Jennie26's Journal

I am finally getting a Coaguchek machine.

I gave up trying to get my insurance to cover it. Plus, last mintute, I decided it was imperative for me to have it for my Europe trip. I am fortunate to know a lot of doctors, due to the fact that I work in insurance, sell HMOs, and refer docs a lot of patients, thus putting money in their pockets. One in particular has been a big help with my whole ordeal. He is the one who, the second time I was in the hospital, got my filter put in ASAP and had everything taken care of for me....he evn helped me get a private room for a few days!

So he's actually giving me his office's old machine (Coagucheck S) since they just upgraded to a Coaguchek XS. I  bought 48 test strips for $216 online....tomorrow I go in so they can give me training on how it works. I am so excited! It's a bit weird to feel so happy about pricking my finger but I will feel so much better for my Europe trip! I am soooooooo incredibly relieved. It's awesome. I also had another scan of my leg done (yep---I'm crazy...but my INR has been low and I've been having some leg pain...better safe than sorry). No clots! I've got my compression stockings, although they are only 20-30 grade, but they'll work.

<sigh>

I am a bit relieved.

Now I just have to fit all my crap in a carry on. Hmmm....

Friday morning I leave for Rome. Yippee! 2 weeks of a European adventure....Rome, Florence, Venice, Munich, Prague, Amsterdam, Paris!

I am excited and a little nervous. I know I'm not going to get to sleep on the flight because I'll be getting up every hour or so. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what to bring, since we are all bringing carry ons only.

My INR was 1.6 last Wednesday. I'm having it checked again this week. The doc says that if it's within range there is no reason for Lovenox shots for the plane trip. I guess being coagulated via Coumadin AND the shots put you at an increased risk of bleeding. Grrr! How frustrating to always winder if my blood is over or under coagulated! Darn it!

I've been going running with my husband lately. There is definitely a big difference between running in the gym on a treadmill and running outside in the Florida heat. I made it a mile and a half and felt like crap. Now my leg aches, but nothing new there.

Ugh.

Well on Friday my INR was at 5.0. Yippee. I had it checked again today---I'll know if it has come down tomorrow.

I just can't figure it out. I'm not on a schedule w/ my diet or exercise, and my blood seems very sensitive to any changes, so it is probable that I will never be one of those people who gets to have their INR checked once s month.

Not only that, my cat just got out of the ICU after being there for a week with liver failure. She is doing better....

I also have a funeral to go to tomorrow...it's for an 18 month old child who died in her sleep.

Sometimes I just don't understand life.