I have been diagnosed with IBS which has been getting worse. Also had two herniated discs years ago from work related injury. These have now started to play up badly and the doctor wanted to put me into hospital yesterday but there were no beds. Had a scan don'e last month and showed a few other back problems too including spondlyosis. Also I have had DVT twice and am on Coumadin for the rest of my life. They just can't seem to get it right. My blood is either too thin or too thick! This makes me feel unwell all the time.
I've never travelled before but always have wanted to. I'm wondering with all this going on would it be a good idea to or wait until everything stabilizes? I'm 64 so not much time left to travel.
Read about your son Happy Wanderer, does he travel with you and how does he cope with his INR always being unstable?
Your help and advice would be welcome. Thank you all in advance.
Hi there. My son lives in his own house up in Qld. He's had no problems with the wolferen when travelling. The doc gives him an open script so he goes for his blood test where ever he is and they ring him on his mobile with the result and advice on the dosage. He has had a bit of trouble with getting the dosage right lately as he had his other medication altered and it played up with the wolferen. It just means he has to have more regular blood tests till he gets it stable again. Not sure how it is now, must ring him tomorrow and see.
Hi guys, there is a new tablet out now and can be used instead of Warfarin / Coumadin and no blood tests. It is called Pradaxa - this has been my saviour because there are no INR tests. Getting blood out of me is like getting blood out of a stone!! And I had about 3 blood tests a week trying to get the optimal INR result. Unfortunately it is not on PBS yet but you may be able to get onto a program where you get it for free. The government says they can't afford it on PBS yet - a regular script is $150, I think for a month.
Talk to your doctor (or get your son to talk to his doctor) about whether this drug is a suitable replacement for you Warfarin needs (Coumadin is the same thing) and if he can put you on the program - apparently each doctor can only have 10 patients on the freebie program.
-- Edited by Esmeralda on Tuesday 4th of October 2011 11:15:04 PM
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Esmeralda
It aint over until the fat lady sings, and I dont feel like singing just yet!
we are facing the same issues and looking at buying our own INR testing machine (Coaguchek) about $600 - the test strips are very expensive so would only use it if no regular blood testing options are available. Currently needs testing 3 times a week but hopefully will soon become stable. Diet also has a big impact - no large feeds of green leafy veg. Also purchasing a satelite phone to ensure we are contactable - we are not going to let this stop us from pursueing our dream.
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Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
Good for you J & B. Seems like you are being very responsible with your health issues and at the same time not letting it stop you persuing your dreams. Every good wish to you
Hi guys, there is a new tablet out now and can be used instead of Warfarin / Coumadin and no blood tests. It is called Pradaxa - this has been my saviour because there are no INR tests. Getting blood out of me is like getting blood out of a stone!! And I had about 3 blood tests a week trying to get the optimal INR result. Unfortunately it is not on PBS yet but you may be able to get onto a program where you get it for free. The government says they can't afford it on PBS yet - a regular script is $150, I think for a month.
Talk to your doctor (or get your son to talk to his doctor) about whether this drug is a suitable replacement for you Warfarin needs (Coumadin is the same thing) and if he can put you on the program - apparently each doctor can only have 10 patients on the freebie program.
-- Edited by Esmeralda on Tuesday 4th of October 2011 11:15:04 PM
Hi esmeralda - are you on pradaxa for life? - my GP says it is for short term use only for people with heart problems or recovering from joint replacment
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Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
I would imagine the back problems would be causing you much more discomfort most of the time than the IBS. If you have an opportunity to have it treated go for it. I had a disc replaced with a spacer because the original disc had shattered over time and the remnant portion was hammering the nerve. I called it "back-bum ache" because of the pain down both cheeks and legs. Surgery fixed that. I don't know anything about warfarin or IBS, but I believe both are manageable once stablised. If there's a simpler alternative to the blood thinner make enquiries and go for it. That warfarin sounds very complicated and difficult to manage. IBS is managed with medication I believe. Never let go of that dream.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Hi guys, there is a new tablet out now and can be used instead of Warfarin / Coumadin and no blood tests. It is called Pradaxa - this has been my saviour because there are no INR tests. Getting blood out of me is like getting blood out of a stone!! And I had about 3 blood tests a week trying to get the optimal INR result. Unfortunately it is not on PBS yet but you may be able to get onto a program where you get it for free. The government says they can't afford it on PBS yet - a regular script is $150, I think for a month.
Talk to your doctor (or get your son to talk to his doctor) about whether this drug is a suitable replacement for you Warfarin needs (Coumadin is the same thing) and if he can put you on the program - apparently each doctor can only have 10 patients on the freebie program.
-- Edited by Esmeralda on Tuesday 4th of October 2011 11:15:04 PM
Hi esmeralda - are you on pradaxa for life? - my GP says it is for short term use only for people with heart problems or recovering from joint replacment
Sorry guys for taking so long to get back to you - not sure how long I have to take the Pradaxa for - didn't have a joint replacement recently but I do have atrial fibrillation which is under control (I think - cardiology review at the end of the month). Reason I was given it was because of the difficulty with blood tests and problems getting INR right.
__________________
Esmeralda
It aint over until the fat lady sings, and I dont feel like singing just yet!
