7.2! Yikes!

[Gnusgal]

Okay, so I've let my INR get away from me... But I didn't think it would be THAT bad!

Here's the situation (and I know I'm going to get a lot of fingers being wagged at me, but oh, well): Back in early October I changed insurances. Around that same time I was down to my last two test thingies (can't think of what they are called at the moment) for my Protime. I went to take my INR and it came up with an error message. I think that time it was an air bubble. So I had to use my last one sooner than I thought (I know, I should have already ordered more, but with them in the fridge I didn't really think about it). And wouldn't you know it, I got an error message on THAT one too!!! And I hadn't done anything about finding out if my new insurance would pay for testing supplies or not, so I just let it go for awhile. Then I got sick and was worried about getting better. Then I just got busy... Okay, so I don't have a real good excuse. Suffice it to say, it's been about two months since I've actually tested my INR. (Please don't throw things at me, my INR is in a dangerous place right now!) I finally decided I should just go in and get it tested at my doctor's office like a good girl. I figured I'd probably be out of range. But I was being pretty consistant with my diet and whatnot, so I didn't think it would be too far off. Maybe in the 4's. When it came back 7.2 I was in complete shock. I have no significant bruises to speak of at the moment, have had no problems what-so-ever.

I've been instructed to hold my coumadin for two days and come back to test on Wednesday. I just hope this doesn't put me in a yo-yo act again... It's my own fault I suppose. I should have stayed on top of things. But I really didn't think it would get that far off!

[Ross]

Being that long since you tested, it's hard to say. I still don't like lab tests. Just to much variance for me. Hold the two and get checked Wednesday. I'd rather it be Thursday to give it three full days and you'll still be dropping some then, but whatever. As long as your not bleeding etc. your o.k..

[lyneebee]

You are lucky, you don't have symptons, unlike me I had bleeding at 7 INR. no protime in 2 weeks (see 3 mos post up). Just watched for symptoms and go for PT in 3 days.

Lynneebee

[Ross]

We've had people much much higher that had no problems. It's one of those individual things.

[Karlynn]

It's anybody's guess how long you've been that high. Did they redo the test, just to see if it was a false reading?

Before I started hometesting I was VERY bad about going to the lab for my tests. Over 11 years (I've hometested for 3 now) I had many times that I'd go over 6 weeks for testing. Particularly when my kids were small, who had the time to go and wait for an hour in a lab to get tested (that was a pretty usual wait time). I know when I'd get an off reading (many too low) I'd panick and worry what was going to happen to me!!! Then I'd stop and think that ignorance is bliss, because who knows how long the INR was that reading? I know that I've been just darned lucky during those irrisponsible years.

I'm sure you'll be fine.

I'd wait until Thursday too, particularly if you take your meds at night, but test in the a.m.

[allodwick]

Gail,

Bleeding with an INR below 8 is unusual. My guess is that you will be OK. With the holidays, I have scheduled lots of people for 2 months between checks. I usually do not bring people back in 2 or 3 days for INRs under 8. I just have them hold a day or two and then lower the dose a little and recheck in 2 weeks or so. If I were a bettin' man, I'd put big money on you being OK.

[Gnusgal]

Oh, I didn't figure I'd be on death's door or anything. It just surprised me is all. I'm not planning on placing myself in a plastic bubble or anything... Though the nurse at the doc's office said it would be a good excuse to make someone else cook and do the dishes! ;)

I guess I don't feel so bad going so long without testing now that Al's said he sometimes schedules people that far apart... Good to know. I do wonder, though, how long I've been so high... Karlynn, you're right. Ignorance IS bliss.

[allodwick]

You weren't even on the same street as death, let alone at the door.

In the UK it is common to test only once every three months.

[terryj]

My husband normally gets tested once a month. He did go six weeks one time because of our vacation and his work schedule. We don't worry too much about it if he can't test at exactly 4 weeks everytime. If he is high or low he retests in 2 weeks. This has only happened about 5 times in 4 years.

[catwoman]

In the UK it is common to test only once every three months.

Al:
For people who are very consistent in habits ("couch potatoes," you might say), this would be OK, as you have said in previous posts.
But what about people who are active? Have you seen any stats from the UK on how many have clots, strokes, bleeds, etc.?

