Coumidin

   Myself and my mom due to a genetic defect in the lining of our
Aorta have had valve replacement .(st Jude type).My mom decided to stick with her coumidin dose and to not have anymore protimes done.She had a mild stroke during her surgery.
   She does not understand all the effects of the drug.Can you give me some information to help convince her of the seriousness of not monitoring her P.T.
    Thank you
      Andy Droppleman

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

It is critical that she have her PT monitored regularly. This ensures that the dose of coumadin is not too high (which can cause bleeding, including into the brain) or too low, which could cause the valve to clot, a life-threatening situation. Even if the dose of coumadin is kept the same, its effect on the blood can vary depending on many other factors - hence the need for regular monitoring.

[roxanne]

Here are a few sites I've found on coumadin that might help you and tide you over until the doctor gets to you:

http://mayohealth.org/mayo/9606/htm/qa1.htm
http://www.whmc.af.mil/Cardiology/cumintro.htm
http://www.womensheartfoundation.org/content/HeartWellness/coumadin_at_home.asp
http://www.hsforum.com/stories/storyReader$1504

good luck

[Andy]

Thanks Roxanne I will check out the sites and let you know how it goes.

[Ben, Ohio]

Try a web site:

www.valvereplacement.com

great people there and alot of experience.

Ben

[Mike]

I can understand not wanting to test. But really it is, as the Doctor said, critical.

Most of my testing problem was due to the number of tests I needed (I was not and still am not very stable). This eventually caused a "finding the vien" problem. Several times, they had to hit both arms to finally get one in.

Fortunately, one of my nurses recommended a Coagucheck machine. This requires a finger stick. Plus, you can test whenever you want, in the comfort of your own home and get instant results. No labs and no stabs!

(Yes, I am biased. I do like it alot. But no, I don't work for the company or get any money from them. I give them some $'s for "strips" though!)

Anyway, just a thought. You might consider it.  

Good Luck,
Mike

[Sis]

Mike, I take coumadin (St.Jude Mitral Valve) and I have the test done by taking blood out of my hand with a "baby" needle, no pain. But I am interested in the coagucheck machine you mentioned, where to buy, how much etc. Is it as accurate as the lab tests?
I just mentioned to my husband (who is a diabetic)that I wish I could check my blood myself rather than run to the Dr. once a month for the INR & PT test.

[Gail]

I also am looking into the finger polk method. I called about avosure pt system and got prices. It's $750 for the machine and $90 for strips ( 5 uses) and $40 for soln. Since I haven't had this method done yet I am going to before going further.  They offered to contact my health insurance to see if this would be covered and then I would get one from them at no charge. My insurance hadn't heard of it as it has only been in use about a year. They are very helpful at Gentiva health services where I called. Phone # [phone]. I will be so glad to stop the testing in my poor arms that are getting scarred.

[Sis]

Thank you Gail, I will be checking this coag machine out.  I didn't understand about the 5 uses of the strips for $90.00 but that is something the company can answer.
Not only is it uncomfortable to have these tests done but oh so inconvenient.
Thanks again, Sis