Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) - SAY NO to Home INR and Finger Stick Machines!!

Every few months or so the topic of home INR machines is brought up and as of late, debated, on APS support forums and e-lists.

It appears as though certain groups are pushing people to get the machines and even promoting the purchase of the machines (as if they were getting a kick back from them?). And then there are other groups who are adamantly against the machines.

These machines have put into their literature that there are "limitations" when it comes to APS patients. They mention those who have a positive Lupus Anticoagulant, however, listed here we have a personal story from someone who has a negative LA and actually has Seronegative APS or SNAPS and she had problems with her home machine.

Did you know that there can be other factors that can also affect the readings? Anemia is one thing, and also Lovenox/Heparin use within 24 hours of the reading can cause it to be off.

If you needed a carseat for your child and there were only two to choose from…would you buy the one that had listed certain "limitations" or would you go for the one that was deemed "safe"? Maybe not a good comparison, but the warnings are in black and white. Who can question that?

If you get your INR from your home machine and have to "add or subtract a point" because you KNOW it's off…what does that tell you?? What if it's off by 2 or 3 points and you only added 1? So then a 2.2 reading…+ 1 pt would be 3.2…but it's off 2, so your TRUE INR is actually 1.2??? Do you know what can happen to some people when their INR drops that low?? Clots…Strokes…PE's…

Is the convenience of having the machine at home worth risking your life over?

I am urging you to educate yourself. Call the companies, ask the questions. If your doctor is pushing this machine, do they get money for each machine sold? Same with an organization that may be pushing it…are THEY getting money for each machine sold? Talk to people who use the machines. Ask them how often they do comparisons with a vein draw. Read the stories of people who have had problems. 1 in 10 is one too many if you ask me.

Educate yourself. Make an educated decision, not a knee jerk, convenience decision. The "limitations" are in black and white. If you have APS…YOU are the limitation.

This is also referring to the finger stick machines at the clinics or dr offices. One of the stories was from a dr's machine and not a home machine.

It's your life, your decision. Is the convenience of not going to the clinic worth your health and possibly your life? How convenient will it be for yourself, your family, friends and loved ones if you're dead?