I told my doctors that I refuse to take any medicine that is newer than 10 years old. In the end we truly ARE guinea pigs and I'm not rising my life to test some new drug that costs 1,000 times more than the tried and true. I don't mind having my monthly blood test for Warfarin. But I won't take a new drug that they tested on mice but not humans. It works for me and my docs respect my wishes. Also you might not know this but if a Dr. uses a new drug on any patient he gets a kick-back from the pharmaceutical company. They get all kinds of things like dinners, trips, etc. If more people put their foot down maybe this would stop. I'm with you.

I feel exactly the same way. I asked my Dr. why Pradaxa is such an accurate med that you don't have to test your INR, and would you believe he couldn't give me a logical answer. It's important for me to stay between 2 and 3, and taking a new med that you don't test with worries me, not to mention the expense of it. I have to test once a week, because I'm going to have my second cardioconversion...after my sleep apnea (second visit) next Friday. I have sleep apnea, so I need to get on the C-pap and see if I have a better chance of staying in rhythm. I'm fortunate I think to be able to get a monitor, because some days I have to get a ride for the INR because I'm just dizzy and don't want to put other in jeopardy. I'm with you on the 10-year-rule...it's a great one.:)

I have been on warfarin a year now. My ins is covering the test in part. Last year they covered it. I have the $4.00 prescriptions. I test once a month. Weather okay I drive up town and take the bus to the clinic for the test. Hospital moved it way over the other side of this town where 2 highways cross with a two round abouts.

But if I move by my son in another town be 160 mile trip to the clinic. I am not sure the clinic in that town can handle it. Should be able too but I must check it out. My ins does not cover new drugs. They did not pay for my 5 antibiotic pills. They were new and for my pneumonia. They were like $15 each. I am not fond of this diet I can say. I can live with it. I am not sure I can jab my finger. Karen is better than other two they had do it. Nancy often jabed me twice to get the test done as she could not make the monitor part work. Heather was first and okay and she quit the hospital and went out to the coast. Karen will work with me. I for one am not wanting to change drugs. Now last week we ate out and kids went a different place. So I ate chicken grilled (I think )with cheese had some little chopped tomato, green pepper and onion and I raked off the onion and some it. Mashed potatoes and gravy. Broccoli and told my son to take it. I need to carry a small card maybe till I can remember it all with the mcgs of Vit K. I do not like broccoli really anyway and he does.

I just thought there a bus in his town that comes down here for medical things. (if still doing it.) If I can set my appointments for the test the day of the month they come it would be good. I am sure Karen would work with me on that. Doctor 3 times a year. If he would do Fridays that could be our shoping day. Or fix so that falls on bus day and do both. I can take the public bus from one to the other. I need check on the bus up there. I am willing to pay a fee/charge if one. House should be ready next door to son in Nov if things go right. Son does not work most Fridays.

In case of medical emergency the little clinic and hospital there can do something if necessary to send me down here. I was sent to the big city hospital from the local here. I will not worry about it at my age.

I am on Humana advantage plan. My doctor is signed up with them and the rest of the group of doctors. My eye doctor excepts it too. I am tryng to not get stressed out over things.