[Gnusgal]

Yea! I'm so glad I can stop feeling guilty over neglecting to get tested for so long. It's just such an inconvenience when I don't have my own supplies. And I guess I'm a little gun shy with insurance companies right now, since we're battling it out with my old insurance over my ICD and subsequent hematoma and infection (they have ruled it "experimental" and won't pay for any of it, and are asking for money back on bills they'd already paid!). Also, getting my land legs in my new job has taken up quite a bit of time... Calling insurance companies just isn't something I have time for these days!

Thanks everyone for making me feel better!

[Granbonny]

Not to highjack..Niki's thread...What if someone in the UK or others here..that do not test but every 4-6 weeks....when they do test..their INR is low?How would they know that their INR has been lower..than what they should be in their range..and for how long?......I am to stay within 2.5-3.5..always there..But, what if I should test one day and see my INR at 2.0?..And it had been 3 weeks since I last tested?.....Would I have been at a risk for a stroke?....The reason I'm asking..Dentist wants me to hold my coumadin again for 2 days..for 2 more extractions next Monday.and start doseage right back up.... I figure doing that..my INR will drop to about 2.0..so, what is the difference.. NOT knowing what your INR is..for 4-6 weeks?....Geez..hope I'm making a point.:D ..sorry again..Niki ..for hijacking your thread.......B/T/W..teeth are coming out..because both showed infection in them..by x-ray..:eek: ..Soon, I will be a real toothless Redneck.:p Bonnie

[Ross]

2.0 you should be fine for a while. Even unanticoagulated you should be fine for a little while, but not for great lengths of time nor if your one predisposed to clotting to start with.

[allodwick]

Today we were scheduling people for the weeks with dates in the 20s in January. My complication rates are

1 minor bleed for every 1.5 patient-years
1 major bleed for every 33 patient-years
1 clot for every 100 patient-years

I don't know the exact answers to Bonny's questions but the outcomes data shows that my method works. I have put these up against many other clinics and they are close to each other.

I have 550 active patients under my care and have done in excess of 30,000 patient visits.

[Gnusgal]

And the fun just keeps on coming!

So I went in to test today, and came back with a 1.3! :eek: This after only two days. Glad I didn't take Ross's advice and wait until tomorrow ;) .

The new plan is to take lovenox tonight, in the morning, and tomorrow evening (I have some left over from awhile back) along with my usual 10 mg of coumadin every day for the next week, except Friday and Monday, when I'll take 5 mg. I'm to retest on Thursday of next week. Don't ask me the logic. I'm just following their orders. This just confirms, though, that I really need to get my own supplies again. I had a feeling this kind of thing would happen...

[Karlynn]

Sounds like they should have done another test to confirm the 7.2. If I remember Al's info - INR drops by roughly 1/2 when a dose is skipped. The bigger dose you take, the quicker it drops. I've found that to be true after taking only 3 of my 9 mg. one evening and having my INR read 1.4 3 days later.

[Granbonny]

Thanks for the tidbit about Al's saying that one's INR drops by 1/2 a day.when missing a dose..that means..if I am at 3.0 Friday and skip 2 doses..Mine should be 2.0 Monday morning when I go to dentist..If mine is higher than 3.0..will have to tweak down a tad Friday night..Then, skip 2 doses.....Hometesting is the Best.:D Bonnie

[bvdr]

Thanks for the tidbit about Al's saying that one's INR drops by 1/2 a day.when missing a dose..that means..if I am at 3.0 Friday and skip 2 doses..Mine should be 2.0 Monday morning when I go to dentist..If mine is higher than 3.0..will have to tweak down a tad Friday night..Then, skip 2 doses.....Hometesting is the Best.:D Bonnie

Bonnie, I think it would mean that it would be 1.5 on Monday and then .75 the next day. Remember this is only a rough rule of thumb.

Niki, I hope you get your supplies soon and get back to home testing. How have you been doing other than this INR business?

