Recent content by Alistair

I was hoping to find an update on this subject of finding test strips for the Alere InRatio meter. I was getting them from eBay at $200.00 for a box of 48. Now, that will buy you 12 if you're lucky enough to find them. I was unaware of this recall drama. I've had my meter since early 2008 and to...

Four years later (after my surgery), my routine is to awake at 6:00AM, coffee, dress and walk to bus stop by 8:00, get off bus and walk to work. Work 9:00 to 6:00 running on my feet all day as Pharmacy Tech. Walk to bus stop, walk to market (everyday) walk home. At home, I do all the chores I've...

The anticipation was far worse than the actual event. Good luck!

I never really considered the use of warfarin in my decision. What appealed to me was the likelihood of a permanent solution a mechanical valve offers rather than facing replacement surgeries with tissue valves. Coumadin use quickly became second nature.

I too had entertained putting surgery off because of an upcoming planned family event however; my Doctor's sense of urgency frightened me and so I canceled those plans in lieu of surgery. Good move. With only mild symptoms and a lifetime of unrestricted activity, surgery revealed that the...

Not true. I too had my surgery at age 46. That was four years ago and I'm about to turn 50...with all systems Go!

I've been fortunate to experience only minimal complications and/or changes since my surgery and therefore feel I have very little to add however; I was curious when first I heard of this new drug. I've never been one to take medication and could never remember to take even a multivitamin with...

Since my Valve Replacement (8.8.08) has been uneventful, I've had nothing to add to this site but find it a plethora of collective information from all who add to it. I just had an episode which I wanted to run by you all. I was cutting grass just before Thanksgiving in preparation for...

Truer words have never been spoken. I did just that, was bombarded with information which made me apprehensive. I'm approaching my one year anniversary and the whole ordeal has been uneventful. My INR was a roller-coaster at first but after six months both the dosage and my reading have...

I'll be interested to see the responses on this one. I gained 25 pounds shortly after my surgery and can't seem to get it off though I haven't gained any more.

Wow, I always thought of bacterial endocarditis in direct relation to dental work and cleanings and nothing else. I'm going to have to read up on this. I must admit; I also home test and haphazardly use the alcohol wipes but I do wash my hands with dish soap and warm water (helps the blood...

Hello, I tried to visit the website mentioned by AgilityDog but got nothing. A search for QAS PT INR brought me to www.qualityassuredservices.com/INRatioPromo.aspx Is that the proper site? Also, someone had mentioned an invaluable guide that one user had for sale with regard to Coumadin...

Let me guess, you didn't inhale either.

Hello Jane; I too wanted to say welcome. You certainly have stumbled on the right place for information and support. It has been a great resource and comfort to me. My Surgeon opted for (and I agreed to) a mechanical valve because of my age (46). I had my surgery on 8.8.08 and today I feel...

Exactly right AaronJ. This was the advise my parents received upon my diagnoses in 1966. From that point on, I was aware of the situation but was never limited or treated any different than my brother or other children. At 17, my Parents had me examined one last time before being removed from...