Here I go again.

[Karlynn]

Well, I'm back to the reason that caused me to find VR in the first place. I cannot seem to get my INR up from 2.2. The only thing different I've done is start taking glucosamine (which, if I understand correctly, shouldn't impact INR) and I am exercising regularly to the point where I've notice a nice increase in my cardiovascular fitness (which I know does affect INR). I've been inching my dose up because I didn't want to swing to the other end, but I've gone from 9/4 days and 8/3 days to 10/4 days and 9/3 days and it's still at 2.2. There was one week where it was 2.7 and I breathed a sigh of relief, but then the next week it was back to 2.1.

At least I'm not as low as a year ago when I was 1.6!!! But at that time it was due to protein bars with K in it. I've steared clear of that kind of stuff with the exception of my protein drink which I've been using daily as breakfast for the past 2 years. As far as I can tell, it has no K.

I have been very busy and haven't really had time for my glass of wine at night. There is a lot of stress with stupid stuff revolving around my niece's wedding (tomorrow) and it has been both a blessing and a curse to have my daughter home from her first year of college (she goes back Monday).

If I were to increase my dose 10% that would put me at a little over 10 a day.

Any thoughts?

 

[Raverlaw]

I have been very busy and haven't really had time for my glass of wine at night. .... and it has been both a blessing and a curse to have my daughter home from her first year of college (she goes back Monday).

Karlynn,

I have been exercising a lot and regularly. Although I'm still new to this INR thing, I've definitely noticed a direct correlation between exercise and INR dropping. I've also inched up my dose, and will probably keep going higher. The key will be to keep exercising at the same level (good for you if you can keep it up! ), otherwise your INR will surely rise if the exercise tapers off, or stops suddenly from an injury or something.

And don't forget that glass of wine!!! It will help with the stress, too.

By the way, I completely understand and agree with your quote about having your child home from college. We enjoyed seeing my son, but we're also relieved that he's gone again!

 

[Perrster]

Inr

Inr

Hey der, Coumadin girlfriend!

Sorry you're experiencing the "It's Never Right" syndrome. I too, all summer long, have been visiting my vampire bats much too frequently. I can't self-test because my bad health insurance coverage won't support a unit, so my cardio is getting good revenue out of me!!$$

I usually hover on the lower end of the INR scale and I'm only a 1/2 point off the scale at times. Even for a 1/2 point difference, they now require a re-test every two weeks until we hit the game-winning 2.5-3.5 average and then I'm off the needle for a month. Silly game!

I exercise every darn day. Should I blame the summer heat (or lack thereof), or too much golf? I am, however, pretty consistent with the Merlot. It would seem like a good idea for you to have a glass or two at the wedding and next week enjoy your peace of a household without the adultolescents. Ours are gone too!

Gyzmo, Biscuits and Kathie say hi!

Regards,

 

[tommy]

Karlynn,

I agree that increase in exercise can lower the INR due to faster absorption. My dose has increased 33% from a year ago. My exercise level has been very high in that time frame. The increase came in 2 steps. Starting from 22.5 mg per week to 25 to 30. The good news is that I'm now consistently at the high end. Before I was at the low end.

 

[Sherry]

Oh, Karlynn, I understand your pain, girl. Mine is always all over the map, even though the last few readings were within range. However, had my teeth cleaned this week and had to be premedicated (which I know is going to make it spike) so what are we to do? I agree with the others, though. Have a couple of glasses of wine at the reception, and that should make it rise a bit. Take care and enjoy the wedding.

 

[ShezaGirlie]

Now, cut that out Karlynn..

Don't you know that we tall gals require more Coumadin?? And show all the stress the front door!

Have a great time at the wedding.. Do I need to give more details?

 

[Guest]

Remember that it is not the dose that is important, it is the INR.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I've steared clear of that kind of stuff with the exception of my protein drink which I've been using daily as breakfast for the past 2 years. As far as I can tell, it has no K.

Are you SURE your protein drink has NO K in it?

The ENSURE drinks are known to contain vitamin K.

Maybe you should contact the manufacturer and ask if there is any vitamin K in their drink... or just do something else for breakfast until your next INR check...
then you will KNOW

'AL'

 

[McCln]

Karlynn

Karlynn

Give the lowdown on your protein drink. Like the other said, al other nutrition drink have vitiamin k of 25% or more. Even in nutrition bars. I have a hard time with dieting because of it. Now about the INR. Mine have beena rollercoaster also, for the first time in three years. The highest was 4.1 and lowest was 2.1 So I am hoping it will be normal next week. Last week it was 2.1 due to the premed before dental cleaning. Had different premed this time. You just keep being active and hang in there. It will balance out soon. I asked a nurse about this problem and Ross will agree, when spring and summer comes, you are more active, thus INR rollercoasters all during this time. Just hang in there.

Caroline
09-13-01
Aortic valve replacement
St. Jude's valve

 

[Karlynn]

I'm sure the drink has no K in it. I've been using the exact same one daily for 2 years, so even if it did have K, it wouldn't be the reason for the decrease.

However.... today I'm 3.9, four days after being 2.2 (and 2.1, 2.3 etc) for the last month. I've taken 10 every day since the 2.2. Prior to that it was 10/4 days, 9/3 days for 2 weeks. And prior to that it was 10/ 3 days and 9/4 days. My original dose before it went low was 9/4 days and 8/ 3 days.

So I'm a little uncertain about what to do with the dosage. I have an idea, but I thought I'd throw it out to you all. 3.9 isn't bad, but I'm willing to bet it will keep going up if I stay on the 10 daily.

 

[Guest]

I try to not set record highs or record lows for my patients' doses. What I would do is go back to the previous dose that kept you in range. I see these little variations all the time and tend to discount them after the patient starts to respond.