Is anyone using a coaguchek machine to monitor their INR's ? Since i have purchased one. I feel i can control of my INR's.

[bernieembleton]

[Linda72]

hi there

no i haven't purchased one as yet, but am about too.. How often are you testing?? I was also looking at the InRatio 2...but might go the Coagucheck as the strips seem easier to get here in Australia.

[bernieembleton in reply to Linda72]

Hi, i average about once every two weeks, but if i feel i need to check sooner, i do. I feel much more in control now. Hope it goes ok foe you.

[travelnut]

I am using a coaguchek. I started off self-testing and calling my INR results into my GP but following appointment at St Thomas' last year my GP let me start self-managing as well. My GP has been VERY supportive. I was the first patient in his GP practice to self-test and manage so it took a while to set up some of the 'rules' regarding when I needed to contact him, what we needed to do to check the machine results with the lab INRs and things like that but it is all in place. I get my test strips and lancets all on prescription but I had to buy my coaguchek in the first place. I was umming and rrring about that as I was told that it was only going to be a year or so before the new anticoagulation drugs came on the market and as they don't need INR testing I wouldn't need the machine. However, it is now clear that it is going to be much longer before us APS patients will be on these drugs so I'm glad I didn't wait. Having the coaguchek has given me a new lease of life and quite frankly has probably meant that I am able to work full time and not have to worry about attending INR clinics and the like. It has also been invaluable for when I'm travelling as I can check 3 days before I fly and adjust my warfarin dose to make sure I am properly anticoagulated when I fly. It is just a shame that the meters themselves can't be prescribed but for £365 (that's what I paid) I think the price was well worth paying but do appreciate that some people may not have that money.

[bernieembleton in reply to travelnut]

Than you. I quite agree, i have more control now. It was nice to read your story. Thanks again.

[Helene in reply to travelnut]

Hello, I am trying to find out where to buy a CoaguChek XS, and I note you paid £365 for yours. The cheapest I have found on a search online is £449.00 (exl VAT), may I ask where you bought yours? How long ago was it?

Thanks!

[StuartD in reply to Helene]

Hi Helene,

Have a look at the offer shown at: anticoagulationeurope.org

I ordered one 3 days ago using this offer, it arrived the next day. Excellent service and a very good price - as you said, it's much more expensive on all other websites.

Regards,

Stuart.

[Hamy]

Hi,

Yes I also have a coagchek and find my INR is much easier to control.

I check every week and rarely have to change my warfarin,

My daughter and myself use it as we both have Hughes

[bernieembleton in reply to Hamy]

I feel my levels are staying in range more now, as i can adjust my warfarin accordinly.

[ciaronsmum]

I have a coaguchek machine and i generally test every 2 weeks. I think i t is better not to test too frequently, which can be a temptation when you have your own machine, but it is very useful to me and i feel well worth the money as i can test first thing in a morning and go straight off to work without having to stand in a queue at the local hospital!

Louise

[panda60 in reply to ciaronsmum]

I use coagucheck and phone my local clinic with results at regular intervals and am then told which dosage to take. They ask me to go in twice a year for a machine check. It is a godsend as I have had periods where I am not stable and might have ended up going twice a week to the clinic! I test every 10 days or so, but what I find is particularly helpful is to do the test if I feel unwell to see if inr is low, or if I have been taking any medication that might react with the warfarin.

I realise how lucky I am that my local clinic will support this and also that my GP will prescribe the test strips.

Incidentally the machine cost less than my latest pair of specs!

Caroline

[bevers1]

I have started using own coaguchek, but am finding clinic inr and mine 1.0 different, not sure why?

Kim

[bernieembleton]

I have recently been to Trinidad for an holiday. Buying my coag machine last year has proved invaluable. I managed to keep my INR,s in good range while i was away, and knowing i could ring home to my GPs if i had any problems, helped me have a long earned holiday, after 10 years. It has given me freedom that i never had since i commenced Warfarin 7 years ago. The machine is well recommended.

[tomnwild]

Hi, i find a cheap CoaguChek

I hope its help you

Tom