INR 1.6 and leaving for a Cruise tomorrow??

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denobobeno

I'm so sorry to ask seems like something I should know by now..but, I still don't have my own machine and I have a low INR and I leave tomorrow at 5:00 am for a seven night Cruise..
How much should I up my dose I know there is a formula for this but, I can't remember and can't find it on the site. I'm taking 54mg weekly right now.
Also, has anyone ever had to test on a Cruise before? I'm hoping that it doesn't take very long.
Any help would be great!
xxooDeana
 
If it were me in your shoes, I'd definitely be calling the after-hours number for my cardio & asking him what I should do. I've not been on a cruise before and can't speak to that part of it....but perhaps your cardio might know. Good luck.....hope you enjoy the trip!
 
musician2k said:
If it were me in your shoes, I'd definitely be calling the after-hours number for my cardio & asking him what I should do. I've not been on a cruise before and can't speak to that part of it....but perhaps your cardio might know. Good luck.....hope you enjoy the trip!
Click to expand...
Really that would be the best thing to do given the circumstances. I've lost all track of what's been going on with her.
 
Deana,
I don't know what your testing range is, but I would assume it's 2.5-3.5 or 2.0-3.0.
So you don't get on a 'roller coaster' I would suggest upping your weekly dosage by 10%.
In your case an additional 5mg or 6mg for the week.
Don't know anything about testing on a cruise, but I would suggest testing again no later than Tuesday.
Rich
 
Deana,

A couple of questions come to mind. Have you been in range until this test? If so, can you identify any reason for a drop? With all the excitement during the holidays and getting ready for the cruise, is there a chance you might have missed a dose?

I would hate to see you up your dosage if there is some reason for the drop because you might end up too high.

I would also call the cruise line and find out if they can test your INR on the ship. Most ships have pretty extensive medical facilities so you might be okay.

Definitely call your cardio also even if you have to have him paged.
 
Everyone,
I just wanted to say a quick thanks for all the responses you sent my way. Unfortunately, before I left I didn't have a second to spare to check what anyone posted.
I tested on the ship on Monday, I know it was a little soon but after just testing on Thursday, but, with all the traveling, waiting in line, and general fatigue, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't on my down even more.
I asked the nurse if they tested people alot on the ship and she said it was rare on the Mexico cruises to test since it was mostly 'younger' families.
I was a little concerned when she put the blood on the test strip and then picked up the Coagucheck and carried it down the hall to the Doctor to read.
My INR was reading 3.7 that day. Does moving it make a difference?
I didn't have much faith in that reading since it was such a huge jump from just a few days prior. It cost me $120.00
I came down with a stomach bug on Tuesday and had to take some Dramamine, phenergan and stayed in bed. I feel like such a burden sometimes.. my husband and family went ahead and got off at the port.
I wasn't comfortable continuing my current dosage until I knew for sure what my INR truly was so, I went back on Thursday and had it checked again. This time a different nurse did the test, didn't move the machine and it was 2.0. I felt like this was a more accurate reading and felt more comfortable continuing my current dosage. This time it was only $80.00.:eek:
I probably didn't do this the right way and maybe I was testing too much, but, after having a stroke so recently I was a little concerned about just letting it go.:confused:
I'm still working on getting my own machine.
Thanks for all your help,
Deana
 
Moving the CoaguChek may have made a difference. It is hard to say what it would do.
 
Deana
Definitely in your case, no one is going to fault you for testing too much. I think you're probably right that the 2.0 was accurate. Have you tested since then?

I'm sorry you got sick on your cruise. You have been through so much. I know your family understands and I think you are placing too much pressure on yourself to be normal right now. Even the "normal" valve-replacement patient might be having a little tough time keeping up with it all at your stage of recovery. For a lot of us, it truly does take a year to get that "normal again" feeling. And for some of us (me!) it takes even longer than that. My 2 year mark was when I finally said "Wow - life is normal again."
 
It is good to know that it took a year or two for you (Karlynn) to start feeling normal. I keep thinking that I have a good valve now and so why do I still get tired. I'm finding that each day is different. My body seems to 'eat up' the Coumadin when I get too tired..i.e. Christmas.
I only feel left-overs from my stroke when I'm really tired and then my left leg will lag behind and I might trip. My memory is still affected (I guess it's from the stroke) it certainly could just be normal for a 45 year old woman too.:rolleyes:
Today my INR was still at 2.0. If I'm supposed to be between 2.5-3.5 am I at much risk to develop a blood clot?
Karlynn, what a PRECIOUS baby you have. What a blessing.:D
thanks again for the help,
Deana
 
The closer to 2.5 that you get the less likely you are to have a stroke.

There is little likelihood of bleeding with an INR under 5.0.
 
Wow, Deanna, I'm glad that they could test you on the ship. I took a Carnival Cruise in October, and they didn't have a machine onboard. I was actually in the middle of a swinging INR episode and really needed to have it checked too.

What cruise line were you on so I'll know the next time we go?
 
Sherry,
sorry I just now noticed you had asked me a question!
I was on Princess Cruises. I called ahead and they said they could test onboaard. I would prefer to have my own machine if possible just to be sure it is a consistant test. That would have been a bummer to not have been able to be checked! I hope you have better luck next cruise!
Deana
 
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