Home INR machines

[MicStand]

I have to be on Coumadin for life and I am constantly (once or twice a week) having my INR checked because it is so unstable. I was considering a home INR machine.
Can you tell me your thoughts on these machines and who makes reliable ones?

[cindy46]

Read your comment about INR machine.  I have one of my own that my insurance paid for.  My heart surgeon set it up with the company.  I test my own blood, but then have to call the number into the company and they fax the results to my cardiologist and then they call and tell me how much coumadin to take that week.  We are still trying to get it figured out how much to take.  Seems like a long process.  Have been at this since valve replacement surgery at the end of Sept. 2008.  Hopefully, things will work out.  The name of the company that I deal with is Phillips Remote Cardiac Services.  Address: 7 Waterside Crossing,  Windsor, CT 06095  Phone #: [phone]

[milo_1]

Hi. I wish I knew.  I want to get a machine but my cardio wont let me. I go to a coumadin clinic for fingersticks once a week. For a few months I was stable, then I got a 2.4 (2.5-3.5 is good for mechanical aortic valve) and because of .1% the RN decides I need more coumadin. I took more and now I'm 5.0 and they wonder why!  I wish I could do this myself, I mean if they would "allow" me. This is frustrating. Hang in there,
Colleen