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Hi All,
Obviously I'm on warfarin and have been reading a lot about coag checks.i have only had blood tests before my cardio versions and I thought they were to check magnesium levels.so I'm quite concerned as I don't know if I'm in a good range or not.what is a good range ? I need to speak with cardio nurse and get checked not sure if the exact quantity in mg I'm taking but will check.ive also seen posts regarding a coag check monitor but the good ones are about £500 !
Danbo, you really should have been made aware at the outset of the range you should be in and the dosage. In the meantime I suggest you read up the leaflets on the AFA website on Warfarin testing etc
I would not suggest you start self testing until you are fully au fait with the situation.
I've been self testing for a few years and the cost of the CoaguChek testing kit was £300 but you do have to know what its all about.
The normal range is 2.0 - 3.0 with an ideal of 2.5
Do ask here if you have any more queries as we are all here to help each other.
Regards
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
Yes I think they should have informed me also very poor.i will get a test done immediately.thanks very much for the info really helps to get on top of everything.im shocked they haven't gone through any of this with me and I'm a bit cross !
If you are on warfarin you MUST have regular tests to check that your INR is in range, whatever your range is . Normally this would be between 2 and 3.
If you have been put on warfarin then you must be under a blood clinic for regular INR testing or your GP surely? Please talk to your GP at once if not as this is negligence and could be serious if you are either under or badly over range.
IF on the other hand you are on one of the newer anticoagulants are are confused by this then of course there is no regular testing as these work without such tests.
This is really worrying as you health has been put at risk if what you say is true.
DO SOMETHING NOW.
Bob
Hi Bob,
I definately haven't been told anything about INR levels or checking them.i will get an appointment with my GP ASAP.yes it is s worry as I knew nothing about INR until I joined on here !
If you get nowhere or a slow reaction, put on a waiting list with your GP, then if you go to your local hospital and tell them you're on Warfarin but have never had an INR test and didn't know you should be having them. They should do one for you straight away as they would consider it urgent surely? Ask for the Phlebotomy dept. Usually they'd want a yellow card which you need when on Warfarin; not sure what they do when you haven't got one but they'd have to do something.
I'm only guessing, but no way would I wait.
Koll
Hi Koll,
Hopefully the elquis apaxiban you don't need testing.thanjs for your concern !
If you want a coaguchek then look at the Roche website. The last time I looked it was £300 excluding vat and as someone on long term warfarin they can (and do) sell it without applying vat. Look at other places as well.
What tablets are you on?
Hi peterh,
Apaxiban.
Then you don't need a Coaguchek because INR is irrelevant with apixaban as it does it's Anticoagulation a completely different way.
I have been on Eliquis Apixaban for over 2years you don't need blood tests
Hey Mazza,
I'm on the same pills so all good then ?
Yes all good you must take them same time each day I take mine 7am 7pm and I think you are treated a bit different if you have an op of any kind otherwise no problem
Some dentists and other Drs believe that you have to stop anticoagulation for X days beforehand. In the case of dentistry anticoagulation should not be stopped and if on warfarin the INR only has to be below 4 and is even taken the night before. On some other procedures if anticoagulation does have to be stopped then bridging anticoagulation is to be employed as the cardiac consultant I saw 3 weeks ago said it is very important not to be without anticoagulation except on the day of a procedure.
Going to have to check this as the letter I had from hosp said to stop apixaban 2days before ablation
Less of an issue if it is the heart team though I would query it and also ask if you should have a heparin bridge.
Do you not have a pre admission session with a cardiac nurse? I had one two to three weeks before my ablation and I have one this Friday in advance of having an angiogram and the consultant said the nurse would brief me exactly as to do the bridging.
Let us all know what you find out.
As soon as you were put on warfarin you should have been given a little yellow book where everything is recorded. Your treatment has been appalling
No. Not if you have changed to a NOAC.
Alcohol post ablation
Rivaroxaban or apixaban
Self Testing
Has anyone had a gastroscopy/ endoscopy and had to stop anti-coagulation ( or not stop) and been given any info about stroke risk?
