Hello everyone. Kind of new on here only posted once or twice. I would just like to ask if anyone is using the coaguchek machine for their INR. I have got mine today and I was wondering how much is it going to hurt ( massive needle phobic). Is it better or worse than having it drawn by the nurse. Thanks stay safe
Izzyg
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I use a coaguchek for my inr reading. I was incredibly needle phobic until I went through all this. I had unprovoked bilateral PE. I had so many needles at various stages I just learned to get on with it. You will get used to the finger prick eventually. I wouldn't say it's any different to when the nurse does except you are in control and quite often makes me jump!
Hi Alison, thank you for your reply. I am finding it so hard to get my inr checked with the one and only nurse I trust. I have been stabbed with so many needles in my life from birth that I thought enough is enough so I got the machine thinking I will be brave enough to use it ( ha ha).
I was going to get one but the test strips are so expensive I decided against it. I only get my INR checked every 10 weeks anyway because I am so stable that I don’t think it’s worth the expense.
Hello Jillydabrat. Thank you for your reply. Yes the strips are expensive and I am only getting one lot on prescription. I only get tested every 6/8 weeks but I work now 11 hours a day and finding it so hard to get an appointment.
Izzy it's a finger prick rather than a blood draw. You just use one of the little lancet devices to prick your finger and then drop the blood in the right place on the strip while it's in the machine. I purchased a machine when it started to become clear covid-19 was going to be around for some time as I am on the shielded list. I do my own test at home, phone the GP we go through the results and she advises any changes to warfarin. Personally I find it straightforward to use. No worse than the many time a day I prick my finger on pins while I'm sewing. Just get everything set up ready to go, read through instructions so you are sure you know what you are doing and it should all go fine, The only problem I had first time I used it was I couldn't work out how to use the lancet..! I ended up youtubing to see if there was any info there. There was and I'm fine now. You'll do great. Good Luck
Hello angel1960. Thank you for your reply. I have watched the demonstration on how to use it from the company's web site. It looks easy enough probably until I go to actually do it. I have got a dvd to watch that came with the machine. I have to put the details on the warfarin clinic's site and not my gp. I will let you know how I get on when I attempt it on Monday. Thanks again
Do you have APS/sticky blood? I have been self testing for 12 yrs now and have to check mine every few days. APS is unique in that if your INR is too low you get symptoms-mine includes migraine, severe brain fog and loss of balance because your blood is too thick, and you are risk of clotting.
It’s expensive but worth it.
The clinic showed me how to use the machine and I email my results then they tell me what dose to take. Machine is checked every six months against theirs and a blood draw.
It does not hurt-just a pinprick but takes a while to get used to. Let us know you get on.
Hi there Panda60. Thank you for your reply. I was put on Warfarin 30 year ago due to having 2 DVT in the leg. I am just having trouble getting my blood done with the one and only nurse who I trust to do it and that is why I decided to buy the machine to test at home. Fingers crossed it will be fine, I will try on Monday and will let you know. Stay safe
The strips for the INR meter are very expensive but my insurance does pay for them. I only found this out due to this virus. The receptionist at the doctor's office told me how i could get them paid through insurance.
Hi Sophia! Thank you for your reply. I do not have any insurance, however I think that it might be worth the price £70.00 for 24 test strips as I am lucky that I only get checked every 6 to 8 weeks unless there is a change. It would be great to get them on prescription but I am not that lucky, I had to argue to get the first prescription free.
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