[Karlynn]

Thanks for the tidbit about Al's saying that one's INR drops by 1/2 a day.when missing a dose..that means..if I am at 3.0 Friday and skip 2 doses..Mine should be 2.0 Monday morning when I go to dentist..If mine is higher than 3.0..will have to tweak down a tad Friday night..Then, skip 2 doses.....Hometesting is the Best.:D Bonnie

I could be getting this all wrong too, so please wait for Al to weigh in. (It's the Christmas season and my work hours as music director have doubled - I'm finding my mind to be really scattered at times. It's a bi-product of the season. I go through it every year.)

He may have said that it drops by 1/2 after 2 missed doses. Don't trust the over-worked music director!!!!!!:rolleyes:

[Gnusgal]

How have you been doing other than this INR business?

Well, up until this week I'd say I've been doing pretty decently. I have considerably less stress in my new job, simply due to less hours (no more after school rehearsals until 6:30 at night!), and no grading papers when I come home. I don't think I'm cut out for elementary, but I'm hanging in there...

Unfortunately, I seem to have picked up another bug of some sort. I started getting an ugly headache last night, and it's lasted into today and this evening. Also, this morning I woke up with a sore throat on one side. Now my whole throat hurts and it's painful to swallow. I have early release on Friday, so I think I'm going to go ahead and make a doctor's appointment for that afternoon. I need to be well for when my family comes to town! Not to mention I need to clean the house before that happens. And finish making all my Christmas presents! (what was I saying about less stress???)

I did have something strange happen the last two days. Yesterday I was sitting at lunch and suddenly got VERY dizzy and light headed. It only lasted about 45 seconds or so. I had to look at a wall and focus to keep from feeling like I was going to throw up, though. Then the same thing, to a lesser degree happened again this afternoon when I was sitting and working on making some puzzles for the kindergarten students... Very strange... I didn't notice anything else unusual, though. So I didn't bother mentioning it to anyone and had actually forgotten about it until just now.

Hee, hee. I bet you didn't expect such a long and involved answer to your simple question, did you? ;)

[allodwick]

Gail's experience is exactly why I do not get excited about INRs that are less than 8. She may have had a TIA as a result of holding these warfarin doses. Much better to risk a bloody nose than paralysis. It just seems like such a simple concept that so many people in the health care business cannot seem to grasp.

The rule of thumb is that if someone takes warfarin 5 mg daily, the INR will drop by half every 48 hours. If you take more than 5 mg the drop will be faster. If you take less than 5 mg the drop will be slower.

Gail's INR going to 1.3 is just a little more of a drop than what should have been expected. After 2 days the average 7.2 INR would drop to about 3.6. But she takes almost twice as much warfarin as "average". So a 1 day hold would have produced about a 3.6 and holding another day would have produced about a 1.8. I think that her warfarin manager should have known that they were putting her at risk of a stroke. Remember that she was not bleeding. She had no problem except a high INR number. Shewas worried at being at deaths door. I don't think she was but her warfarin manager tried to kick the door down.

[Gnusgal]

Well, I'm full fledged sick, now. My temp is 101.1 and it hurts so much to swallow I'm considering not eating or drinking ever again... Even though I know that's not a wise idea. Guess I'll be having soup for dinner. Even though that even sounds painful. Just trying to keep saliva from acumulating in my mouth is painful... Only one more day of school. And it's early release. I know you're all going to tell me I should stay home, but my library club students are performing all day tomorrow, so I HAVE to be there. Otherwise, I totally would be staying home. I DO have a doctor's appointment at 2:15, though. Hopefully I can get this thing knocked out quickly. I've got a Christmas party and family thing on Saturday, Christmas presents to finish making, and a house to clean. Plus, my family is coming into town. Three of which will be staying at our house starting on Wednesday. Why, oh, why does this have to be happening to me?!

[allodwick]

Sorry, I wrote Gail when I meant Niki.

[Gnusgal]

Sorry, I wrote Gail when I meant Niki.
Not a problem. I knew who you meant. :)

[catwoman]

Niki:

Hope you get some good meds and bounce back fast. Thank heavens you have several weeks off after today.

[allodwick]

I think that if your family is concerned about how your house looks when you have been sick, then they should grab the cleaning supplies and put in about an hour's worth of work before they are fed.

