INR self testing ?

[dick0236]

I am new to VR.com but not to anti-coagulation therapy. I have taken coumadin/warfarin for 40 years. Mechanical Aortic Valve implanted in 1967. I have original valve and obviously have been on coumadin/warfarin for that entire time. Recently, I learned of home self-testing and it tweaked my interest, but now I am not so sure. I lab test monthly thru my docs office and my INR stay in range (2.5-3.5) about 70-75% of the time. When it varies it almost always will be on hi side (4+). I stop a dose for a day or so and the INR returns to range. These occasional variations occur for no apparent reason. I am very accustomed to going to doc office for the test after all these years and his office is convernient to my home.

After reading some of the "posts", self-testing seems not to be all that simple. I'm thinking I might be looking at an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" situation.

Comments ?

 

[Karlynn]

Self-testing is very easy. And there are studies recently that show that those that home-test tend to be more stabile than those that go to a lab or office.

However, if you are comfortable with the way you test - you're right - if it ain't broke don't fix it.

If you do decide to look into it. Click on the QAS banner at the top of each page on VR. That will give you the contact information for QAS. They do most of the leg work with your insurance co to secure you a machine.

 

[geebee]

Dick,

The reason I started home testing is because my veins just weren't happy any longer, I was traveling a lot and labs were hard to find, and I was on a few meds over the past few years that caused my INR to fluctuate. It was tough for me to find the time and the willing veins to test every week or two weeks at a lab.

If you do not mind vein sticks and the lab is convenient for you, I agree with you that home testing might not be helpful for you.

However, one of the things I have noticed is that with testing every week, I do notice problems faster. Although I am in range most of the time, there have been times where I "catch" an INR issue much faster than I would if I went to a lab monthly. For example, I am currently on Medrol and my INR went up from 2.8 to 5.4 in 3 days. If I was lab testing, I might not have realized this until a problem occurred.

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Dick

As the wife of an AVR husband, I can tell you that self testing is MUCH more convenienct, easier, and in my opinion the only way to go.

Tyce has had two machines, Protime and Coaguchek. We have been self testers for about 4 years.....until the fall when Coaguchek pulled strips off the market. Since that time we have been going to our cardio's coumadin clinic....what a royal PAIN. Even though Tyce is pretty stable, we were so used to testing weekly that we continued the weekly testing at the office. They're only about 10 minutes away, but what a pain....you go, you wait, you get results, wait for the dr. to call you back with an adjustment, .....I was ready to scream!!!!!

We just received our NEW INRatio by Hemosense.....love it love it love it. It's WAY easy to use, does controls itself and is a piece of cake in comparison to the other two.....with this machine, I can't imagine NOT being a self tester.

Everyone does what they want to do, but I do feel testing weekly is the very best way to go because you're able to make small adjustments, rather than a large one and especially because it's soooo convenient. Please consider it.

Evelyn

 

[Ross]

All I can say is, if you choose home testing, you'll be the happiest person on earth. So simple to do, no waiting in germ filled office areas, no driving to and from appoint meant etc. Try it, i' bet it'll make a believer out of you too!

 

[Guest]

Dick,

I think that you are in a small minority for whom, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies.