INR checks for bilateral mastectomy patient with lymphedema

[EllieR]

I am a bilateral mastectomy patient on Coumadin for atrial fibrillation.  Being on Coumadin requires monthly finger sticks to draw blood for INR checks.  I used my other arm for these checks previously, but just had the second mastectomy.  I have developed lymphedema from my last finger stick and need to know if there is an alternate site to use for the blood draws to prevent additional lymphedema problems.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear EllieR, The recommendation for avoiding injections or blood draws in the affected arm are to decrease risk of infection, or unnecessary compression.  These recommendations may need to be modified for the individual patient.  For example in your case you will still need the monitoring of your blood work.  Before the fingerstick is done care should be taken that the skin is thoroughly cleansed, notify your doctor immediately of any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pain).  

[japdip]

I don't know if this would apply to your or not but on babies we used heels and toes. You might ask your physical therapist or whoever is treating your lymphedema.