Feeling irritated....an update!

[Wightbaby]

To all those friends who commented on my post last week re: my INR's being 3.1.

OK, back to the surgery yesterday to check my levels....the computer had set my dose at 1mg less last week, to get them back in range.(total 33mg over 7 days). I ignored this and cut my dose by only half mg, plus upped my "greens" intake a bit. I know that if I take less than a total of 35mg per week, I will drop out of range.

Viola! My INR was 2.3......... so that is from 3.1 to 2.3 in only 7 days. I am sure if I had taken the dose the computer suggested I would have been OUT of range!!

So yesterday the computer suggested that I now take the same dose that I was taking BEFORE I got the reading of 3.1 and go back AGAIN in a fortnight for another check.

I have always argued that a test only every 6-8 weeks or so, is not enough if it can change that much in only 7 days!

The sooner I get a Coagcheck to keep an eye on things the better!!

[meadfoot]

Yes a coagcheck sounds like the order of the day. Sooner the better by the sound of it. Best wishes.

[jeanjeannie50]

Are they daft, or what!!! I know just how you feel, so annoying! The computer says NO!!!

Jean

[Hidden]

The Coaguchek is so useful if you think you might be out of range. Lets you do some work yourself before the surgery starts juggling tablets...

[BobD Volunteer]

Don't think this is personal as it is all too common. The problem is that the program does not take trends into account. I would be in the same boat if I paid any attention to my clinic but I know ME better than the computer.

[Wightbaby in reply to BobD]

That's exactly how I feel, Bob........!!

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

Me too. I very often use my own instincts over the computer/algorhythms etc.I know my own body and can frequently raise ot lower my INR with food/spices (garlic)/greens etc. It usually works out fine with me. And when I discuss with my coumadin nurse by phone she agrees with me.I have been self-testing and self managing with my EP'spermission for about 2 years. The only time I run into little skirmishes is when my regular nurse is off and I report my results and plan to a nurse filling in (who frequently isn't a regular coumadin nurse.) I usually end up ending the call,doing what I think is best and talking to Lena (reg RN) when she is back in the office. I test weekly and if INR's are not where they should be I usually use the following week to adjust with food. This has worked well for me.

[Hidden]

Good one Wightbaby, that's the way to go. Glad you are listening to your body.

[Bagrat]

Fortunately our clinic care assistants take trends into account Bob and get a GP to rubber stamp if they feel the software is off track

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Bagrat]

shock horror. Somebody using common sense!

[10gingercats]

When I got ultra fed up with all the INR stuff I thought seriously about an NOAC.Took my time to research it and discuss it(twice) with my GP and then took the plunge with Apixaban.Fantastic .I love it.

[Bagrat in reply to 10gingercats]

I've been in and out of range and up and down with INR since before Christmas which is not usual for me. Also started Slimming World last week so INR nurse ( who also goes) said I would need more regular tests with the diet change though I've tried to keep greens the same. I saw Dr Gupta privately back in August and he suggested swapping to Apixaban but with various other issues i haven 't got round to discussing with GP. Nurse said best time to see her is now if I want to swap as one of the criteria in our practice is being out of range too often. have made an appt for next week! So thanks for your post 10gingercats