[Lynlw]

Al that was my thoughts exactly :o)
I have a quick (I hope lol) question about patient years. am I right thinking in terms of patient years, it would mean like 100 year for one patient, 50 years for 2 patients ect until if you have 100 patients it would be 1 year?
so if a chance something happens say once every 100 patient years and you have one hundred patients, then that would happen to an average of 1 patient each year? OR did I really confuse myself, which I tend to do easily during normal days, so w/ the holiday stuff I'm trying to keep track of, well :) Lyn

[allodwick]

You have it exactly right. It is the number of patients times the number of years.

Our clinic has about 500 patients so in one year we would have reports of hundreds of bloody noses (333 about)

We would see about 15 major bleeds. A major bleed requires two or more units of blood or any bleeding into the head. This seems a little high - we maybe see a little less than one per month.

We would see about 5 clots per year. Since we take all diagnoses, the majority of these are in the legs of people with major clotting disorders. All clots are major.

[Lynlw]

Thanks so much, I have seen that before on different medical sites, not just hearts but when I was looking up info on Livers and thyroids, and I know you explain things well, so thought you would be the one to ask , I'm so glad you are here, Lyn

[Gnusgal]

I think that if your family is concerned about how your house looks when you have been sick, then they should grab the cleaning supplies and put in about an hour's worth of work before they are fed.
Oh, if it were just my mom and brother coming, I wouldn't care. Unfortunately, my brother is bringing his girlfriend (soon to be fiance, I believe) with him. So I feel like I should make a good impression. And let me tell you, my house is HORRIBLE. My husband and I are complete slobs for the most part. My excuse is that I'm exhausted by the time I get home from work. I don't know what his excuse is... ;) I have no false hopes that my house will be spotless when they arrive, but I'd like to have at least gotten the dishes out of the sink, the tables cleared off, and all of the chairs available to sit on...

And you all thought I was talking about vacuuming and dusting... HA! ;)

[allodwick]

What we call our housekeeping is "get it to the point where it looks like it needs to be cleaned rather than it has never been cleaned."

[Karlynn]

Niki, I am not known for my housekeeping. I'm a clean person, but my house can be cluttered. My Mom gave me a sign that hands in my kitchen, it says:

This house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be comfortable.

[geebee]

Niki, I am not known for my housekeeping. I'm a clean person, but my house can be cluttered. My Mom gave me a sign that hands in my kitchen, it says:

This house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be comfortable.
Karlynn,

I have a similar plaque hanging on my wall except it has the word "happy" instead of "comfortable". I smile whenever I look at it.

My house is clean but cluttered as my SO and I are major pack rats. I have tried to reform but it just doesn't seem to be happening.

Niki,

I have a number of plastic storage crates left over from our various moving adventures. When I am having company, all the clutter gets put in the crates and they are neatly stacked in the basement. When my guests are gone, the crates come back and my life is back to "normal".

You might try this as it really helps with stress for people who are not going to change but do not think others are like them (most people are, we just think we are the only "slobs"). If you don't have a basement, line the crates along a wall. If you feel a need to explain, simply mention you are cleaning out closets and you will appear to have your house in order.:D ;) :D In fact, people will think you are amazing for finding time to clean closets during the holidays.

[Gnusgal]

Someone once told me they had "flat surface syndrome." If there was a flat surface around (table, countertop, floor, etc.), they would have it covered with "stuff" within moments. That is totally me. What's worse is, my husband is the same way. So between the two of us, the only flat surfaces that are not covered up are the two spots on the couches where we each sit, and our own bed... ;) We halfway like it when we have company over because it forces us to clean up. Then we have a halfway decent looking house for about a week.

Right now my priorities are cleaning the bedroom where my brother and his girlfriend will be sleeping (it happens to be my sewing room and it's a disaster right now because I've been making all my Christmas presents this year), clean off the sitting area in the living room, and the tables and counters in the kitchen. Oh! And I should wash the towels for the guest bathroom. Any other room I can just close the door.

Fortunately, I am feeling much better. My fever went down yesterday before I went to the doctor, and after starting on the antibiotics I was given my throat is doing much better. I was actually able to eat a sandwich today for lunch instead of just soup! Yesterday all I ate the entire day was some chicken broth, tomato soup, and apple cider. The only thing that I could halfway stand to swallow was warm liquid. I think I had a total of 500 calories yesterday. Talk about one way of loosing weight! Yes, I'm wanting to drop a couple of pounds, but I don't think that's the best way to do it...

