... different this week other than switching to working overnight. What could cause the reading to be out of range? Does it matter if you have the blood tested after you wake up or should you be awake for awhile first?
Coumadin - My INR was way out of range today when I did my weekly test - haven't done anything?
Question posted by nkelto on 21 May 2010
Last updated on 23 January 2017 by SweetTea1950
4 Answers
SweetTea1950
24 Jan 2017
I need a answer to the same guestion.except, I do not work. I am retired. I have been on Coumadin since May/2016.
I am careful about the food I eat. I need to keep my INR between 2.0 and 3.0. To day it was 1.4 and last week it was 1.7. It is my understanding that if my INR is beiow 2.0 My blood is to thick and will develop blood clots. And if my INR is more then 3.0 my blood is to thin. Therefore I could blood to death.
Will someone please help me understand all of this.
I have a INR MONITOR and. check mines weekly and call it in. I see my hematology every three months. He will either increase my meds or decrease it.
I really dislike Coumadin. I have given up on all green vegetables. Help!!!
marjorie zych
22 May 2010
I too am on Coumadin and will be on it for life, I already have been on it for years. Unfortunately people it does matter when you test it. You should weight for at least 12 hours after taking Coumadin to test it, it is alot more accurate that way according to my blood specialist that I have seen now for 10 years. Mine fluctuates all the time because they keep my INR very high, around 4.0 all the time because I throw blood clots even on Coumadin and sometimes Lovenox injections. You are going to need to watch your diet in order to keep your numbers accurate. Dark greens and salads not to frequently and cranberry juice should be out. Cranberry sauce from the can is usually alright but not in excess, like more than one can a week. You should also test your PT/INR around the same time each time if you can, it is not necessary to set an alarm or timer but just try to do it around the same time as much as possible.
You should definately have a Hematologist if you are going to be on Coumadin for any length of time if you don't already have one. I hope this has helped you out some and those out there on Coumadin or other blood thinners such as Lovenox, Heparin and any other injectables or pills. Good luck Coumadin is very tricky sometimes. Feel free to write me anytime if you have any questions, I am not a pro for sure but very well experienced in Coumadin and other blood thinners. I will add you as a friend in case you need to ask something in private. Good luck hope it works out for you.
Inactive
22 May 2010
Wow Marjorie, that 4.0 is high or should I say thin. They want mine between 2.5 and 3.5 and that's hard to hold in bondries. I most times go get checked every 2 weeks.
marjorie zych
23 May 2010
Mine is checked weekly because I have actually thrown blood clots with my levels that high or even higher sometimes. I have a severe blood clotting disorder called Factor 5 Leyden and it killed my mom very fast so they keep my INR very high at 4.0. Thanks for your concern though it was very much appreciated. Good luck with your levels whatever the problem may be. marjorie zych
nkelto
23 May 2010
Bucky, my INR is also between 2.5 and 3.5 - but it was 4.8 after I woke up and tested last Thursday. I test every Thursday with a home monitor the doctors at Mayo Clinic suggested I get. Sure beats having to go to the hospital, then wait for the results.
marjorie zych
24 May 2010
I have a home monitor too aren't they handy? I love being able to do it myself instead of trying to make an appointment. If I have any doubts about how high my level are on a certain day I can test it myself. Enjoy your machine I know I do, it gives you more freedom. I know my levels are kept high but that is what is keeping alive. My mom died suddenly because of the blood clotting disorder we have. I would rather worry about a little blood than worry about dying from a painful blood clot. I actually don't bleed that bad even at 4.0. Good luck with your problem, Coumadin is very tricky.
casaterry
21 May 2010
I also take Coumadin... many things affect the INR results. Eating spinach, or lettuce anything green thickens the blood and makes your INR lower. Also cranberry juice contains something that also affects your INR results. It doesn't matter when you have your blood tested AM, or PM its what you eat before you have the INR tested. Be careful because alot of food cause your blood to thicken as well as get too thin. I know this for a fact because I get tested every two weeks. Hope this helps.
casaterry
Inactive
21 May 2010
Sometimes it just changes, don't always have a answer. Ajust. Meds. as needed and Check in two weeks they say
Related topics
coumadin, cardiovascular conditions and disorders, valvular heart disease, prosthetic heart valves
Further information
- Coumadin uses and safety info
- Coumadin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Coumadin (detailed)
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