INR

[Roker roar]

Hi as I said probably the wrong department A&E, although they did not redirect me to another department. I have spoken with my local anti coagulant department and advised them of the situation. I have been on wafrin 11 years so if I notice anything unusual I will contact the hospital again. Once again thanks for the help

[Johnrgby]

A&E is most definitely the wrong department. I'm just surprised that nobody showed you the right direction to go. Isn't in the hospital some kind of reception? Sorry, never had to use it so never been inside.

They are not the greatest at reception Sam, they do not speak any English and are reluctant to try, while I accept they really do not have to, you would have thought they would make some effort, I meant to post another message explaining where it was, but then it slipped my mind.

[bedouin]

My wife was on warfarin for a time and had to get INR tests fortnightly at the GP surgery.  Every time we went away on holiday, the different diet tended to throw the INR so when we got home the next GP appointment showed bizarre results, which took some time to stabilise.  We then bought a little test machine (CoaguChek XS) which allowed her to get accurate INR readings whilst away on holiday, and to self-medicate with more or less warfarin as required whilst we were away.  It worked very well.

If you're interested, I'm about to sell the CoaguCheck on eBay, as my wife has transferred from warfarin to apixaban, which doesn't require regular testing.  Let me know if you're interested.  Alternatively, ask your GP about changing to apixaban.

[Roker roar]

Hi due to my condition I have to remain on warfarin. Your machine sounds a good idea, I am very interested, but purchase  depends  on its sale price.

[Spitfire58]

They are not the greatest at reception Sam, they do not speak any English and are reluctant to try, while I accept they really do not have to, you would have thought they would make some effort...

Effort is always appreciated (on both sides) but I would still expect them to have an interpreter available on the phone.

Yeah, it would be helpful. I can speak a little Spanish & between that & google interpreter on the phone usually manage. The Ayuntamiento in Antigua always get someone on the phone to explain what I need to do. I can ask the questions but not great at interpreting the answers, lol 

[bedouin]

Hi due to my condition I have to remain on warfarin. Your machine sounds a good idea, I am very interested, but purchase  depends  on its sale price.

You should press your GP about that; apixaban is an acknowledged new alternative to warfarin, and has the key advantage of not needing regular INR testing.  My wife's consultant cardiologist suggested it, and the GP was happy to concur.

I'll post a link to the eBay listing when I get around to photographing the CoaguChek.

[Roker roar]

Ok thanks. I have asked my cardiologist about changing from warfarin , unfortunately mechanical heart valve replacements are not suitable for alternatives.

[bedouin]

... unfortunately mechanical heart valve replacements are not suitable for alternatives.

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/...116.308649

[Roker roar]

Thanks a very good article. Apixaban is a promising candidate and may be a useful alternative to warfarin for  thromboprophylaxsis  of mechanical heart valves. I look forward to the conclusion of the American trials and ratification for use by NICE.