INR numbers

[wtsparkle]

I went into the coumadin clinic today and was shocked to find my INR numbers are higher. Today they measured 5.8 and the dr is concerened. They cut my warfarin back from alternating days of 5 mg and 7.5 mg. So now I'll just be on 5 mg. The week before was 3.4 and before that I couldn't get higher than 1.4 (I was on lovenox shots then). Should I be concerned? They said they want my levels to be between 2-3. What health risks are involved being higher (besides bleeding to death)? I haven't had any bleeding, besides menstral bleeding (spotting the past 2 weeks and heavier at times today). Are their other side effects I should be aware of? Thank you!

[JAMESFETT]

With time you'll find the stable and adequate dose for coumadin. Your clinic is right on the goal for INR; in some ways it is better to be a bit on the low side than high, because the excess bleeding with too high levels is the greatest concern so far as adverse effects. When your left ventricular EF climbs above 30-35 percent, you will not need coumadin because there is not nearly so much sludging of blood flow at that level of function, and the danger of forming clots that can break off (emboli) is so much less. I'm not sure what your current EF is?

JD

[amyls]

I've been on coumadin for 7 yrs now, (I have a blood clooting disorder and had a stroke at the same time as the PPCM). My INR is kept at 3.5, But sometimes it jumps around.
One thing to keep in mind now that is it summer people eat more fesh veggies...VIT K will make your levels drop. Basically anything green is what they tell you. I still eat veggies all the time because I love them, we just adjust it when it drops, just something to keep in mind incase it drops again.

Don't worry about the side effects, you'll drive yourself crazy, do you have a braclet?? It took me 5 yrs to get one, but I would recommend it. I just got mine through walgreens.

Good Luck!
amy