Home INR Monitoring

After finally getting this process set up I'm so pleased. Yes, under the Medicare guidelines I have to stick my finger weekly but I believe it will help keep my levels steady (all the studies show it's much better for managing INR levels) as I can adjust my diet some if needed so my level doesn't go from too high to too low! It's so much better than going to the clinic and sitting and waiting and they're always behind so you have to plan at least an hour. I'm in control of my time and yes, I have to phone the results in but I can do that on my schedule. I know some of you have talked about going to the different med in the fall but at this point I want to see more long term data on how patients do before I look at a change. None of us want to stay on anticoagulants and maybe some day there will be another option that doesn't include meds but for now...

1 Comments

Thoughts ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-06-23 12:06:30

I have been offered this same deal. I have thought about it for many months. I would dread doing the lil' finger prick (I am a wimp). They said I would have to do the INR check once/week & call/once week.

My INR rates are ranging 1.9 - 3.1, no matter what I eat. I do try to stay away from broccoli/cranberries/ spinach, and all the other green veggies I love. My blood just will not settle on 2.5, like I want it to. Right now, I go about once/three weeks, sometimes sooner for my INR check. Distance: 15 miles/one way.

I have even written food companies inquiring of their vitamin K counts in their foods. The companies just shrug me off since that is one they are not required to put on the back of products by the FDA. I asked re: a new cranberry type in cereal ~ they did not know what I spoke of when I told them about vitamin K interference.

I, too, want to know more about the new, expensive drug coming out in the Fall. I understand it has been used in many other countries already. The USA is waiting on the FDA to approve the meds. There will not be any generic brand for the new meds.

Let us know if you find out more to any of this.

Good Luck,
Carolyn G. of TEXAS ~ Bootiful Day for Sun Bake ~

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