Testing Frequency

[kozzy]

I finally got my Coaguchek XS last Friday. I tested with the help of a training nurse and got a 3.5 which is at the high level of my acceptable range. I called it into QAS and the message told me to re check on March 20. QAS called my cardio's office and the nurse left me a message to re check in a month (I am almost always in range).

Question for the group: Should I check again Friday or wait a month? How often do most people check with home testing?

P.S. Thanks to everyone on here for the insight and showing the way to home testing. No more vampires for me!!

 

[Bina]

Congrats on getting your fabulous Coaguchek. It's total freedom in a little zippered case!
I check every 2 weeks. If I've had to make any changes, then I test again after one week.
P.S. I like your slogan: "No more vampires for me!"

 

[RobThatsMe]

Hi Kozzy,

After I first got mine, I checked once a week. I did this for several years.
I now check once every 2 weeks, and adjust my dose if need be. I feel comfortable testing every 2 weeks now, and can adjust my medication before things get too far out of range should that occur.

I do not think it is wize to check too often, as it does take a few days for dosage changes to take effect. My advise would be for you to check as often as makes you feel confortable. I also believe that testing once a month is not frequent enough, especially if you do have a home testing unit.

Welcome to the world of home testing. I think you will find that to be a very comforting method and provide peace of mind.

Good luck!

Rob

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Kozzy

Tyce checks once a week.....why? BECAUSE WE CAN!!! It's just easier for us to keep "in range" testing once a week. We love the INRatio....you will too.

Evelyn

 

[westie]

2 weekly

2 weekly

i usually test every 2 weeks, but somestimes i test weekly if i want to check what effect a dose change has had or i just want reassurance everything is ok.

 

[Ross]

It really depends on who's paying for your testing supplies. If your on Medicare, test once a week since that is what they'll pay for, but if not, then I would recommend every 2 weeks. Many only do it once a month, but in my opinion, that's too long between tests and things can get out of hand in that time frame.

 

[Blanche]

We pay for our own test materials and monitor 100%.

We pay for our own test materials and monitor 100%.

Al takes Coumadin for a mechanical mitral valve. I take Coumadin because of A-Fib. We both test weekly.

Al had a stroke in 2000, which I am told might have been avoided had he been testing more frequently than once a month. At the time of the stroke his INR was 1.7. His last test before the stroke was done 27 days prior.

It is interesting to note that Al received his valve in 1990. He tested monthly for ten years with no problems at all. He was generally stable with few adjustments to the Coumadin.

Blanche

 

[njean]

I also do my own home testing & I test once a week, primarily because I can & because I'm able to keep better tabs on things before they get out of hand.

Enjoy your new found freedom!!

 

[kozzy]

Thanks all. I think I will go weekly for a while, then switch to biweekly.

 

[Ross]

If you stay very stable weekly, try bi weekly. If you still stay pretty rock solid, go to 3 weeks. At some point, you'll start to leave the tracks and then you'll know what is best for you.

 

[Marty]

I have been bouncing around lately 4.6,2.2, 4.1, etc.- so I am now testing once a week. My wife Alice is steady between 2.0-2.5, her recommended range for a-fib, and her doctors ask for tests only every five weeks. Saves money, Alice always was a cheap date!