i have a first appointment at warfarin clinic this week what will they do

Hi buckrogers1

I was going to the warfarin clinic when I had a dvt recently, it's nothing to worry about. They prick your finger, ask what medication your taking(if any) and take your yellow book and your blood reading to the blood scientist there who calulculates how much warfarin you should take and it could be the same each day or different amount on different days, it's all noted in your yellow book, they then book you a next appointment. I do know if you take any new medication your supposed to let them know as warfarin reacts, so you may need lower dose or higher. Good luck

Hi there, my first appointment covered; blood test to determine clotting level to determine how much warfari needed, discussion about the range you need eg mine is 2- 3 with a target of 2.5, discussion about all medications you take including any supplements, a chat about your diet, usual things like weight, blood pressure etc. They will give you your yellow book which records your INR after each blood test and a note of how much warfarin you should take as well as your next blood test date, a credit card size card to carry in your wallet with relevant details and a booklet explaining everything. I guess different clinics will have similar process but this is what happened for me. Biggest thing for me was sitting in waiting room for 3 hours. This is why I moved as quickly as possible to self testing. Currently have test at clinic every 3 months (just go and have blood test, leave them my yellow  book and disappear, they then call me with result) self test in between and ring in results.

Hi buckrogers1 My experience was almost exactly the same as Patricia 123, except I didn't have to wait for 3 hours! I went back to the clinic one more time (a week later), then once I was stabilised on a Warfarin dose I was given the option of going to my local doctor's surgery for my regular INR testing, which has now settled down at once every 3 months. The sample is sent to the hospital clinic, and I receive the results through the post, usually the next day or sometimes the day after, giving my INR level and the dosage of Warfarin I should take until the next test. I am lucky in that I stabilised very quickly and my dose has remained the same since I started being tested at the doctor's surgery.

It is clear that different hospitals organise things differently.  My experience was similar to the replies so far offered; but my wait has not been long, the blood test is a simple prick in my smallest finger, I won't get the option of a self-test or a GP visit and, for the first few weeks, I have to turn up each week either (initially) at the hospital or (later) at a local clinic.  Eventually, I hope that the interference in my time will settle down; but I shall have t see.  The overall message is - don't be nervous and take something to read.

I spoke with consultant about self testing and he was very encouraging. I did have to buy machine myself but my GP perscribes the test strips. Its been a bit hit and miss across the country with some GP's happy to do this but others have refused. NICE the regulating body have just approved self testing so things will begin to change. In many countries like Germany self testing is the norm. Hopefully we will caught up soon.

I think that is exactly the reason NICE have recommended that more people are moved to self testing, its cheaper all round and much more convenient for most people so a win, win situation for everyone. I do not phone in my results just make a note in yellow book (if result was out of my range I would call, they have an answer service and all messages before 4 pm are responded to same day).