Finally!!!

[Christina L]

Today my INR came back at 2.1!!!

The first time it has been over 2 since being on the Coumadin (eight weeks!). It got close at 1.9 right before I started to take my vitamins again and drink herbal tea, then the INR started a downward spiral.

Last week (Monday) I was told to stop my Co-Q10 and the herbal teas. Wallah!! An INR of 2.1!!

I'm relieved. Was beginning to think there was something wrong with me - it really shows how Coumadin can interact with foods, herbs, and vitamins.

Thanks to everyone on this board for your help - it was your information I discussed with the Coumadin Clinic nurse and she agreed with you all - so thanks!

Christina L.

 

[catwoman]

Christina:

Congratulations!

I love tea -- particularly Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Assam. Ever had any by Taylor's of Harrogate (a British company)?

 

[ccrawford]

Christina - Way to go ! Now keep your eye on it so it doesn't zoom now that it's broken through the 2.0000 barrier !

 

[Christina L]

You know, that is what I am worried about - the INR zooming upward in record time. The Coumadin Clinic told me to stay on my same dose of 10 mg a day, except for Monday at 2.5 mg and to be rechecked in TWO weeks instead of one like I have been. I asked her if that was too long to wait to be checked - could the INR go too high and she said it was a slow-moving medication. I was 1.5 last week and 2.1 this week, so in two weeks????

And I am drinking regular tea (love a nice cup of tea also - so relaxing), de-caf, just NO herbal teas and the Co-Q10 has gone by the wayside for now. As soon as I get off the Coumadin (God willing) I will go back to the Co-Q10 as it is very good for your heart and I will go back to my herbal teas.

Should I wait for two weeks to have the INR checked or to ease my mind, have it checked in one week?? Any thoughts out there?

Thanks.

Christina L.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Congratulations Christina! May you continue to progress.

Would tend to agree with the nurse under 'normal' circumstances. That being a patient taking less than 6MG a day to maintain an optimal INR.

Even with the other stuff you were using, my bet is that you are a fast matabolizer of the Coumadin. I am one myself.

To air on the side of caution...have it tested in 7 days instead of 14. You are really not in a stable position after just one in range INR.

All the best.
Keep us posted!

 

[bvdr]

Hi Christina,

First of all, you sound great! I am glad your INR is in your target range. If it was me, I would get it checked again in one week. No harm can come from it and like Gina said, being in range for one week doesn't really mean you've stabelized yet.

That took a while to get you in range though didn't it! Made you want to celebrate didn't it? Now just keep yourself in sinus rhythm and you should be set to coast for a while.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Christina-

Congratulations! It must be a BIG relief. Get close testing for a while to make sure all is going in the right direction. It'll give you confidence in how your lifestyle is interracting with the Coumadin. Feedback would be a good thing at this point.

 

[JimL]

I have my INR checked every week; I think it's the best way to keep in range. But then, for me it is convenient and easy to get it checked; the clinic is not far, and only takes a drop of blood.

An INR of 2.1 does not specify whether that is a steady INR of 2.1, or an INR that is moving from 2.0 to 3.0 and happened to be sampled at 2.1, or an INR that is moving from 2.5 to 1.9 and happened to be sampled at 2.1. In other words, you only know that it was 2.1 at the time the test was taken; the test would give the same results if the INR were going up or going down or remaining constant.