Recent content by Bushman

Pellicle, You and I seem to be talking apples and oranges here. I'm not suggesting low dose AC therapy...I'm saying NO DOSE! My surgeon is following studies that are suggesting one baby aspirin and no Warfarin. Also, I never suggested that anything was approved and stated that these were...

So I met with my surgeon yeaterday only to find out some encouraging information about my On-X valve. So seven weeks to the day after my AVR I visited with my cardiothoracic surgeon for a check up. He looked me over asked some questions and then he proceeded to talk to me about my INR protocol...

WOW! I can't believe how similar our stories are. I too had a mini-sternotomy, Onyx valve, side sleeper, same soreness.... I'm only one month post-op though. For me the mini-sternotomy was painful as hell, I originally thought the pain was from the incision but a few days after surgery when the...

My advice would be to load up on pain meds before bed and sleep in whatever position you are most comfortable in. Nap as long and as many times during the day as you need, rest is healing. I am a side sleeper as well and 3 weeks out of surgery, I'm just starting to sleep on my side for longer...

Jamieann, I hope you don't need a pacemaker only because you are young and don't need any more issues. I didn't have issues after AVR but i had pericardial effusion about 9 days after surgery which landed me back in CICU. When they drained or tapped the effusion I had episodes of afib and...

Bayou girl, I am a 43 year old male in very good physical shape,I had my AVR on March 29th. I was home 4 days later but had some complications which landed me back in CICU a few days after that. I am a little over 2 1/2 weeks post op now and starting to turn the corner. Post op for me was bad...

Hi HarrietW, yes we do have the same surgeon. I have had my surgery(Tuesday) , released from stepdown 15 minutes ago and on my way home tomorrow. I don't want it to sound like I'm bragging or gloating or anything, we had a different set of circumstances, that's all. Your luck will turn around...

Julien, I wouldn't expect any other response from you! Hahaha, we seriously have to get together for a beer.

Hi HarrietW, I am sitting in Foothills hospital Unit 91 as I write this. I also have a sneaking suspicion that you and I have the same surgeon. I don't even know what to say, I feel so baldly for you. I hope your ENT doctor can get things figured out.

Hi all! Happy to be talking to you all from the other side. The surgery went well, a bit of a late start but everythinglooks great. The scar from the hemi isn't too bad, I'll post a pick or 2 when I get home. I realized last night why it's so important to stay on top of your pain meds, I thought...

I'd like to thank all of the members here on VR.org for all of their posts and volunteering so much valuable information to others seeking answers and advice. This information has helped put so many of us at ease going into difficult times. The information helps people learn and knowledge is...

AKAFrench, thanks for the well wishes. I think your "keep the eyes on the prize" philosophy is a good one, focus only on the surgery and leave the trivial things for after the surgery.

Hi Julien, I'm getting it done in Calgary by Dr. Andrew Maitland. I notice you are up north, in Edmonton or outside somewhere? .

So I had my pre op meetings last Tuesday and in talking to the physiotherapist had my baseline readings noted. I reached over 4000 ml on 3 consecutive attempts. The physiotherapist said that this was very good and that 4200 ml(My first attempt) was the highest reading she had seen in 4 years to...

I am going through this same roller coaster of feelings right now as well. My AVR is scheduled for March 29th so the anticipation and anxiety are both building. I get stressed about everything and then have a few good days thinking "ok, I'm at peace with this situation" then get stressed all...