Warfarin self testing use of Coaguchek

[Bounder]

I am considering buying a Coaguchek INRange - does anyone have any experience of this device and how practical it is to use ?

[Hidden]

Hi

Coaguchek is the best thing I ever bought. My GP suggested it and they give me the strips on prescription. I have been self testing for about 4/5 years and I keep it under control with diet most of the time

CarolB

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Me too CarolB ... best bit of kit I ever bought ............... EVER !

[Hidden]

I've had mine for about 4 years. I found it took a little bit of practice to get the blood onto the test strip properly ...there is a knack to this but otherwise a great purchase. ( the knack involves holding the finger tip with blood drop slightly over the test strip rather than to the side as we are advised to do in the manual).

Sandra

[opal11uk in reply to Hidden]

Great fun chasing your fingers hehehe

[Dodie117]

I used this for a couple of years before deciding to stop warfarin and move to apixaban? It was excellent. I tested at home weekly but still went to clinic about once every three months to double check it. I would recommend it.

Have you considered NOAC? I have found apixaban to be very easy - no side effects, no testing and it leaves the system quickly when necessary. However recognise not an easy decision so good luck making yours ☘️

[opal11uk in reply to Dodie117]

I have started today on Pradaxa and whilst I know it leaves the blood quickly I worry in case of surgery when it has to be stopped that my Para.A/F kicks in etc. but guess I am, as usual, over thinking it lol

[Dodie117 in reply to opal11uk]

Yes, I think you are overthinking it!! All anticoagulants have to be stopped before serious surgery but at least with the NOACS they leave the body quickly and when you go back on them they give almost immediate protection.

We AFers have a higher stroke risk than normal but very unlikely you would have one on the couple of days you are unprotected and if it did happen, then the best place for it to happen is in hospital!!

So chill and good luck☘️

[opal11uk in reply to Dodie117]

Lol ty lallym, agreed, having had a stroke through A/F 17 years ago I certainly don't want another! Chilling yay

[Dodie117 in reply to opal11uk]

Wow. Sorry to hear that. I had two TIAs before diagnosis. Hope you have no lasting effects.

Chill!!

[opal11uk in reply to Dodie117]

Thankfully I got away lightly, think it was the 375 mg soluble aspirin I had been taking daily since diagnosis but of course after the stroke I went on Warfarin, however this year I have had 3 TIA's so thats why the change on to this new one as told it gives more protection for A/F sufferers so we wait and see lol

[BobD Volunteer]

NICE in UK supports self testing but some CCGs may jib at the cost of test strips or ration you to one a week. Look up NICE guide lines on self testing.

[Barb1]

Wonderful piece of kit but can be expensive for reasons Bob says.

[Gmc54]

I have one. Wouldn't be without it now. I test once a fortnight, whereas the clinic sometimes left me for up to 6 weeks. There have been several occcasions when I have been out of range well before the time I was due for my regular check at the clinnic

[Kleasmile]

Im using coagu xheck xs since 2006..its easy to use..and you can travel everyehere abd dint beed to worry about the INR bc yiu can test often and so you can stay in the range..

[irene75359]

I wouldn't be without mine - I am out of the UK for long periods and self-test, with occasional help on dosage from my surgery although I now adjust my warfarin dose myself. There is a definite knack to using it but you will find plenty of help on the forum should you decide to go ahead.

[opal11uk]

Yes, I do, have had it about 3 years and well worth it. Has always proven accurate and saved hours waiting for a phlebotomist or nurse to take it. Good buy