INR dropped again

[kbheart]

I could use some help. My INR has dropped again and I have no idea why. In March (and most of the winter) I was in range with an INR of 3.2. But since then I've had trouble reaching my range of 2.5 to 3.5.

3/27 INR=2.1, increased from 26 to 28mg per week
4/10 INR=2.3, increased from 28 to 30mg per week
4/24 INR=1.7, increased from 30 to 34mg per week
5/8 INR=1.8, increased from 34 to 40mg per week
5/22 INR=2.7, in range! was a happy camper
6/5 INR=2.0, increased from 40 to 44mg per week

What is wrong with me? I haven't changed my diet, my exercise has leveled off, I haven't been sick (although I have had some diarrhea), I haven't started any new medicines. I take warfarin, aspirin, cozaar, and Lyrica.

On the plus side, my cardiology office thinks that home testing might be a good option for me!

Any ideas!!???

 

[catwoman]

Kris:

Why is your INR range 2.5-3.5? Have you also had a stroke or other complications?

Otherwise, most of your INR results -- other than the 1.7 and 1.8 -- are in the range recommended for AVR patients.

 

[kbheart]

I have had some possible TIA's in the past few months. But back in August when I had my surgery my Cleveland Clinic doctors told me to keep it in that range. That was before I even had any TIA symptoms.

 

[Ross]

Wish you were next door, I'd test you with my machine. I think your lab is getting erroneous results myself. The only other answer is that which Rachell has told you about. Would it be possible to get tested somewhere else once?

 

[kbheart]

Thanks, everyone. Rachel, I'll have to ask my doctor about those possibilities. Ross, if this doesn't stabalize soon, I might show up on your doorstep! I filled out the paperwork for the home testing machine, so I'm getting closer to having my own.
Thanks again!

 

[Bina]

Kris:

Why is your INR range 2.5-3.5? Have you also had a stroke or other complications?

Otherwise, most of your INR results -- other than the 1.7 and 1.8 -- are in the range recommended for AVR patients.

My range for my AVR is 2.5--3.5 also.

 

[kbheart]

Maybe they set my INR range high because of the gortex graft that replaces my ascending aorta. Is it possible that it would create clots, too? The only other complications I had was one day of an irregular heart beat (a-fib I think) and fluid around the heart the first 2 weeks. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only AVR patient with a high range.

 

[GeorgeM]

3/27 INR=2.1, increased from 26 to 28mg per week

Kris

Your INR levels are puzzling.

Where you on a lower dose before 3/27 ?

If so it could be that your body is simply taking longer to reach the target INR level.

I notice though that your INR started to rise then dropped without a reducton in Warfarin dose which is the puzzling bit.

I've found that my body doesn't like dose variations once the INR is in-range, and I'm having a constant battle with my clinic. To be honest I'm now starting to ignore their dosage recommendations !

Best Wishes

George