Recent content by DarrinDNelson

I also noticed some transitional challenges due to the fact that my surgery was done out of town. It took some drive on my part to get things squared away here locally (things like INR/Coumadin dosing, rehab, stitch removal, etc...). Since my procedure was a bit different than the local team...

I also had my mitral valve repaired robotically, however I was at the Mayo Clinic (8.28.09). Even though it was done minimially invasively, there was still some discomfort post op: 1. Pain near entry wounds that would escalate whenever I sat up, coughed, sneezed, etc...it was managable and I...

Be sure to stay hydrated while exercising. When I lifted weights, I would not drink water until the end of my 90 min workout...and found that several times I would have a migraine trigger while I was lifting. I changed my workout about 5 years ago to drink water between every exercise. Since...

Forgot to add - I also started a regiment of daily baby aspirin, since I was to stop Coumadin 6 weeks post op. My occular migraine frequency has declined. Not sure how much was due to baby aspirin, trigger avoidance, or something else....

Were you on extended periods of antibiotics? I have heard mention of antibiotics having a negative effect on tooth enamel.

I actually had a migraine in the ICU right as I awoke from surgery - got to enjoy the double whammy of surgery and a migraine (saw the aura as I opened my eyes the first time). I used to get migraines (20 mins of aura then about 4 hours of brutal pain - had to be in quiet dark room to recover)...

The metric I was given was that 1/2 of 1% of repairs fail annually. Which I believe would mean that there is a 20% chance that the repair will fail in 40 years (just some rough math - I'm no statician, but I believe that's what it works out to). I was also told that replaces were failing at...

Agreed....btw, my procedure was minimially invasive and was cleared to drive after week 2 post op - even checked w/my insurance company before getting behind the wheel...just need to avoid the manual transmission for a little while longer...

fyi...I've come to learn there are good days and bad days in this whole mending process thing. I am 3 weeks post op now...but during my 2nd week, I was feeling so good that I was taking no pain meds multiple days in a row....then Saturday I made the mistake of driving my manual 6 speed sports...

De ja vu - I am 3 weeks post op...and hadn't noticed any shortness of breath...until I went to see my Cardio on Friday. He asked if I was feeling any shortness of breath. I said no. Sure enough over the past couple of days, I occassionally felt like I was a little short of breath. I was...

Wow! I have several thoughts: 1. You've been through alot - the good news is, the hardest part should be behind you. You're on the other side of the mountain now. 2. Numbness - I too have numbness (I am only 3 weeks Post Op). I have a spot on my right pectoral where they went in, and my right...

I was specifically told upon discharge to avoid beer while on Coumadin in favor of a glass of wine, or drink of liquor. My understanding was beer had an irratic effect on INR levels.

Hi. My surgeon told me that I should pre-medicate even prior to dental procedures indefinitely due to being an Endocarditis risk after my recent MV Repair. I would ask your surgeon.

I apologize. I voted before I read you rules - I am not quite 2 weeks post op -and voted....definitely an increase in Migraines since surgery...but as you stated that may just be because my vascular system has been violated and still adjusting. Funny thing is, I rarely used to get the aura...

Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with that hospital....but.... I just had my Mitral valve robotically repaired by Dr. Rakesh Suri at the Mayo Clinic. If you're willing to travel for the surgery (I did), it might be worth you at least having a phone conversation w/him. I was out of...