Thanks all for your suggestions and support!

[bvdr]

I saw a little satin pillow one time embrodiered with I CLEANED MY HOUSE A WEEK OR SO AGO....SORRY YOU MISSED IT. I loved it and almost bought it.
I've relaxed some about my house as I've aged but I have to have
order in my space. I don't feel that way when I'm in homes of friends and family though and can totally enjoy myself when I visit. I think your abbreviated plan and shutting doors works just fine. If you have to abbreviate it even more because you run out of energy don't worry about it. If you let her see the Niki we see around here she can't help but like you.

[Gnusgal]

If you have to abbreviate it even more because you run out of energy don't worry about it. If you let her see the Niki we see around here she can't help but like you.

You know, it wouldn't be so bad if my husband would just get off his rear end and help a little... He's been off from school for a week now, and has he lifted a finger to clean anything? No. He's painted his models, watched several movies, and surfed the web... This morning I woke up and immediately got started on Christmas projects. What did he do? Played a game and surfed the web. Oh! And then he made cookies for his friends to take with him when he left to go play MORE games, which he'll be doing away from home all afternoon and into the evening...

I'm not bitter... Really, I'm not. ;) The games wouldn't bother me so much if he'd just help out some too. Plus, I asked him to take the dogs to the vet this week, and he didn't even manage to do that. Now that I'm home for the break, I garuntee you he expects me to do it.

Sorry, guys. Just had to vent a little. Sometimes marriage is more hassle than it's worth...

[Karlynn]

Niki dear, you're preachin' to the choir! :D

[Granbonny]

Oh, how I remember those days..before the Holidays. Family was coming for visit..It would take me a week to clean the house.:eek: Plus, buying and cooking the food......I always had to plan for them to sleep in our room.( We had the king size bed)..These were our parents.....My in-laws always acted like guest.They expected 3 hot meals a day...My Mama would get into the kitchen and take over the cooking..:) ..but, I still wanted the fridge cleaned out, clean sheets, towels, ect...They never came at the same time. Usually a set at Thanksgiving and a set at Xmas..........Now, pay back:D Son invited us down yesterday..to spend the weekend.House was so clean.:D ....So, I guess everyone expecting company do it.:p ...Once a week, I take a heavy dutyGarbage bag..go from room-to-room..circle the room..and toss all old newspapers, magazines, ect. into it...do the same for fridge.(Amazing how left-overs, ect. can build up in there.:eek: We still have a daily garbage bag to take to dumpster.:eek: Dog/cat food cans, wrappers from food, ect...........I'm sure your house will look fine, Niki..Don't forget the toilet paper.:p Hubby had to ask son for some this morning in guest bathroom.:D Bonnie

[gijanet]

My Mom gave me a sign that hands in my kitchen, it says:

This house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be comfortable.

You and Geebee are lucky! I have a huge boarded up sign on my front door that says "CONDEMNED BY THE BOARD OF HEALTH"
Makes gettin' in the house a little hard, too..........but it does cut down on the visitors!

Geez! Niki, offline for a week and come back to this!!! If I had known, we could have brought Katie's machine and tested you at Mary's! I'lll spare you the lecture, but don't you dare do that again! I can't even come kick your butt when your INR is that high 'cuz you'll bruise too badly. :eek:

I am glad to hear that you are feeling better. And we suffer from "flat syndrome" too............much better than flatulation syndrome, though! :D And honey, Nathan is a male. Don pulls the same crap. If he and a slug were in a race, I'd bet on the slug.............sigh! Men! You can't live with 'em............and you go to jail if you shoot 'em (well, I forgot! down here, we just run 'em over in the driveway a few times....:D ), but it's a no win situation, regardless. :( Sending hugs. Janet One closing thought: Inmates get free health care...........heehee!

