Warfarin

[Richard10002]

I started on what is hopefully a 6 month "clot busting" course, with bi-weekly checks at first, (October). The last time I went, (19 Jan), they said I could come back in 8 weeks, so you might get it down to every couple of months.... unless there are differences between different things.

I would definitely see if the self testing machine and a call to your nurse/scientist/whatever was possible.

It leaves you in control of when and where and, even if you havent got a big inverter on board, you could always get a small one which you can either attach directly to the batteries with croc clips, or plug into a 12 volt socket. For the length of time you need to use it, (every month or so), it wouldnt have any effect on your batteries.

My above post was only to suggest that they use the "incapables" argument to support several decisions/policies that they seem to have as individuals.

 

[Tranona]

The frequency of tests depends very much on your stability, Variations in diet and life style, for example in consumption of alcohol can upset stability. That is I think why you hear conflicting accounts of frequency. Guess you have to rely on advice from whoever is monitoring you.

 

[BurnitBlue]

Richard and Tranona

A blood test once every 8 weeks would be OK by me. Even once a month would be OK. I've been on one a week for the last two month despite a stable INR of 2.3. Apart from the terrific inconvenience, I feel like a pin cushion. Yeah, I know its for my own good but I will ask for a reduction.

I am glad I asked the question on this forum because I have learnt a lot especially the alternatives and self test. Last week I was fed-up because I thought my cruising and liveaboard days were history. I also want to buy a 31 foot boat to replace my folkboat but I have been hesitating. So thanks to all I am back on track.

Should we ask for our own forum? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[graham42]

i was diagnosed with DVT in 2003 while cruising west coat of france. spent 4 days in vannes hospital.
upon release they organises 3 blood tests a week in arradon until my blood level was stable. theres a charge of 8€ euros approx with results next day.
cruising north spain and down to gibraltar. never had a problem getting blood test/results or buying french warfarin drug. spain blood tests are free same as gibraltar. it might take all day in spainish nhs as you either make an appointment or wait your turn. gib results were available an hour after count dracula sucked blood out.
after 3months i was advised to have a 2nd echodoppler scan, it cost 85€ and no cause for alarm. they give you your ex-rays within moments of examination.
having DVT hasnt stopped me from sailing nor will it.
your going to die somewhen so it might as well be doing something you enjoy.
anyway! if your on warfarin british doctors normally prescribe it for just 6 months. its used to open blocked arteries or to bypass clogged up ones. just be careful banging into doors and fighting your crew, as your blood is thin and you will bleed easily.
im not a doctor, this is only my personal view from experience.

 

[BurnitBlue]

Exactly my thoughts. I was bending towards taking a risk verses a boring living death staring at four walls. The thought that we all die sometime so screw it. But this thread has made me realise that I can reduce the risk to virtually zero with careful organisation.

One nurse actually said that being forced to live close to health care can be an advantage as other things more serious have a good chance of being spotted early.

If you have ever seen some Swedish nurses (female ones) you will understand my macho stand of stomach in, chest out, "Who me, nar it doesn't hurt" That in itself can be a tonic.

 

[Anonymous]

Mrs L has no thyroid so has to take thyroxine daily. After leaving the UK we have used private lab services all over the western Med and we sort out the dose for ourselves. We have the various levels checked every six months and even with thyroid it isn't rocket science; presumably is easier with anticoagulants tho' I take Tranona's point.