Anticoagulation for a nonvalver

[Mary]

My brother had several small strokes 10 years ago. He's been on coumadin ever since.
I asked him Sunday how often he is tested. He said his INR never changes, so he only goes in once every six months.
I then asked him what range they kept him at, and he said he didn't know.

I realize he's not dealing with a mechanical valve or afib, but is he taking a too relaxed attitude towards anticoagulation?

 

[hensylee]

you betcha he is. My brother also takes coumadin and has no valve, cousin does, too. Both have a monthly check, as demanded by their doctors! Why is this man's doctor continuing to rx this med w/o a continuing regular INR check? They try to keep my bro between 2-3 and if it gets out of range, they fiddle around with the dosage.

Maybe Al will make some comments here.

 

[Granbonny]

My INR stays in range, too...But, I still like to test every 3 weeks.....To be on the safe side. ..I'm like Ann .why would his doctor RX this med without testing at least once a month?..My Cardio only scripts me for 4 months. clinical nurse said..to make sure the elderly are getting a check on their INR. (Not me.. the ones who come into office)...Bonnie

 

[Ross]

Yes he is being too lax! He should know what his INR is and should be getting tested at least monthly. He's supposed to be between 2 and 3.

 

[Mary]

I thought something was wrong. My mom tested monthly and always knew what her numbers were.
When I asked him, I was cautious because he doesn't like being quizzed about his health or medications. Maybe I can talk to my sister-in-law and find out what she knows.
I bet no one is really keeping track of it; just glancing at the results and calling in a refill on the coumadin. Worse yet, that's probably just fine with Pat!

 

[Guest]

I test about every 6 to 8 weeks for someone who has been stable for years. In the UK they do it about every 3 months. It would be hard to make a case for every 6 months being sufficient.

 

[Granbonny]

I had my surgery in March. Pool opened and I had 2 friends down there...(whose Hubby's were on coumadin) Not Open-heart)..to tell me..I was over-reacting on coumadin.....and to chill out...Sad, to say, one passed away last winter..in Mesa, Az... and the other had a life-threating situation of bleeding while taking Vit E...falling and hitting his head. (severe nose-bleed)....Learned not to try to preach to anyone about taking coumadin.. I do what I have to do..take my clinical nurse's advice and live a normal life. I'm sure there are thousands of people on coumadin and thousands of doctor's telling them what to do. To each their own..Bonnie

 

[Granbonny]

P.s.

P.s.

When I said March .that was almost coming up 4 years now. ..this March 25th..4 years. Never any problems. taking coumadin...Lucky me. Bonnie

 

[Karlynn]

My thought is - how does he know he's stable if he only tests every 6 months? If he tests every month and says he's stable, and then skips a month every now and then, I wouldn't be concerned. But 2 times a year isn't enough to let him know he's truly stable - he may be just lucky.

 

[Ross]

My thought is - how does he know he's stable if he only tests every 6 months? If he tests every month and says he's stable, and then skips a month every now and then, I wouldn't be concerned. But 2 times a year isn't enough to let him know he's truly stable - he may be just lucky.

He's just saying whatever it takes to shut sis up. He is not doing what he's supposed to and really, no one can force him too either.

 

[Mary]

He's just saying whatever it takes to shut sis up. He is not doing what he's supposed to and really, no one can force him too either.

I think he just threw the six month figure out to answer me. Is it possible to get a coumadin prescription with no testing whatsoever?

 

[Guest]

No law requires testing.