[Gnusgal]

One closing thought: Inmates get free health care...........heehee!
Hmmm... Good point. And I bet they don't have to wipe snotty noses either... You may be on to something. I may have to take this into consideration. ;)

[gijanet]

Hmmm... Good point. And I bet they don't have to wipe snotty noses either... You may be on to something. I may have to take this into consideration. ;)

You didn't hear this from me! ;) Hugs. J.

[Gnusgal]

You didn't hear this from me! ;) Hugs. J.
Oh, don't worry. Names will be changed to protect the innocent.

And he redeemed himself a bit yesterday. He cleaned the kitchen. We have counters again! Who knew? ;) Now if we can just both get off our computers and get started on the living room...

[allodwick]

He was just making sure that it got bad enough that he was sure that you would appreciate his "help".

[Gnusgal]

He was just making sure that it got bad enough that he was sure that you would appreciate his "help".
I should have known that was his game... Sneeky male... ;)

[Gnusgal]

Well, I had my follow-up for my wacky INR this morning... I came out with a beautiful 3.2 :D . They say I can come back in two weeks. But I say "There's no way you're getting me to come back in HERE, you loons!" Not only did they send my INR bouncing, but they made me wait for 45 minutes in the waiting room today just to get my INR tested. I had THOUGHT scheduling a brunch for an hour after my appointment time would give me plenty of time, but NO, of course not... Needless to say, I'm going to be working on getting some supplies ASAP. I do not want to go back if I can help it!

Oh, and my family has arrived. The house is cleaner than it was, and we closed the doors to the rooms that didn't get touched. My brother's girlfriend is now his fiance (announced today), so she's going to have to get used to us... Hopefully meeting our aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins yesterday and today hasn't scared her away... ;) But I figure, if she can put up with my brother, she can put up with anything... ;)

Looks like May is going to be a BUSY month for our family. My husband AND my brother are graduating (Nathan from nursing school, my brother from optometry school), and it sounds like my brother and his fiance are looking at a late May wedding... Then in June my cousins are graduating (one from college and the other from high school). I'm tired just thinking about it. Oh, yeah. And I graduate in August!

[allodwick]

Start cleaning for May on January 1.

[Sherry]

Niki, I'm glad to hear you're back in range and feeling better. I seem to remember earlier in this thread you mentioned holding two days. I've never had luck with that (just my opinion). It seems the few times I held two days, my INR came plummeting down (faster than it went up), just as yours apparently did. My nurse even agreed with me that it wasn't a good deal for me to hold two doses, and I never did it again. Again, just my experience. Take care and hope you all enjoy the rest of your holiday break.

[Gnusgal]

I seem to remember earlier in this thread you mentioned holding two days. I've never had luck with that (just my opinion). It seems the few times I held two days, my INR came plummeting down (faster than it went up), just as yours apparently did.
Yeah, I'm not going to ever do that again... I had a suspicion that it wouldn't be a good idea, but I'd never been THAT high before either... Live and learn I guess.

Start cleaning for May on January 1.
You don't seem to get our primary problem: flat surface syndrome... We can clean on January 1, and have the house looking great by the end of the week (if we really try). But by the end of the next week, we'll be back to "normal." Then we'll just have to start over again... It's a never ending cycle. :rolleyes:

[allodwick]

I understand all to well.

There is just my wife and me. We clean it up and before the next sunset it is covered again.

[Georgia]

Niki - turn all your tables on their sides. Voila! No flat surfaces! :D :D :D

It's hard to balance books and mail on those little skinny edges.

I never succeeded in getting the house uncluttered until I retired and found I simply couldn't live with looking at all that stuff every day all the time. When I worked I had a very high tolerance for clutter.

How about you get a big tote and every other day shovel everything on all flat surfaces into it. Then either stick it in a spare room ;) or empty it and deal with the stuff every weekend? Just a suggestion. I'm very big on totes.

Good luck; keeping a house is such a pita.

[tomtom]

Allodwick, I was interested in your comment that in the UK it is common to test is every three months, as my experience is quite different. The system for me, which I think is commonplace, is that I am tested by the nurse at my local doctors' clinic. The blood is then sent to a hospital lab for analysis and I get the result and dosage advice the same day if a significant change in dosage is required, and the next day if not. My doctor, not the nurse, makes the dosage decision.

