PT testing at home? You betcha!!

I don't think I mentioned that about 4 weeks ago I received my home blood testing monitor for protime. I read the AARP magazine cover to cover while I was in the hospital. Way in the back hidden amongst the ads which normally would go unchecked, I saw the wordd that would keep me from visiting the lab on such a regular basis using my only remaining good blood vessel (I mean it!! I had a porta cath at one time)

Anyway this company works fast & independently with your cardio, they get the preliminary info from you then 2-3 weeks later you get a call that you are approved (or not) and then a technician delivers your own bolld testing monitor. My dh was recently approved as well and he is NOT on medicare with supplimentaf ins as I am, so they are starting to realize that this is a cost saving measure that should be paid for. I spoke with a woman from germany who has had hers for several years we truly are a step behind in the US when it comes to some things.

The compant's initials are QAS, I don't know if I'm allwed to do a direct link but you will find it with a google search of QAS PT home testing

I'm so happy we got ours.. & again nothing out of pocket with medicare & a suppliments policy from aarp for me & private inse BC/BS from my husbands co, for him.

between 2-3.. ;) denise

By Reikiwoman
Posted October 25, 2009 at 5:55 pm
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Hi Denise,

Aren't the machines wonderful? I use the homosense machine myself and purchased it personally (Kaiser didn't cover it) through QAS. Prior to purchasing my machine, I was having finger sticks done at our local lab to check my INR.

The cost of my machine was about $1500 and it included one year of test strips as well. I pay around $300 a year for those alone. The people at QAS are very knowledgeable. I did need to have an RX from my doctor to purchase my machine directly at QAS. I am able to write off my medical costs on my taxes at the end of the year.

I believe that we remain far more healthy because we don't have to go hang out in the lab and be exposed to all of the current crud going around.

Being able to test myself and participate in my own care leaves me feeling far more in control of my life. I found it difficult to find a good time to go be tested as well. Because I am a bodyworker, I have to wait until I am done working for the day and that is usually after the lab closes. I can now test my INR level at 10 PM or whenever I can fit it into my schedule.

While Kaiser has been helpful by letting me test at home, I have heard from friends that the labs they are assigned to aren't always as supportive. One of the nurses at the coumadin clinic here said that a large majority of people on blood thinners in Germany test and determine what dosage they need themselves. There is something wrong with our system when people are not encouraged to help in their own healing. :)

All the best,
Bj

By denisePA
Posted October 26, 2009 at 8:04 am
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Bj, that's true they do adjust their own coumadin in germany thru a sliding scale after they get their PT

It's amazing how backwards a country like our is at times..

:::shaking head:::

TTYL, today is volunteer day at the hospital..

By Gammacygnus
Posted October 26, 2009 at 2:44 pm
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But there are those who DO NOT follow the coumadin rules, might forget to do their Protime, adjust the coumadin levels appropriately. I'm followed closely at the anticoagulant clinic because of my A-fibs and rings at my 2 heart valves.

By denisePA
Posted October 27, 2009 at 9:04 am
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You use this machine once a week, the results are called into the lab which in turn faxes a sheet to the coumadin clinic as well, not only that the results are stored in the memory of the machine as well.

I'm an a fibber too... it's awful, how is yours under control?

So is my husband who was also just approved for the machine he has BC/BS. He's not on medicare as I am for a disability. He will be doing his once a week as well, Home use is done more often than lab or clinic based protimes.

You are right there are folks who are noncompliant with meds/lab teast & follow up care. I will never understand why, unless it's a financial decision and if that is the case one needs to tell the Dr of their finacial hardships, there are hospital grants that can be had as well as sliding fees from some kind doctors, not all, but there are some out there.

denise

By Reikiwoman
Posted October 27, 2009 at 6:40 pm
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I have known people who are noncompliant with foods, medications, testing or what have you. Using your own machine is for people motivated enough to follow specific guidelines.

When Kaiser decided to do a study on people using coagucheck machines, very few elderly wanted to check their own INR. It's not for everyone. But for some of us who have a choice, it's very empowering.

I personally deal with the coumadin clinic. I call my results into the lab and usually speak with a nurse (I speak with the same one for the most part) and we conclude what dosage I should be taking. Lois lets me have a say in my care. Not all nurses are like that.

After taking coumadin for many years, I know how my body responds to the warfarin. I also know how my body and INR level responds to illness, exercise and stress.

While it's not for everyone, I am grateful to my little machine in the back bedroom for making my life far easier.

Bj

By denisePA
Posted October 28, 2009 at 10:46 am
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Bj states: After taking coumadin for many years, I know how my body responds to the warfarin. I also know how my body and INR level responds to illness, exercise and stress.

Bj,do you believe your reiki practice is helpful in your connection? Does one need a physical guide for learning reiki or can it be self taught? And are there any good books you can offer for us lay people that are interested in the body/mind/soul.

I have already purchased two books from the suggestions of some of the heart sisters, but as a seeker of knowledge, I can't stop my desire to learn...

be well, denise

By Reikiwoman
Posted October 28, 2009 at 12:28 pm
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Reiki is part of everything I do. I have been practicing for nearly 13 years and one of the reasons I became a practitioner was to work on myself after open heart surgery. I needed to feel like I was participating in my own healing.

Reiki is a healing art form in which our head and hand chakras are opened to allow Higher Power energy to flow through us into another living being. (Animals love Reiki, too.) In my training, this is accomplished by working with a Third Degree Reiki practitioner, who "attunes" others.

I believe we all have abilities to calm and sooth ourselves and others, but Reiki can do no harm and for me, that is extremely important. It goes back to the power of intention. When giving a treatment, we place our hands over specific areas, but it really doesn't matter because the energy goes to wherever it is needed.

I feel more grounded because of my Reiki work. It is a great basis to start from for many different types of energy work. For instance, Healing Touch is another wonderful type of work.

As women with heart issues, we all need to listen to our bodies. I don't think it takes a special type of work to do that, but what Reiki does is to quiet me so that I can listen more easily.

If you would like to learn more about Reiki and books that you might find interesting, maybe we should do so through our regular emails or mail here at the site. I would be very happy to talk to you.

Thank you for your thoughtful question.
All the best,
Bj

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