Coumadin Clinic adjusted me...

[COLLEEN S]

Hi all,
I go to the coumadin clinic once every week or 2 weeks. Only one time in 8 months did I make it to a monthly visit. I have been out of range that long. But the thing is, they adjust me when I'm 2.4 instead of the "prescribed" 2.5-3.5
I was 4.9 the other day, forgot to tell them I started on progesterone cream for hot flashes. The nurse made a huge deal about it practically scolding me for not calling them and telling them, she said "you can't do that" meaning not call them. Then she said "did your doctor prescribe the progesterone for you?" I lied and said yes,but what diff. does it make. Do I have to call them everytime I take a freaking tylenol. Im flaming mad. They treat me like I am in First Grade and know nothing. I am so sick of going there. I cant wait to get approved for my monitor, and My new cardio appt is on May 13!
Colleen
http://www.medhelp.org/personal_pages/user/552012

 

[Tbone]

This to shall pass.... Just hang in there, I go to the coumadine clinic and there are periods of time when I go every week. I do beleive you should let them know when you are changing your meds. What is a phone call 2 mins? The important thing that you can do to keep it in line is to learn your foods with Vitamin k, and keep your diet steady.

 

[Bina]

It does seem that your clinic is trying to "micro manage" you.....that certainly does not make for a very stable INR. Constantly chasing the tiny changes is only causing stress and creating fluctuations.
Now, for your part, maybe it is helpful if you call in any new meds or supplements.....and as a back up plan, ask us here, or use Google for possible interactions with warfarin.
Good luck, hang in there!

 

[Ross]

When you get fed up, post everything about your INR history etc and we'll get you stable and in range. We've helped more people here then any of those clinics or doctors have in a shorter amount of time. If we can get it, why can't they?

 

[catwoman]

Colleen:

I don't agree with making an adjustment for an INR that's 0.1 below or above the range.

However ... you do need to communicate to your doctors and the Coumadin clinic if and when you make changes to your medication regimen. Even OTC meds can affect your INR. This helps medical professionals tell if a higher-than-normal INR is the result of a new OTC med or a case of absent-mindedly doubling up on a dose -- or whatever.

I've googled for any interactions between progesterone cream and warfarin but have yet to find something definite. However, just because something is topical, rather than systemic, doesn't mean that it won't affect your INR. It's absorbed through the skin into the body.

I love licorice. Could eat it in place of 3 square meals, getting very black teeth in the meantime . HOWEVER, licorice contains coumarins, so I won't pig out on it. I still eat it; I just don't pig out on it.

 

[COLLEEN S]

I've googled for any interactions between progesterone cream and warfarin but have yet to find something definite. However, just because something is topical, rather than systemic, doesn't mean that it won't affect your INR. It's absorbed through the skin into the body.

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I googled before I posted and couldnt find anything definite either. I realize it absorbs thru the skin. Iwas mad because they seem to micromanage me so much. Thanks for your input.