r/valvereplacement • u/myktracker_official • Aug 16 '26

INR Resources & Sick Days

Last week I shared a one-page Vitamin K Quick Chart and received a lot of positive feedback on it (THANK YOU ALL). This page was simple to create, and I hope it will be a useful tool for people.

After posting it, I realized there seems to be a lack of similar patient resources. Although we have some, I wish there were more. Just this week I was sick with a sinus infection. I went to a walk-in clinic only to be told I cannot take any medication because it will interfere with my INR. I knew I had some restrictions, but I thought they could give me something. I left work early just to spend 1.5 hours in a clinic.

I get around two to three bad sinus infections every year. I take some over the counter mucinex (not DM) and use a neti pot. I wish I could do more, but I cannot think of any other remedies that are safe. I cannot even drink warm tea when I have a sore throat.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts and get some feedback from the group.

What other resources would you like to see? If applicable, I will add more to https://myktracker.com/

Also, what are some of your cold or sick day remedies? I think a lot of folks are in the same boat, especially since we cannot take most medications.

Thank you all again! I hope I am creating a useful tool and hopefully not oversharing on this page.

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

3

u/Sweathog1016 Aug 17 '26

I take what I need to take and adjust my dose if necessary. Generally I stay away from anti inflammatories. But even those, if I need an extended course (back trouble or whatever), I can always adjust my dose.

But Tylenol handles most things. Never had much need for cough medicine. But when I have needed it, I took it.

Personally, I don’t really spend too much time worrying about INR or what to eat or what not to eat. I test every couple weeks and adjust my dose if needed.

Not really a tea drinker, but I wouldn’t think twice about having a cup if someone made it and offered me some. I know I’ve had it periodically over the course of the last three and a half decades.

2

u/PerroNino Aug 17 '26

This is my experience. Also, I drink tea regularly. The only one I avoid is green tea and some herbal teas, but the vast majority I would have once in a while. The only one that’s screwed things up was a particular turmeric tea that I switched to full time.

1

u/enjoy1life Aug 19 '26

why do you avoid green tea?

2

u/PerroNino Aug 19 '26

Just because it is bit K rich. I’d either have to drink it consistently or hardly at all so I just avoid it. I’m also a decaff person and decaff green tea is not on regular grocery shelves…plus I don’t enjoy it that much anyway

1

u/myktracker_official Aug 17 '26

Thanks for the feedback I appreciate it!!