Typically, if there is no change in INR and it has been stable for a while, I am asked to retest in four weeks; if there is a slight change, two weeks; and if there is a significant change, one week. I find that the system works very well, has a personal touch, and gives me a sense of security (particularly after a post festive season reading of 6.6 which is being closely monitored at the moment!

A Scottish Happy New Year to youself, Allodwick, and to all who contribute here!

[allodwick]

I obviously am not an expert on the UK's NHS. My information was from several people aho have written to say that they are only tested every 3 months. These people may not have had mechanical valves. I have been running a website about warfarin for 6 years, so I can't remember all of the details. Your way sounds better that every 3 months.

[sue943]

When mine hit 8.9 I broke out in an interesting rash on my upper arms and my breasts, petechiae, absolutely smothered! The hospital took no chances with me having already had endocrditis, they had me checked out to make sure it wasn't that back.

Do other people get petechiae?

[sue943]

My bother-in-law has been on warfarin for about 20 years for AF, he is absolutely stable and is now only tested three monthly but initially until he was stable it was far more frequent - he lives in England.

Where I live isn't actually in the UK but it is in the British Isles and our medical staff have trained in the UK and work closely with them. Here it depends on how stable you are, tests can be several times a week if you are really unstable then it would be weekly, then two weekly, three weekly etc. I have been three weekly then they dropped me to two weekly again as I tend to be a little low.

[Gnusgal]

Just so everyone is updated. I've finally gotten around to ordering more supplies and they should be here by Wednesday (took awhile to get some paperwork together from my doc's office because I decided to go through a different distributer). They will also attempt to get insurance to cover it (though I'm not all that hopeful). It will be a relief to not have to wait at the Doc's office again.

[allodwick]

Sue,
Lots of people on this board get petechiae. One of the members, Rain, says that the only thing that she can relate them to is when her dog digs in her flower bed. Rain's dog must have a lot of influence if he can cause petechiae clear to Europe (she lives in Colorado).

They are like tiny bruises. Not much you can do about them but keeping the INR in range cuts down on them for most people - except Rain.

[Rain]

Sue,

I got petechiae around my ankles when I started taking coumadin and it’s never totally went away. It’s actually a pretty good barometer of where my INR is. If the red spots are below my knees....... I’m good. If they travel up my legs and multiply.... I know I'm a little high.... if they make it all the way to my chest........ better get checked!

[EVELYN]

Hi Niki

Boy, I sure hope you get better fast......it sounds like you're going through hell.

Tyce checked his INR this weekend, too and was7.1....why???? who knows. Anyway, he held one dose, halved the next and when we tested was 2.1, so it looks like he's back on track with normal doses for the rest of the week.....Of course, I sent a PM to Rossman and Al, because I have a tendency to panic, but all worked out.....remember I LOVE YOU TWO GUYS, BIG TIME.

Anyway, it sounds like your INR is the least of your problems now....feel better and rest lots.

Evelyn

[allodwick]

Hey Rain:

My student just told me that she was offered $50,000 signing bonus if she would agree to go work in a pharmacy in Cortez for 5 years.

[Rain]

So Al...... they have to give them a bonus to come to Cortez, huh? :p lol Most professionals say they take a pay cut to come here... just because they love it that much.

Cortez is a pain because it’s hard to get here..... which is also what makes it so nice. :) You have to drive a couple hours to get to an interstate and at least 4 to get to a decent size airport. But hey!! It’s beautiful here and paradise for someone who loves the outdoors! Where else can you drive a short distance one direction to the best ski slopes in CO or the other direction and find the warmth of the desert... beautiful rocks and the best biking on earth... Moab, UT. We have the best of both worlds! I guess that’s why we’re getting so many movie stars and professional athletes moving in these days......... we’ve been found! lol I think a lot of it is the over flow from Telluride & Durango. You can’t even buy a piece of property either of those places anymore.

Tell her Rain says take the money and get over here! If nothing else, she can invest the money in property, work a couple years and double her money. But I’m betting once she gets here.... she’ll be here for ever. It’s a great place to live.

