Self Testing INR

I self test once a month with good support from my health centre. Anybody else?

[Hidden]

Yes, I've been on warfarin 13+ years and have been using Coaguchek testing kit for last few years . I test at home every 1/2 weeks and send results to local hospital every few weeks or more often if out of range. I particularly like to keep in range as I am inclined to go into fast AF unpredictably which is then persistent ( refractory to drug treatment ) and it means that there is no delay to the usual dc cardioversion.

Sandra

[MarkS]

I also self test every week and occasionally make small adjustments myself. I'm in range 99% of the time. I calibrate my monitor every 6 months or so with a blood draw. I don't restrict my diet (i.e. I have lots of greens) or alcohol (in moderation!).

I think everyone on warfarin should have a monitor. It makes all the difference.

Do you get on OK only testing every month? Could you increase that to weekly or at least fortnightly?

Mark

[Barb1 in reply to MarkS]

I self test but am only allowed 12 strips a year. So that coupled with some strips failing means I have to go to drs for test except when I am on holiday. Would love to be able to do a weekly home test.

[Gmc54 in reply to Barb1]

It is possible to buy the strips from Roche, but they are a bit pricey for a pack, although in the grand scheme of things it works out to around £1 per week, so not too bad after the initial outlay.

[Barb1 in reply to Gmc54]

I thought they were about £86 for 24? Accounting for errors you'd need about 60 a year which is around £200. Really think that strips should be on prescription for all.

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I get 24 a year but as I only test generally once a month, the strips go out of date. Seems they can't just provide a pack of 12 for home testers. However I sometimes get error 5 (not enough blood) so waste a strip. Funny how guilty that makes me feel me feel.

[AnneTS]

Yes I test my INR with my Coaguchek. I get enough strips from my GP to test weekly. It makes such an improvement to my life as I then phone in the result to my anticoagulation clinic who then dose me via telephone and/or letter. When I went on a very long holiday a few years ago I was given a copy of the dosing chart for my range. I reckon that anyone who has a reasonable brain could largely manage their INR themselves and I think that may be the next step for a cash-strapped NHS.

[irene75359]

I self test weekly when I am out of the country - sometimes for ten weeks at a time. I email the surgery and they adjust the dose if needed. I could work out the dosage adjustments myself but the surgery like a record of what is happening. I don't get testing strips on prescription but the practice runs an excellent clinic.