Last week INR of 8.4, now in Hosp w/1.0 INR

[catwoman]

Alicia:

Do you use a 7-day pillbox to ensure that you have taken your warfarin? That would help prevent any repeats of what landed you in the hospital.

Tom:

You do not have to take your warfarin at exactly the same time every day. I take mine at breakfast, which can vary. This morning it was 7 a.m. CDT. Saturday morning it sure won't be 7 a.m. CDT, because I'll be in Seattle, Washington, and I sure won't get up at 5 a.m. their time, which would be 7 a.m. my normal time.
I have taken my warfarin as late as 10-11 a.m., without any INR problems.

My INR range is 2.5-3.5. I prefer it to be around 4. If it hits 4.2-4.5, I don't worry.
I told my surgeon that when we had a consult for my husband's MV surgery. Told Dr. Matter that I adjust my dosage myself and that I have Al Lodwick's chart (BTW, this is a must for anyone on warfarin, even if your doctor adjusts your dosage). Told him that "You can replace blood cells, but you can't replace brain cells."

 

[dick0236]

a $.69 SEVEN day pillbox made my life easier years ago. After many years on Warfarin as well as other maintenance drugs, out of habit I sometimes take my meds without realizing I took them. If the "pill box" lid is "down", it is a 100% guarantee that I haven"t.

I take my warfarin in the AM, although the hour varies.

I agree that Coumadin warfarin and generic Warfarin are "equivalent" drugs. Many older docs have a problem with generic Warfarin but the younger docs are more flexible. I finally got my Cardio to prescribe Warfarin two years ago and have had NO INR (or other) problems. However, I still have to defend my use of Warfarin. I simply ask my docs to "show me the written documentation that Warfin is inferior". So far I'm still on the generic.

 

[alicia]

I have the HUGE 7 day am/ev/pm pillbox, but I still managed to screw it up. Keep in mind though Im on 12 different RX's...

Im in the cardiac intermediate unit pacing thr halls pushing my IV poll. Thank God I've got the wireles heart monitor on. I have walked more in the 4 days I've been here than I have in a while. Thank God I can walk though. Some are not that fortunate.

One intresteting patient up here was bitten by a snake and his heart has gone haywire. But he seems to be doing okay now. You meet so many people. Eveybody has a story to tell.

And yes Ross if this ever happens again I know what to demand. We all have to be our own advocate.

Thanks all,
Alicia

 

[Kathleen]

Alicia
I hope you are not getting to stir crazy. What is your INR now? Do they have a number you can achieve and then go home with the heparin or lovenox shots? I took the heparin route last month when I had to be in for a few days. I certainly would sit down with the doctors and set a plan to shoot for. I also had the horrific nosebleed in November. I can sympathize with you on that. I was so afraid to even sneeze for weeks after. If you want to visit while you are stuck there go ahead and pm me and I will spend some time with you shooting the breeze.
Kathleen

 

[Blanche]

Stuff happens

Stuff happens

Alicia:
Perhaps you didn't take your Coumadin when you should have. Well, that's in the past. Forget about it....Put it out of your mind. We all forget from time to time and sometimes we take a hit, as you have.

I am so sorry that you had to go through this. Must have scared the beegeebers out of you. But Ship does happen. You are going to be ok and that's what matters. I take Coumadin for A-fib. I forget to take it for two days. Don't know why...maybe a brain fart??? Stuff happens... Bet you that I won't do that again.

Kindest regards,
Blanche

 

[Guest]

Giving vitamin K for a nosebleed like yours is acceptable. However, holding warfarin for 4 days when a person takes a fairly high dose like 7.5 mg is utter stupidity. When you told the doc that it was due to an accidental overdose, you should have restarted your same dose when the bleeding stopped. Your warfarin management sounds like it is being done by the Three Stooges ? you know carrying a 10 foot long board and whirling around.

 

[imhayley]

Have IV pole races

Have IV pole races

Hi Alicia I hope you are holding up okay in the hospital. Hopefully they will let you get to go home very soon. Just thought I would say hello and wish you the best.

 

[Ross]

Giving vitamin K for a nosebleed like yours is acceptable. However, holding warfarin for 4 days when a person takes a fairly high dose like 7.5 mg is utter stupidity. When you told the doc that it was due to an accidental overdose, you should have restarted your same dose when the bleeding stopped. Your warfarin management sounds like it is being done by the Three Stooges ? you know carrying a 10 foot long board and whirling around.

Al why not plasma instead?

 

[Guest]

$$$$$$$$$$

 

[alicia]

I definately did have a big brainfart! I will be soo much more careful now.
My INR finally got to 1.9 on Friday so they discharged me. I get my Coumadin rechecked on Monday. This has all been a learning expierance. No more Vitamin K for me!!!!! Thanks for all the responses. Its so good to be home again. Love ya guys!!!!

Alicia
(a happy camper now)

 

[geebee]

Glad to hear you are home and none the worse for more wear. Be careful and argue when necessary. Remember, unless you are unconscious, they cannot give you medications without your permission.

 

[Persianlady05]

To Alicia

To Alicia

I can feel your frustration,when mine was 100 i went to the hospital they gave me 4 frozen pints of plazma i began to get a allergic reaction they stoped it and gave me 1 pint of blood boy what a ordeal i was in the hospital until i was in my normal range i resumed my regular dosage I learn each day from this website i am so thankful for all the people here and the professionals who are trained in this field thank you all .now i have a problem its the weekend and i know my body pretty well and what problems i have when the INR IS HIGH/LOW the musles in my hands are hurting and my muscles on the top of my feet hurt when i flex them what the heck can i do i know it has to do something with my INR level help

 

[Karlynn]

Alicia - welcome home!!!

 

[Karlynn]

Persianlady, did you mean a ProTime of 100, which would give you an INR of around 10?

 

[imhayley]

welcome home!

welcome home!

Hi Alicia and I am so happy to hear you are home! Now keep a close eye on your meds or ya gana get a spankin!....by ROSS! Much love, Hayley

 

[Persianlady05]

Alicia

Alicia

I just had my checked this morning it was 8.0 at my cardios he didnt call me back until late this afternoon said to withhold for 3 days thats it then come in friday to recheck i had muscle pain and brusing also they are idoits

 

[alicia]

Can we find a good Coumadin clinic please?

Alicia