My PCP on home testing ...

[catwoman]

I have to brag on my PCP, James Murphy...
I had my annual last Wednesday. We talked about my recent problems with a high INR after bronchitis (fever, going on antibiotics, etc., etc.). He said, "I'm so glad you have your own testing machine."
He's heard me talk about vr.com, and I mentioned some thread I'd seen posted -- perhaps someone going through a colonoscopy -- and he asked if many here have their own PT/INR testing machine. I don't know the exact number, but I said, yes, a fair number do have a machine.
He then said he wished that more insurance companies covered at least major portion, if not all, of a PT/INR home testing machine, that it's more of a team approach working with a patient who has a PT/INR machine.

 

[Ross]

Now if only they all saw it that way!

 

[djacq]

Marsha,

I wish I lived in Texas...

It was a major battle convincing my PCP to work with me and my machine and I still think he just tolerates it.

Now, more cardiologists using it in their offices around here so it is slowly gaining more respect.

Donna

 

[Ross]

I really don't know what all the hullaballue is about. I have labs that can't get the same reading from two samples taken at the same time, so why should anyone think that machines aren't accurate? I mean heck,I can test twice at home and get two different numbers too. If they are very close to each other, I consider it an accurate test. I did mine the other day before going for my BMP and had them draw a Protime also. I got 3.5 at home and 30 minutes later, the lab got 2.6. You know what, they are both in my range, so I'm not worrying about it.

 

[geebee]

Ross,

I did the same thing last Tuesday. Had a lab draw and the results were 2.8. Went home and tested at 3.6. Like you, neither would cause me to change my dose so I don't worry about it.

I tend to trust my INRatio over the lab draw because I don't know how long they wait to actually test the blood. And, of course, I am assuming whoever is running their machines know what they are doing and that they actually do the test and don't think it's funny to just make something up and so on and so on.

I have a really vivid imagination when it comes to things like this.

 

[tommy]

Marsha,
Glad to hear it! I've found very good teamwork as well.

Ross,
One day I compared three tests. My cardio's machine, my machine, and the lab. The lab was the odd reading (and 24 hours later). Diabetics can't put up with that inaccuracy or delay. Our precision and timing isn't as critical as a diabetic's, but our timing could be dangerous if way out of range.

Donna.
Won't your cardio manage your INR with you. Mine has a Coumadin Clinic. I call the nurse with my INR's. The nurse consults with the cardio if I make a large bounce or if there is a problem.

 

[hayden]

What is a PCP

What is a PCP

you old timers, use a lot of abbreviations and big words some of us baby heart's have never heard!!

 

[geebee]

PCP = Primary care physician.

Ask about acronyms. There are indeed a lot here.

 

[hayden]

thanks, I thought it was some kinda drug!!

thanks, I thought it was some kinda drug!!

[ about acronyms. There are indeed a lot here.[/QUOTE]


something I was missing out on!!

 

[catwoman]

Hayden:

Yeah, PCP sounds like a psychedelic drug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know what you mean about acronyms ... My co-worker's 80-year-old dad had AVR (porcine tissue) last Friday and since I was on vacation, I sat with him & his family for a while at the hospital. A friend of his dad came by and talked about his own 6-bypass surgery in 1990, right after a massive heart attack. He mentioned getting shots of ATP pre-op as an anticoagulant... something I've never heard of, except for use in cars as a fuel additive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[catwoman]

Oops!

Oops!

A co-worker assured me that ATP is the fuel additive.... But it's STP........ I wonder what ATP is....