INR

[Amy1957]

I take Warfarin and have done so since early November. My INR has bounced and dipped ever since. It has been as low as 1.5 and this week the highest 3.2. I detest Warfarin, all this up and down stresses me out.

[Rellim296]

I'm with you, Amy. 100%, if not more. Some people find it dead easy and some of us don't!

I've already aired my jaundiced views too much ...

[Amy1957 in reply to Rellim296]

I may be able to stop Warfarin as my heart is in sinus rhythm after recovery from hyperthyroidism. If I have to take anticoagulants I'm going to insist on one of the new ones. I'm fed up with this. I go on holiday in less than a month and don't need the messing about all the time.

[Rellim296 in reply to Amy1957]

Good luck!

[Amy1957]

Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer]

It has been suggested that taking Vit K supplement helps maintain level INR. The idea is that you may need more warfarin (not a problem as the amount is unimportant) but that it reduces the dietary yo yo if one is not very good at keeping to an even diet and smooths out the peaks and troughs. I think Mark S is the man.

I'm one of the lucky ones.

Bob

[Amy1957 in reply to BobD]

I will look into this. Thank you.

[MarkS in reply to BobD]

Following on from Bob's note, I take 90mcg of Vit K2 per day with my warfarin. I also self test with a Coaguchek and self manage (i.e. l adjust the doses myself).

I do get a very steady INR - i.e. usually 2.5 with max variation to 2.2 and 2.8 despite a very varied diet. I really pay no attention to what I eat or drink from an INR perspective.

Mark

[cat55]

Hi, I too hate taking Warfarin, this week INR was 2.5( usually hovers around 2) and I have eaten far more Broccoli, Asparagus and Spinach than I usually do. What bothers me is that you have no idea what is happening in between tests, how up and down does it go etc , along with the unruly tummy since taking it I am ,like you a bit fed up. Yesterday I waited a long time at the surgery ( time out of work), when I finally had it done was told they had no connection to the computer so Dr. would ring me with Warfarin dose. I am assuming there is no change as I haven't heard from anyone yesterday or today and I forgot to ring them before they closed for the week end! 3 weeks ago I took a heavy fall whilst out walking the bruising has been horrible all down the leg and arm I fell on and the day before my INR had been 2 so how much worse would it have been if it had been 2.5? I keep saying I am going to go and ask for a change but am bothered that I may go from the frying pan to fire with side effects. My best wishes to you and I do hope you get it sorted then you can go away without worries. That's my moan over for a couple of months, sorry everyone for keep harping on. Kath

[Amy1957 in reply to cat55]

Aaww Thank you for your reply. I do hope things go well for you also.

[Thomas45]

To start with my INR was all over the place and I had a painful rash on my arms (later found to be caused by another medication). I was put on a new Anti-Coagulant but it didn't agree with me. I requested to go back on Warfarin and bought my own Coaguchek tester. I can now test myself whenever I like, and my INR has settled down.

[Amy1957 in reply to Thomas45]

Buying the machine might be an option. My endo doesn't want me on Warfarin and depending on the cardiogram I had a while back that could be a possibility. I see endo on Monday. Thanks.

[Wightbaby]

Read my recent post and you will know i feel the same!!

[Amy1957 in reply to Wightbaby]

I wonder if it will settle eventually. I'm really confused as to why it goes up and down because I can't see what I'm doing wrong. How are you now?

[Wightbaby in reply to Amy1957]

I guess you know it can be affected by all sorts of things...everyone so unique and different.....being a bit under weather or eating something different....seems to be the main culprits...I try to have approx the same amount of 2 green veg every night (2 serving spoons).....Mine was 2.8 for 3 months running which apparently is quite amazing...which is why i am cross I have messed it up...will be interesting to see what it is this week

[Amy1957 in reply to Wightbaby]

Mind you I did have an upset tum for a couple of days.....hmmmm. Carbimazole can cause it from time to time.

[HastyHeart]

Hello Amy, I am very new to HealthUnlocked and this is all very scary. I am being transferred to Warfarin next week after put being on Rivaroxaban since 9th April as an 'emergency' measure by GP. I had been on aspirin and 50mg atenolol for 4 1/2 years i.e. my first AF, and been fine till the AF episode on 9 April. Been fine on Rivaroxaban but after experiencing lack of positive support from GP ("Warfarin is tried and tested" and "no antidote for R in case of bleed" and " R is very expensive compared to W", and "anticoagulant clinic won't want to know if you aren't on W") I lost confidence to take on the local NHS so agreed to " toe the line" and go on to Warfarin. As I said, it's all very scary. AF went back to NSR after 3 weeks and only had one short bout yesterday. Want someone to tell me I'll be OK and not have lots of hassle. I'm a 71 year old woman and want to carry on enjoying life.

[Amy1957]

Once your dose of Warfarin is stabilised you should be ok. It's easy to say don't worry but let the Warfarin do its work and you get on with enjoying your life. Best wishes and keep us posted. Also ask for advice if you need to on here because there are so many helpful people here.

[Wightbaby]

Amy is right.......stick to regular diet, no massive swings from day to day on what you eat etc and you will be fine