I challenged my dosage today

[sue943]

I attend the warfarin clinic at our hospital, normally every two weeks. My range is 3.0 to 4.0 but my INR never reaches the higher end of the range, nor even the middle. This year (ie since beginning of Jauary) my INR has been 2.5, 3.2, 2.9, 3.2 now 2.6. Normally they tell me to take 10mg for one day, then 5mg for the next 13. This time they just said to take 5mg on odd dates, 6mg on even dates - no larger dose. As I see it, it would just be 2mg increase in 14 days and as I am below my range I was worried.

Anyway, having read lots of posts here I decided to challenge the clinic and phoned leaving a message to ask why I can't take 10mg then the slightly increased dosage to try to bring my INR up a little. Someone from the clinic phoned and left me a message to say that I could do that BUT they will want to see me after a week, instead of two weeks. I am happy with that, much happier than waiting for two weeks and wondering if I am getting lower.

The clinic is free so the cost isn't a factor.

 

[Blanche]

Three cheers for you, Sue. It's nice to know that your clinic reacted favorably.
Blanche

 

[geebee]

I am happy that you made this step. Doesn't it make you feel good when you challenge something and it turns out OK?
Best of luck with getting and staying in range.
Good job.

 

[Georgia]

It's HARD, isn't it? Hooray for you, Sue - standing up for yourself is so important. Having an extra finger stick is a small price to pay for the clinic people to understand that you're involved in your medical decisions.

You go, girl.

 

[sue943]

Proved correct to challenge!

Proved correct to challenge!

I had my INR checked on Thursday morning as requested by the clinic. Last week it was 2.6 and my range is 3.0-4.0. I took the 10mg on Thursday as I wanted, then 5mg/6mg alternate days. They wanted me just to take the 5mg/6mg which would have been for two weeks before my next test. It is now 3.0 so I dread to think what it would have been if I followed their dosage and just tested next week. I am due for testing again in two weeks.

 

[Ross]

10+5+6+5+6+5+6=43mg per week and that just brought you in range. I say go 45mg a week.

Sun 7.5 Mon 5 Tue 7.5 Wed 5 Thurs 7.5 Fri 5 Sat 7.5=45 and I'll bet your in range!

Not a Doctor, so feel free to discard the idea.