All Journal Entries
Journals
Coumadin and the INR level
Oct 03, 2008 01:11PM
- 8 comments
Tags:
Tags:
Hi, If anyone's reading this, It is now one month and 3 days post op. I feel pretty good most days. Today I'm having some left sided pain, probably due to sleeping on my left side. The home care nurse just called, my INR is 4.8 !!! It has been 1.5, 1.8, 2.4, 2.8.....then I had to go on the medrol dose pak (steroids) for a severe rash I developed from taking niferex forte (we think this is what the rash is from) . Niferex forte is a vitamin capsule with vitamin c, b12, folic acid and iron. They started me on this because my H&H (hemaglobin and hematocrit). Rash is itching like crazy, what to do? I hope I don't go into atrial fib.
Hi...glad to see your post. I have been checking almost daily. Coumadin is a horrible drug.....I should know. My last INR was 3.8 so I have to go back next week. I was on steroids a few months ago and my INR was over 10!!!!! I took a vitamin k pill and the next day it was 1.7. So my cardio put me on Lovenox injections and coumadin together for a few days....If I can go two weeks with a good reading I am happy. I had a c-scan about 3 weeks ago to check the growth of my aneurysm. Last May it was 4.7....the last measurement was 4.1. I really don't know which to believe. But the report said it was "stable" so guess I should be happy. The mechanical valve (per Duke and the St. Jude reps) is not functioning properly but nothing is going to be done at this time. So whichever comes first with problems....the aneurysm or the valve will determine the surgery. So wish me luck. I have thought about you a lot and glad to know that things are going reasonably well for you. Take care...Jane
I was wondering if the Vit K is continuing to INR stabilized or is it fluctuating again in relation to coumadin dosage, and have they titrated the coumadin. WMarie
Wow Jane,
It's good to know there are good people out there who have experience with Coumadin and all that goes with it. Makes me feel like I'm not alone. Plus, you have had alot more experience with it than I. Just knowing you are out there is a comfort. Glad to hear your aneurysm is "stable" even if the measurements are a little off...as long as your next echo says it is not growing...that is what I had hoped for, but found not to be the case. Sorry your valve isnt working right, but you didnt say what was the matter with it. I have the St. Jude also, and so far so good, but its only a month out. This PT, INR business is getting to me, but I refuse to let this steal my joy at just having made it thru the surgery.
God bless,
Colleen
It's good to know there are good people out there who have experience with Coumadin and all that goes with it. Makes me feel like I'm not alone. Plus, you have had alot more experience with it than I. Just knowing you are out there is a comfort. Glad to hear your aneurysm is "stable" even if the measurements are a little off...as long as your next echo says it is not growing...that is what I had hoped for, but found not to be the case. Sorry your valve isnt working right, but you didnt say what was the matter with it. I have the St. Jude also, and so far so good, but its only a month out. This PT, INR business is getting to me, but I refuse to let this steal my joy at just having made it thru the surgery.
God bless,
Colleen
Hello! My INR reading has been 1.6,1.8.2.7.3.3 and today 3.8. The doctor advised me to stop taking coumadin for 2 days, then back on for 5, then have another INR test. I was taking 5.5m coumadin. What's up with the flexuation? Can you advise.
Thank you B.F.
Thank you B.F.
I work with the elderly, and a LOT of them take coumadin! I see INRs in my sleep :)
Coumadin is used when someone has atrial fib (among other reasons), which can cause clots to form, which can cause heart attack or stroke. Coumadin thins your blood to help prevent the clots. The higher the INR, the thinner your blood. Ideal INR for a diagnosis of Afib is 1.8- 3.2, depending on who you talk to. Don't you worry about coumadin causing afib, it doesn't. Your risk is for bleeding, if the INR if very high... 4.8 is pretty high but not necessarily high enough for vitK. Over 6 (not to mention 10!) would have me hopping! Your steroid is likely interfering and you just need to not take it or take a decreased amount until you're done the steroids (depending on what your doc says). When monitored properly, Coumadin is a lifesaving and fairly simple way to prevent you from having a stroke or heart attack, but it will fluctuate depending on LOTS of factors.
Good luck with the rash!
Laujac, you definately need that coumadin, it could save your life... but you should be monitored very closely. Best of luck to you hon.
Coumadin is used when someone has atrial fib (among other reasons), which can cause clots to form, which can cause heart attack or stroke. Coumadin thins your blood to help prevent the clots. The higher the INR, the thinner your blood. Ideal INR for a diagnosis of Afib is 1.8- 3.2, depending on who you talk to. Don't you worry about coumadin causing afib, it doesn't. Your risk is for bleeding, if the INR if very high... 4.8 is pretty high but not necessarily high enough for vitK. Over 6 (not to mention 10!) would have me hopping! Your steroid is likely interfering and you just need to not take it or take a decreased amount until you're done the steroids (depending on what your doc says). When monitored properly, Coumadin is a lifesaving and fairly simple way to prevent you from having a stroke or heart attack, but it will fluctuate depending on LOTS of factors.
Good luck with the rash!
Laujac, you definately need that coumadin, it could save your life... but you should be monitored very closely. Best of luck to you hon.
What is a health patients normal INR reading? Once the Coumadin dose is set to the paitent what is the average INR ready?
my INR is 1.8 and i take 7mg per day .
just of the last few days i have been passing blood and clots in my urine.
am seeing a urologist on Monday - first available date.
is this a side effect of coumadine .
my GP is on holiday and has no offsider that i can refer to.
regards peter
just of the last few days i have been passing blood and clots in my urine.
am seeing a urologist on Monday - first available date.
is this a side effect of coumadine .
my GP is on holiday and has no offsider that i can refer to.
regards peter
hi i have been taking coumadin for almost 1 year now last week i went for my reg blood check and the count was 5.3 we held the dose ( 5mg day) for 3 days went back and the count was 5.6, held for 3 more days when i went back on monday the count is now down to 3.9 diet has not really changed except that i dont have an appetite what can cause this
i take blood thinners for afib and i have also had a tia this year
deb
i take blood thinners for afib and i have also had a tia this year
deb
Post a Comment