Self testing INR

[Mary_Janet]

As I am on warfarin for life I am looking into buying a machine probably from Roche. My practice will provide with with test strips on prescription which is good .

My question is, how easy is it to set up the machine and get started. Did you get any help or is it simple to do yourself. Are there any pitfalls ? Is there any after sales support.

Would hate to mess up knowing how important it is to have an accurate INR

Many thanks Mary .

[Nettyanne]

Hi Mary.

I self test my INR and find it simple to do. I was fortunate to get my machine, test strips and lancets from my local Warfarin clinic as they are running a 2 yr trial in conjunction with Roche. My machine is the CoaguChek and it comes with full instructions in a users manual and a freephone careline number for any problems.

I am very pleased with the machine and it is so much better than travelling to hospital every few 3 or 4 weeks to have my INR checked.

If there is anything else you need to know please ask.

Best wishes

Annette

[Mary_Janet in reply to Nettyanne]

Thanks Annette that is really helpful. I am getting my test strips but not sure yet about the Lancet. I am sure this will be the way to go but it is great to hear other folks experiences.Thank you.

[not2worry]

My hubby just got his machine the CoaguChek and it’s so easy to use!

In the States the provider has a service where you must do a check once a week, call it into them or report the reading on a mobile phone app. They then send your doctor the reading via email. If the reading is out of range they call you and your doctor to alert you of the face and something needs to be adjusted. If you don’t call in or use the app to report the weekly readings they keep calling you to remind you to do the reading! If you don’t comply they come and take away the machine.

The instructions are easy. We even went to the clinic and they showed us how to use and if we had any questions to call or come back for assistance.

It’s made my hubby’s life so much easier. Every week it was an hour drive to and from twice a week for the first month. They required him to be on warfarin for 90 days before they issued the machine. It’s great! Also will have as we travel! Good luck. Think it will be your new friend.

[Mary_Janet in reply to not2worry]

Thanks for your reply. It is sounds like self testing has been very helpful for you. An hour's drive sounds grim, I have a twenty min walk so am lucky. Thank you for your reply which is really helpful. Mary

[Fredders]

Hi Mary

I’ve got the Coaguchek one and it is brilliant. Had to buy everything myself as my surgery won’t fork out for any of it, but it’s worth it for the convenience. I had to take it to my clinic for them to show me how to use it and to check the reading against theirs, then I just have to see them with it once a year to check it still reading okay.

It’s very easy to use, you just have to make sure you put enough blood on the strip, but the machine tells you if there isn’t enough. I then ring the clinic and they tell me what my new dose is. I only started on warfarin last November and I only have to test every four weeks now.

If you have any problems with the actual machine there is a help line for the supplier.

Wendy

[Mary_Janet]

Thanks Fedders for your reply. I started on Warfarin in June and did manage to get to six weeks testing but am now back to weekly testing for no apparent reason (in my mind) which is a pain so self testing sounds like the way for me. My surgery were very positive when I asked them. Thanks for your help. Mary

[Nanny72]

My granddaughter has been self testing since she was 13. She is 23 now. When she reached 18 the practice refused to fund the testing strips so we bought them. We appealed and the then agreed to fund them.Birmingham Children's Hospital encourages children to self test because it is deemed to be less traumatic for them.

The machine is tested by the hospital yearly and she phones her results through quarterly. Apart from this she adjusts her own Warfarin dose.

I don't think you will have any problems.

[Mary_Janet in reply to Nanny72]

Thank you that is really helpful. Sounds like your granddaughter is doing really well and you must be very proud of her.

[DavidSimpson]

Hi Mary I've ben self testing for the last 11 years, had a couple of problems getting the technique sorted at the beginning, but now it's just a way of life. I had to buy the machine from Roche (6 months interest free credit!), but the strips and lancets (Not Roche but Soft Touch Lancets) are supplied on prescription. Now just testing once a month, inform the warfarin nurse of the readings and that's it. You'll soon learn how to adjust your dose to keep within in the range if necessary. Go for it, you'll not regret it!

[Mary_Janet]

Thanks David , I am more and more convinced it is the way to go.