Finally got to 3

[RandyL]

I have been uping my dose slowly each week and finally after taking 12.5 mg/day I got to 3. I was 1.9 then 2.1 then 2.2 and then 3. I hope I don't go off the chart next week. I would like to slow my testing to every 2 weeks once I get stable. It's been tough since I stopped my coumadin 3 times in 45 days for procedures. We will see.

 

[Ross]

Well it's how you learn what's right for you. No one else can do it.

 

[aussigal]

Good on you Randy...I bet you feel proud and clever too!...
looks like you had a nice steady climb up to 3.0 , Well Done!

 

[RandyL]

So I am at the Cardio office yesterday and they want blood(hadn't had any for 6 weeks) I said okay if I must, those little butterfly needles with the skinny long tube/hose ain't bad, it's the big needles that bother me.

Anyways they call today, your INR is 3.0 which was the same as my IN-RATIO machine on Sunday. She says we need you between 2-2.5 which theu have always wanted, I just try in stay between 2-3. Shes asks me what my dose is(I don't call them for dose changes). I said I am at 12.5 mg/day 7 days a week. She says okay you need to drop down to 11.5.. I said okay and thanked her for the info.

I am not changing my dose when my INR is 3. If anybody thinks different please let me know. I will test again this Sunday and see where I am at.It took me 3 weeks to get to 3 very slowly and I refuse to change my dose now.

 

[KristyW]

You know what you're doing

You know what you're doing

Randy,

Having a range of 2.0-2.5 is just plain ridiculous. With all of these kinds of tests, there is a margin of error. Sometimes it's as much as + or - .6. You could take 2 tests in a row and get a 2.5 & then a 3.1! I really wouldn't worry about changing your dose right now.

 

[Karlynn]

Randy, I'm really impressed with what a fast learner you are. Kristi is absolutely correct. A few members have come on to say their Dr.'s target is2.4 - 3, or some other silly range. If lay-people like us can understand the margin of error, why can't these intelligent medical professionals?

 

[RandyL]

Thanks Karylynn.

I asked the gal why don't you just get one of these home test machines for your office.

Her reply was they are not accurate and you have to calibrate them all the time.Good Lord my Doc's office is living in the dark ages. She also says that coumadin is not as reliable as watfarin. I won't argue because I need someone to give me prescriptions.

 

[catwoman]

Randy:

If you feel brave enough:
1. Ask what this gal's credentials are, if she's ever read studies comparing results of microanticoagulation testing devices against lab draws. Methinks she's saying, we've always done it this way, so this is how it will always be done, and I'm an old dog.
2. Ask if your doctor will give you the co-pay difference between warfarin & Coumadin.

 

[aussigal]

Randy...you have achieved what I am working on ...an INR a little higher than 2.5...My GP tests me and then tells me what/if he feels should be any changes...I graciously say "thank-you" then go home and continue on my own course of dosing til I reach my target!
hang in there matey...I reckon you are doing a champion job at managing your own Coumadin/warfain...sometimes its just easier to pretend to agree with these people . The nurse who takes my blood used to give me the story about not eating lettuce while on warfarin , it was good for a laugh!