Home Monitoring

[Ross]

So how typical is that sort of erratic INR?

It's not, that's the problem. Something sure isn't right.

 

[Jackie]

It's not, that's the problem. Something sure isn't right.

My INR readings go up and down for awhile {1.7 to 4.7) and then level out 2.7 - 3.4. This has driven the Anti-coagulation Clinic crazy, so now I have them trained not to change my dose and it all works out fine. No one can figure out why this happens, but it does. I have never reacted to anything like others do Guess you could say I am a individual.

 

[evelyn2]

Thanks to everyone-njean,Ross,Bina,mlikens

Thanks to everyone-njean,Ross,Bina,mlikens

I want to thank everyone for the replies to my inquiry about obtaining a home monitor. It is very helpful to know there are many others who have some of the same feelings, questions and experiences that I have. The valve replacement.com site is invaluable and I am so glad I discovered it.

njean - Since I started coumadin in June, 2005, my INR became up and down in the spring and fall. When telling the CNP my thoughts that the change in season seems to be affecting the INR, the response was - no way, I don't think so. There seem to be so many crazy factors that affect how your body responds to coumadin.

 

[njean]

I want to thank everyone for the replies to my inquiry about obtaining a home monitor. It is very helpful to know there are many others who have some of the same feelings, questions and experiences that I have. The valve replacement.com site is invaluable and I am so glad I discovered it.

njean - Since I started coumadin in June, 2005, my INR became up and down in the spring and fall. When telling the CNP my thoughts that the change in season seems to be affecting the INR, the response was - no way, I don't think so. There seem to be so many crazy factors that affect how your body responds to coumadin.

And Evelyn just remember that we all react differently to some medications & I've always maintained that when my activity drops & I tend to need more coumadin in order to keep me within range. Weird to some but that's the way my body has reacted for 34 years!

I hope you get your monitor soon. You will love it; I guarantee it!

 

[Thankful@43]

Home Monitoring

Yep, that's right another new user to this forum. My OHS was less than one year ago and I too am interested in home monitoring. I am just getting started on my home work. So far I've found some basic info. on a "HemoSense" INR meter. My questions are 1) Who else makes this type of machine? 2) Who markets these devices to the public? 3) Why is there so much difference in cost? 4) What other incidental costs are there for strip, lancets etc. ?
I realize that no two circumstances are quite the same and am not looking for any sales pitch. I am however interested in others opinions and experience with this matter. Any info. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.................

 

[Ross]

Yep, that's right another new user to this forum. My OHS was less than one year ago and I too am interested in home monitoring. I am just getting started on my home work. So far I've found some basic info. on a "HemoSense" INR meter. My questions are 1) Who else makes this type of machine? 2) Who markets these devices to the public? 3) Why is there so much difference in cost? 4) What other incidental costs are there for strip, lancets etc. ?
I realize that no two circumstances are quite the same and am not looking for any sales pitch. I am however interested in others opinions and experience with this matter. Any info. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.................

http://www.hometestmed.com/anticoagulation.asp

There are only 3 meters availabe, INRatio by Hemosense, ITC Protime, Roche Coaguchek.

Pricing varies depending on where you get the stuff from. They are all about the same from the same suppliers. You'd have to check with the suppliers about the other costs.

 

[HeartDawg]

Tom's gettin' on board

Tom's gettin' on board

OK ... I got the ball rolling on ordering the home testing monitor today. It seems like anyone who is really cool is doing it, so figured I'd better join the group.

-I checked with my INR clinic and they were all for me doing this.
-I'm anti stroke, so would like to check myself more frequently. I'll sleep better at night (anxiety issues ... you know)
-I'm going with the INRatio because geebee says that's the one to get, and geebee is ... lets face it ... the coolest poster on this board.

My INR clinic people tell me that this could take up to a year to "get going." Is that REALLY true???

 

[Karlynn]

I have to admit that I'm very anti-stroke too! And geebee is totally cool (and a read doll in person!)

That's great that your clinic is all for it. Some people have problems convincing their doctors or clinics that they won't kill themselves if they home test.

You'll love the INRatio.

 

[mlikens]

OK ... I got the ball rolling on ordering the home testing monitor today. It seems like anyone who is really cool is doing it, so figured I'd better join the group.

-I checked with my INR clinic and they were all for me doing this.
-I'm anti stroke, so would like to check myself more frequently. I'll sleep better at night (anxiety issues ... you know)
-I'm going with the INRatio because geebee says that's the one to get, and geebee is ... lets face it ... the coolest poster on this board.

My INR clinic people tell me that this could take up to a year to "get going." Is that REALLY true???

Heart Dawg - it took me maybe one month to get mine. I called QAS and got them connected with my cardiologist's office and then QAS took it from there dealing with the Dr.s office and my insurance company. Since this was only a few months ago and I am relatively new to this forum - I have no idea what the usual time-frame is. I love my machine.

 

[HeartDawg]

I'm on my way ...

I'm on my way ...

Heart Dawg - it took me maybe one month to get mine. I called QAS and got them connected with my cardiologist's office and then QAS took it from there dealing with the Dr.s office and my insurance company. Since this was only a few months ago and I am relatively new to this forum - I have no idea what the usual time-frame is. I love my machine.

I'm going through QAS and they have been very responsive. Thanks for the info.