Hughes Syndrome: Do clinics/hospitals encourage self monitoring and is it accurate?

[StuartD]

[Hidden]

Hi

I just mentioned my Coaguchek machine while answering another question but I found it extremely helpful. I have always had a helpful GP and she was happy to accept the INR results from my machine. I did use the test strips to calibrate it and every so often I had a INR test through the hospital to check they were aligned. it is accuate but you need to follow the guidelines well, always wash your hands in warm water and wait for the pin prick to bleed, do not squeeze it out. ensure you stay properly hydrated and test for bad results as well as good ones!

My machine travelled the world with me and I never got stopped once at customs!! even with emergency Heparine needles!

Always check with your GP or health professionsal and if you want more information then speak to the drug company that produce it.

One last thing - i think you can get the Coaguchek strips on the NHS so it must be endorsed somehow?

Good luck

Tx

[Hidden]

Stuart

See previous question "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." for more details and opiniopns.

Tx

[StuartD]

Thanks Tasch - if you have a Coaguchek machine, does it need to be calibrated specifically for you or can you use it straight out of the box?

[Hidden]

It doesn't have to be calibrate for the individual but you get control samples to ensure that the machine is reading the results correctly. It is very easy to do.

[JoyceyMee33]

I have had a coagucheck monitor for about 7 years (updated last year to the new coagucheck xs) I would not be without it. I take it on holiday to Canada when visiting my daughter, and am able to check my INR while away from home. It does take away the worry of not being able to visit the warfarin clinic. I would highly recommend them.

Joyce F

[StuartD in reply to JoyceyMee33]

Thanks Joyce. I have purchased a Coaguchek XS machine. How long after starting on Warfarin did you start using your machine?

Stuart.

[JoyceyMee33 in reply to StuartD]

Hi Stuart.

The coagucheck machines do not have to be calibrated for each individual, and with a little practice are easy to use. The warfarin clinic are quite happy for me to use it between visits. Sometimes after visiting the clinic I will check my INR at home to make sure the readings agree.

Joyce F

[paddyandlin]

In answer to your question i think it depends on the Clinic and the PCT and the doctors understanding and finances at the time it is very diffrent responses depending on where you are in the UK but as everyone has said the people that use them say it has made a world of diffrence to there life.

[Herb]

A few years ago I was attending the INR clinic in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle and one day I went in to the waiting room and there were a load of leaflets from the cogucheck company and they were recruiting patients to self monitor.

I wasn't interested at the time because I live really close to the hospital, no one ever suggested it to me and I got the impression it was because all involved class me as "high risk". Personally I find my clinic appointments reassuring and I have known the staff for years and they always have time to go over any worries I have. Now we all know what to do if I get a high or a low result. I would find it stressful to self test as I live on my own.

[tomnwild]

gumtree.com/p/for-sale/coag...

Hi, i find a cheap CoaguChek XS plus!