on warfarin before a cardioversion we decided to buy the machine. Best buy I've made. Yes mine looks like your photo. My gp prescribes the strips. Waiting for another cardioversion at the end of March. Good luck, Terry

[dedeottie]

Me too. I wouldn't be without mine. I get so much confidence from knowing I can test myself and I really understand how warfarin acts in my body. When your machine arrives post on here again as there are some little tricks to ensure you don't waste test strips and I and many others can pass those on to you. The machine in the photo is the same as mine.x

[Beancounter Volunteer]

That's the one Koll, remember to tick the box to not pay VAT, as a long term patient you can buy without VAT.

I still have to buy strips, but even with that it's worth every penny.

Be well

Ian

[kernow43]

Yup, thats the one...

I've had mine for over a year now. Coaguchek XS from Roach. First class service and back up even for us "one of" customers. A few months ago I had a new bunch of test strips which somehow or other the "chip", that comes with each new batch to insert into your machine, was missing. I contacted Roach here in the UK and gave them the details, two days later the chip arrived express from Manheim along with five extra free strips and another apology.

It's a smaller version of the one that is used in the surgery, and I have taken mine down and tested the same time just to see. No difference of course.

I agree with you that the computer program that dictates your next test to be 30 or 60 days seems to me to be crazy when we all know the INR levels can change virtually overnight!

You may waste the odd strip before you get the hang of testing, i did, as my nurse told me "take the machine to the blood not the way the dvd and instructions show you."

Good luck with it, I would'nt be without mine.

Ray

[Marion62]

Hi Koll,

Completely understand where you are coming from with long test intervals. My GP decides my dose and length between tests - and when I protested about 10/12 week testing he said it was in the guidelines.

Marion

[Rellim296]

I'm with you there, Koll and reading posts with interest. Last week's INR (after 56 days) was 3.7. I was quite pleased actually, although it's very unsatisfactory. It had been 2.8 on both previous tests, 42 days apart. I'm back to weekly tests, needless to say and see the head INR lady on Monday!

[Hidden]

Thanks everyone, I just ordered it (minus VAT thank you Ian).

Koll

[carriewoods]

Hi Koll, yes that's the one and I wouldn't be without mine. I've been self testing for over a year now and far prefer it. I feel in control and my warfarin clinic at the local hospital are very helpful and efficient. I got mine online direct from Roche and I pay for my strips and lancets and consider it money well spent. I understand that in some cases your surgery may pay for them so it may well be worth asking. IT gives me peace of mind to know that I can test anytime I want if I'm worried. Good luck and keep us posted.

[AnticoagulateNow]

You are absolutely right Koll about the 'computer' that clinics seem to rely on to determine one's future warfarin dose. It never seems to 'anticipate' likely (to a human) drops or rises in INR levels. Like you I recall a quite dramatic change in my dosage following an unexplained INR rise to 4.1. Dosage was reduced by 1.5 mg daily and a week later I was down to 2.2. Great, but here's the rub. " Computer says carry on" and come back in three weeks! I ignored that and self-managed a 1mg increase. Everything was back to normal the following week.

Happily, very happily, I'm on Apixaban now; the best thing since warfarin. Which is a bit like saying I drive a motor car; the best thing since the stage-coach. But if you really must buy an expensive machine to monitor hay consumption then, of course, that's your choice.

[Beancounter Volunteer in reply to AnticoagulateNow]

LOL nice analogy.

Of course they haven't invented brakes on your car yet, although they are under testing

Ian

[AnticoagulateNow in reply to Beancounter]

True, but I drive carefully Ian so hopefully won't need them just yet.

[Rellim296 in reply to AnticoagulateNow]

This is the thing, anticoagulate - I don't want to spend any money that ties me to warfarin!

[Hidden in reply to AnticoagulateNow]

I like having a test AN. And not too keen on new drugs unless I have to take them. Also, asked my EP whether I should change and he said no because of the lack of an antidote. As I've said before, he was probably also thinking of my job which statistically puts me at high risk of an accident.

I'll probably change one day, when I eventually retire, not too long with luck.

Koll

[AnticoagulateNow in reply to Hidden]

Fair enough Koll, though the antidote thing is a bit overplayed. You're not going to bleed to death in a hospital whether on warfarin or NOACs and if you're in the middle of nowhere with a gushing severed limb, only a field of cabbage will save the life of the warfarin user - and frankly If it were me I think I'd prefer to slip quietly away rather than start picking brassicas!

[jnh1]

Hi Kool,

May I suggest that you ask you clinic which machine they recommend. What is also very important is that your Doctor will include the "test papers" on you prescription as they are very expensive. Should the clinic agree with your request they will ask you to sign a contract that shifts the responsibility from them to you for the test results. The machines cost circa £450 so it's important you hold the line and brake their recommendations.

Stay Kool

Jim

[Hidden]

That's the one Koll. Also, it is one of two referred to in NICE Diagnostic Guidelines DG14 - all about self testing. Suggest you go into NICE website and search for DG 14, well worth the read. I have this one, wouldn't be without it.

John

[Dodie117]

Thats the one and I too use mine all the time. I get strips on prescription but did not have to sign anything. My gp is not particularly helpful but after arguing the point he agreed so go to gp armed with info, nice recommendations etc.

I would hate to be without it as it gives peace of mind. My levels seem to fluctuate quite a bit so I can keep under control.

I found I wasted strips mainly when I didnt wait for blood sample to be large enough. Sometimes when you pierce, the blood flow may be a little slow. WAIT!! It will come and if you only have a little blood the strip will not pick it up and you waste the strip. Good luck and sure you will love it.

[Rellim296 in reply to Dodie117]

It could be said that one can own a machine on the quiet and not mention it to one's GP or clinic - just turn up when requested with perfect INR. The is begs the question, does one self test - which will probably be fine - and self medicate - which may be a dubious path to go down. Or it may be viewed as very doubtful. I don't intend, should I do any self medication, to mention that I do so and would feel bad about being underhand. One can, of course, always adjust (digestive system permitting) with prudent spinach intake or abstinence!

[Hidden in reply to Rellim296]

Hi Rellim, re adjusting INR by eating vegetables, or changing the dose, I can't see any difference, always wondered about this. I've also thought about using my machine on the quiet but I want them to stop jabbing me, so I am going to tell them.

[Rellim296 in reply to Hidden]

Warfarin offers so many options! Eat spinach, or don't eat it and go for mangoes, ginger and chick peas etc. Or leave them alone. Take exercise or don't, lose weight, put it on or adjust the dose - so much choice .....

[Dodie117 in reply to Rellim296]

I just told clinic I had one ( think i am adult so dont need permission). I do my own test just before the clinic test and compare results. My machine is consistently .2 above clinic result I.e.if their result is 2.7 mine says 2.9. I now only go about every 3 months.

Should my inr go a little too high or low I normally try to adjust with diet but sometimes have taken a mg more or less. On one occasion when it went over 4 I missed out a full dose. I discussed this after the fact with inr nurse and he agreed with me. I can ring him if in doubt.

So I suppose I mainly self manage but go to inr clinic a few times a year to make sure machine is reading correctly.

[Hidden]

Hi koll.......have had my CoaguChek machine over 12 months now and so pleased I made the purchase. My tests strips have been obtained free of charge. As has been said, when you get the machine you can post on here for helpful hints!! I had a few problems and didn't find Roche particularly helpful and eventually worked it out for myself. Sandra