So, you have to have an INR level of any number between 2-4 and this is your level of coumadin in your blood (aka blood thinner). Every morning, I give myself a shot of blood thinner (in my stomach!), which I've strangely gotten really good at. Every evening, I take 6mg of coumadin. I had to stay in the hospital until my coumadin levels had been between 2-4 for 2 days in a row. I went off the coumadin (but stayed on shots) for the surgery last Friday, and now I'm having trouble getting my levels back up to speed.
[Behind the scenes look at coumadin: it takes 3 days to get into your system and the shot takes effect right away... I went of the coumadin for surgery, and then started the day of surgery since it wouldn't be in my system for little while....clear, right?]
This week, I had my blood drawn on Monday and it was 1.5 - then blood drawn on Wednesday and it was again 1.5... so upped the dosage of coumadin to 8mg!! We'll see what happens tomorrow when I get my blood drawn...
Word to the wise, for any doctors or nurses who read this... if you walk into a room, muttering to yourself "this isn't good... hmmmmmm.... not sure what we're going to do about this," you're not really instilling a lot of confidence in the patient - you've actually now freaked them out - thanks for that.
So, here's hoping and praying for those levels to go up!! :)
Sorry your INR levels aren't where you (and the docs) want them. :-( Sending good vibes your way!
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