P
Patricia Choate
I have never posted to this forum before. I had my mitral valve replaced in September 1999. My Coumadin dosage was regulated and I stayed at an INR range of 2.1-3.0 until April 23 of this year, when my INR came back at 5.6. I was taken off Coumadin for five days but that caused the INR to go to 1.0. Since then I have had to be retested every ten days and have had my dosage changed after each test. Yesterday the INR came back at 1.0 and yes, the Coumadin dosage was adjusted. I do not understand why......my diet has always been fairly consistent, no new medications......including vitamins or over the counter drugs have been added and my activity level has not changed. My Doctor simply says...."this is normal when you are on Coumadin", but is it? I knew that I would need to have my blood tested after receiving an artificial valve, but every ten days!!!! My poor little arms are always bruised and my mood is getting worse after every test. Hopefully, since you all are in the same boat, you will have some advice, hints, or at the least, I will have someone I can complain to every ten days who understands and give my poor husband a break. Thanks for listening, Patricia