And don't tell her any stories about how we tormented the last pharmacist you sent here!! :eek: :p :D :D That was soooooo funny. lol

[allodwick]

Hey, I love Cortez. Maybe when I hang up the finger sticker, I'll take the $50,000 and come work there for 5 years. I had dinner with Tammy & Neal (they have moved to Kansas) around Christmas and we laughed again about how he couldn't figure out how you could know so much about him when he had only been in Cortez for 6 hours.

[Gnusgal]

Hi Niki

Boy, I sure hope you get better fast......it sounds like you're going through hell.

Thanks, Evelyn. This was back in December, so I am feeling better. I do keep getting stuffy/runny noses and a constant cough (this afternoon my voice even started to disappear on me), but such is my life now that I'm working in an elementary school... Those snotty, germy munchkins just won't keep their hands to themselves! :D

Still a LOT going on. I opened my very first Book Fair today and boy do my feet hurt!

And you want to talk about petechiae?! My legs look awful! And I'm supposed to be in a wedding with a dress that comes to mid-calf, and I know they'll still look awful. Anyone know any secrets for hiding it? I'd go with hose, but we're supposed to be bare foot, so that probably won't look quite right...

Guess I should get back to working on homework... Break time is over.

[Georgia]

Niki - leg makeup should take care of covering the petechiae. That instant tan stuff. If that doesn't work, theatrical makeup will do the trick. I'm sure you could google it online and find something to cover.

[Gnusgal]

Niki - leg makeup should take care of covering the petechiae. That instant tan stuff. If that doesn't work, theatrical makeup will do the trick. I'm sure you could google it online and find something to cover.

Yeah, I was thinking about doing the fake tan stuff. I've never done it before, but I thought it was worth a shot. I probably ought to try it out before the wedding, though, so I don't end up looking orange (in a red dress!) for the wedding! :eek:

[allodwick]

Niki,

I figure that if they want you barefoot, then they want you natural.

I have photographed a lot of weddings and there is never an easier time to get good pictures. The radiance on the bride's face assures success. If your petechiae can overcome the bride's face, you probably won't even be able to stand up.

[catwoman]

And you want to talk about petechiae?! My legs look awful! And I'm supposed to be in a wedding with a dress that comes to mid-calf, and I know they'll still look awful. Anyone know any secrets for hiding it? I'd go with hose, but we're supposed to be bare foot, so that probably won't look quite right...

Niki:
No chance that the dress is a polka-dotted one that would complement your legs? ;)
Gosh, who would want to have barefooted bridal attendants in February??? BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! Hope the wedding is in a tropical setting.

[Gnusgal]

Niki:
No chance that the dress is a polka-dotted one that would complement your legs? ;)
Gosh, who would want to have barefooted bridal attendants in February??? BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! Hope the wedding is in a tropical setting.

Actually, it's in March. March 10th to be exact. Not sure if it will be much warmer then, but we'll be inside. She's always wanted to walk down the aisle barefoot. She gave us the option, and rather than having to buy shoes, we're doing the barefoot thing too. We'll have flip-flops on hand for outside and at the reception. ;)

Oh, and the dress is red. Which will probably highlight the red spots even more... If I get the time, I'm thinking I'll try the fake tan stuff. But how strange will it look if I have tan legs and not the rest of my body? ;)

Oh, well... much more important things to worry about in life...

[Georgia]

Well, normally in winter you'd wear nylons, which would make your legs look tannish but the rest of you pale. How about going to a tanning booth a couple times to get a bit of color? I'm not a tanner, but for a wedding a couple of sessions wouldn't kill you.

I use "covermark" for my face (rosacea); you can find it at www.covermark.com. They have a deal where you can order samplers to find the right color - very cheap. Covermark original was designed to cover port wine stains (birth marks). It'll cover about anything, and it comes in shades from very pale to dark. It's not a semi-permanent color like tan stuff - it doesn't even look like makeup - it's very flat and non-oily. Wouldn't want to try to use it on my legs every day, but for something like this, no reason not to smear it on.

[Rain]

Gnusgal,

I can vouch for that. The red spots don't show up nearly so much on my legs (where my skin is darker) as they do when they make it all the way up to my chest.

Whatever you decide, you'll look great. I betcha with all the excitement of the wedding, etc.... no one will even notice your legs.

Best wishes,
Rain