I should have listened!

[halleyg]

My INR was 5.4 on Monday.. nurse said take 5 mg. for two nights instead of my usual 10 mg. Some of you on here advised me to cut it in half for one night only, and last night I lingered a minute, but ended up cutting the 10 in half and took 5. So, went back today and protime was 2.4 (my range is 2.5-3.5) and now I am really nervous that tomorrow it will be even lower, since I just took the 5 last night..? I haven't heard back from the coumadin mgr. yet, just got back home but now pretty worried about tomorrow.

 

[AgilityDog]

You've tested pretty quickly after a dosage change. It usually takes 3 days to show up. But, that said, I'd just go back to the regular 10 tonight, and you'll be back in range in no time. What you DON"T want to do is to take more than 10 tonight-that's overkill.

 

[Karlynn]

I wouldn't worry. Just resume your regular dose and test in 4 or 5 days.

I take 10 too. Those of us on higher doses notice a faster drop in INR's than those on lower doses.

 

[halleyg]

Thanks... that's pretty much what the nurse told me. She said to test again on Monday, but if I want I could come in on Friday.

 

[dick0236]

You are testing too soon after adjusting your dose. I'd go back to your normal 10 and retest on monday like the lab nurse suggests.

 

[Ross]

Thanks... that's pretty much what the nurse told me. She said to test again on Monday, but if I want I could come in on Friday.

Hon go Monday! Friday is too soon.

 

[halleyg]

OK, Monday it is! I am listening this time!

 

[Freddie]

halleyg,
I just gone though the same thing. I too am mechanical and dropped to 1.9 last week (Wednesday) I up my dose 1mg and just got re-tested today - came back at 4.1 Now I'm going to alternate my dosage until I re-test next Thursday.

So, like Ross said re-test on Monday, Friday will be too soon - your body needs time to adjust to the dosage change.

Don't fret like I did - it only makes matters worse - I'm talking from experience

Take Care

 

[ALCapshaw2]

There was a discussion about Bridging protocols and someone mentiooned that their Cardiologist just recommended a 4 day hold for invasive procedures and then resume the normal dosing schedule that evening, after the procedure. He claimed he had not seen any problems.

One Surgeon I querried followed that same protocol.

I don't recall the specifics of some of our members who have suffered strokes of varying magnitude. It would be interesting to know more about what lead to their clots / strokes.

Bottom Line: A one day hold *should* be safe.

Is that equivalent to Half a Dose for 2 days?
(I don't know for sure...)

'AL Capshaw' (disclaimer: I am NOT a Medical Professional)