How often do you go?

[catwoman]

Mike:

If you are dieting -- or switching to a low-fat diet, as I did 2 years ago -- your INR will increase, because oils/fats contain vitamin K.

Drop in oils/fats = drop in vitamin K intake = increased INR.

Been there, done that.

Resolve the situation by increasing your exercise level -- which you'll be doing to lose weight in addition to changing your eating habits. An increase in exercise/activity levels will decrease your INR.

BUT --- you will need to stay on top of your changing INRs by having more frequent INR tests until everything levels out, i.e., you have several frequent (every week for starters) INRs that show you're consistently in range.

 

[Marge]

<< Marge - Kaiser is most definitely set up for home testers! How else do they manage diabetics? I'm running into the same problem with Great West Insurance. They kept saying "no, no, that's not covered." I manage the benefits for my company and my answer was, "so, show me where it says it's not." They finally made a determination that the prescription is classified as durable medical equipment. Better for us - no ceiling on that coverage.

Talk to someone in medical management in Kaiser. They can find a way to do it, in addition to the doctor receiving the results. >>


I thought about home testing when I first got on coumadin. I remember discussing it quite a lot on this message board. I explored my options with a number of entities within Kaiser. ( I was prepared, if necessary, to pay for my own equipment, since the Kaiser plan I am on includes only limited coverage for durable medical equipment coverage.)
At this point, however, I really do not have any problem with the Kaiser anti-coagulation clinic system. The people at the anti-coagulation clinic are very conscientious & professional. They report the results of each test promptly to me & respond quickly to any query I have.
One thing : I was told to report to the anti-coagulation clinic any substantial changes in my lifestyle, such as changes in diet, new medications, etc., new health concerns and I've done that religiously. Anything like that can trigger more frequent testing, as happened when I had a kidney infection last year.

 

[MikeB]

I am due for a test now, so I will go to this one and then talk to my cardiologist about the home test, I think this will work out best for me.

I appreciate all the help and support!!!

-Mike

 

[ccrawford]

Mike - Don't forget to spend some time at Al Lodwicks web site so you will understand WHY your INR changes and therefore have a better sense of when you need a test. Good luck.