Those of you undergoing OHS please discuss with your surgeon which method they will use to close your sternotomy.
I had my first OHS in 2003 and my sternotomy was closed with sternal wires. I had the typical post-op pain and had to occasionally use opioid pain meds. I hate sleeping on my back...
https://www.cardiosmart.org/News-and-Events/2011/06/Driving-Restriction-Guidelines-for-Patients-with-Implantable-Cardioverter-Defibrillators
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device placed in the chest or abdomen of patients with an irregular heartbeat or history of...
I carry my valve and pacemaker card in my wallet next to my driver's license and CCW permit. I also wear a Road ID wristband noting that I have a mechanical aortic valve, a pacemaker and that I'm on warfarin.
I have a St. Jude mechanical aortic valve composite ascending aortic graft and a Boston Scientific dual chamber pacemaker. The pacemaker is for symptomatic bradycardia (resting HR was in the 30s). I had a-fib as well, but two catheter ablations are currently keeping my heart in NSR.
My valve...
I love how loud my St. Jude aortic valve is. You can hear it ticking about six feet away in a quiet room. I have a pacemaker and history of A-Fib, so it's reassuring to get an audible check on my rate and rhythm.
I've been under general anesthesia many times and for the first few times I had post anesthesia nausea. They gave me all the typical pre and post-op nausea meds with nothing working. Facing an upcoming surgery and not wanting to vomit post-op again, I did some research and found out that placing...
My biggest surprise was the lack of post-op pain following my second surgery. I had ascending aortic aneurysm repair in 2003 and the surgeon closed the sternotomy with the traditional sternal wires. I had the typical post-op pain and needed some opioid pain meds for a couple of weeks.
My...
I've used the Roche CoaguChek XS for a couple of years now and I've been pleased with it's performance. I enter my INR reading on the app on my phone and it's forwarded to my cardiologist and I order new strips and lancets through the app.
I'm fortunate that I have very good insurance and it's...