Hi.

I was looking on ebay and found a seller selling a testing meter for people on anti-coagulants. Never heard of such a thing. The gadget (which looks exactly like a diabetic meter), sells for over $1000. I could not believe this.

Here's a link to a similar product.

http://www.roche.com/prod_diag_coagu-xss.htm

Now I know that I test my sugar every day. I read the info on this little gizmo and it's for people who are on anti-coagulants, blood thinners, etc. and it has to do with testing for Vitamin K antagonists.(can't remember the whole thing). Now here is where i get confused. I went to many of these sites and all they talk about is Warfarin. Not once do they mention Plavix. And I thought Plavix was similar to Warfarin in that it's a blood thinner.

So am I to ascertain that people might use this device if they are on warfarin, but it's not necessary if they are on plavix?

It seems that when Alan goes to the doctor for his blood tests, they must be doing some PT test on him.

The info on this site says "test yourself at home, you don't have to travel to anti-coagulant centers (I didn't even know they WERE anticoagulant centers).

Now, of course, I'm not about to buy this gizmo. I am just wondering what you all think of this gadget, and whether you have heard of this before???

Thanks much.

Warfarin is a dramatic blood thinner. It interacts with many foods, and some people never get stabilized on it properly. (sometimes this has to do with the protein carrier molecules in the blood). Just about every drug out there interferes with warfarin.

Plavix affects platelets only, and is milder in effect.

Here is a good explanation of how it works, and how other blood thinning agents work:
http://www.med.uiuc.edu/hematology/Medications.htm

I think the device you saw is for people who have difficulty being stabilized on Warfarin.

Bob is on Warfin he get's his taken at the Dr. sometimes once a week,
2 weeks,about 3 weeks..The test will tell him when to come back.
Insurance pays for or susgar meter never heard of it paying for
one of those. But he has it done you should never take aspirin well
Mrsd is right many drugs..If it's 2 thin a scratch can be dangerious.
Hugs Sue

Mrs. D....Okay!!!!!!!!

See, that's why I love ya!!!

Thanks much.

Can't get too much information, that's what I always think. Better to know and be aware, than NOT!!

Again, my thanks

And Sue: Alan is on plavix and a baby aspirin every day. So far, so good. Been doing this over 18 months now.

plavix Mel is that the one,well now educa me.. I think I know,But you
know I always wish you and Alan the very best..Hugs Sue ps let's
make this a learning thingy, How much do you take of b12 under the tongue
on a empty tummie are full? I'm getting senior mins. helppp.

Hi Sue:

I was taking one 5000 of the B-12 sublingually with fabulous results. Made by Jarrows. And you take this on an empty stomach. I do this every morning when I get up.

Then, when I ran out, and because it was cheaper, I bought the 3000 one (it also contained Folic Acid and Vitamin C). Made by BIOCHEM.

MAJOR DIFFERENCE in my neuropathy, let me tell you. I noticed it immediately and yes, I do have stress in my life, and maybe this only applies to the way my body reacts to the Methyl B-12. But I was foolish. I was taking the 5000 Methyl B-12 for months and months. When I switched the the lower dosage and cheaper brand, well let's just say, my feet are not happy campers.

Yesterday I re-ordered the Jarrows formula of the 5000. I cannot wait to get it. I will continue on THAT one because, for my body, it worked. I must need lots of the Methyl B-12. That's the only way I can look at this.

GOOD Thing? Don't mess with it! We often learn a harder way than we would like...Good methyl in the future! - j

Thanks alot Mel got to agree with J,if it is't broke don't fix it..
Mel took down the brand and the amount..Hugs to all and
good wishes for Alan.. Sue