Self Testing INR

[Lucybird]

Hi everyone, my first post here.

I had an aortic valve replacement about 6 months ago. I had a mechanical valve which means I need to be on warfarin for the rest of my life. Fitting appointments to get my INR tested around work isn't always easy, especially as it's a kind of turn up and wait thing.

When I first started attending the warfarin clinic they mentioned that I could self-test but that I would have to buy my own machine and have training. As they are NHS they can't recommend somewhere to buy a machine from or a type of machine. From browsing on online I've found that they seem to cost about £300 which is not great but just makes life easier, only problem is that thats a lot to spend if I don't know the company I'm buying from or how reliable the machine is, so I wondered if anyone had their own machine, what they have, and where they got it? And if they're happy with it?

Thanks

[loubylou08]

Hi Lucybird, I've joined your post as also would be interested in this. Hubby has his av replacement thurs & will be on warfarin. How often do you need to have your INR checked?

Hope all is good with you & recovered well x

[Lucybird in reply to loubylou08]

Hi Loubylou. Warfarin hasn't been too bad. At first you're tested maybe once a week, then when your levels are pretty consistent and in the right range they start seeing you less. I've gone up to a month now without being tested, although at the moment I'm going weekly because I've been on antibiotics. That's really the important thing if you start a new drug then you need to let the clinic know because they might need to check your INR sooner.

I am doing good thanks. Still sometimes out of breath but I have breathing/chest issues anyway so it's hard to know which is from my heart and which is from my lungs!

[skid112 Heart Star]

I did a quick search of the threads and can't find anything, also looked on a Facebook group I'm a member of and nothing there either, hopefully one if the posters has experience

[auldyin]

CoaguChek from Roche is a fine, if a little delicate, machine. Test strips are expensive but once you are stable, testing is done at approximately once per month. The machine costs about £300 (I cannot remember exact cost)

[Fredders]

I was looking up the same thing as I am due to have my second AVR in a month or so. The CoaguChek seems to be the one mentioned the most and from what I read you might be able to get the strips on prescription as you'll be on warfarin for life, worth checking with your gp. I am on antibiotics for life as I've had a splenectomy, but if I get an infection will need blood checks done for the additional antibiotics. Like you I work full time and don't want to keep taking time off work for blood tests.

[Lucybird in reply to Fredders]

Yes they said they will give me strips, which at least means I know I won't have to keep shelling out

[Heather1957]

I can't help re the machines but know that as a diabetic they give you free testing machines but the strips are expensive and I get them a little cheaper off e-bay.

[scottpdn]

I use the Coagucheck XS, which is essentially the same as the machine used in my GP surgery. It is easy to use and seems to be accurate. However, I still go in to the GP for the main checks (just in case), so only tend to use it when I'm away or when I'm out of range and need testing more frequently.