Recent content by drivetopless

I get it. . I was in the same boat…lot of anxiety waiting with little to no symptoms for YEARS until age 49 . .had my AV( minimal 3inch incision, mechanical- On-X valve, which has a lower warfarin dosing protocol() 13 years ago and it was not until after the surgery I could really tell a...

Im no doctor..but agree you should ask the doctor for research to support what he says…I’ve never heard of eventual rejection of mechanical heart valves. My understanding of aortic stenosis is that less than 1 cm is when it becomes severe. 2.5 cm is normal. It can hang out for a while in...

Congrats on your new valve. I got my On-X 11 years ago this month. I was 47 at the time. I’ve been very happy with my choice. I recall my sternum felt mostly normal after a year. I don’t even think about my valve or scar anymore. Others sometimes hear the clicking when I don’t..but it’s a...

A little late but thought I would share my experience… I was diagnosed withBAV at 37, was monitored yearly and had an ON-X valve via minimally invasive (3 inch scar. Center chest) at age 47. I was only in the hospital 3 days post surgery…10 years later I would make the same choices and have no...

Thank you so much, Pellicle....your chart where you are the guinea pig is fascinating...

Hi, Cherie! I remember you. I got an On-x in 2011. thanks for sharing your story. I ttied to maintain INR at 1.5 to 2 and found it very difficult. I asked doc to expand the range to 2,5 years ago and maintain on the higher end with he aspirin therapy. This is great info you shared. I’m...

So sorry

I think the point here is technology evolves to our benefit over time And aren’t we blessed to have more that 1 great valve option. The skill and preference of the surgeon is also a factor. I would want a surgeon who is comfortable and skilled with SJM type to do that over an on-x install...

Thanks, Doc!

Great chart... I may start doing that...are you testing weekly? I’m testing biweekly. I’ve been self testing 10 years....it’s great....no waiting.... And I’ve learned what affects my INR adversely.

Got my On-x valve (AVR for bicuspid aortic valve) at age 46.8 in 2011. January will be my 10 year Valvesary. I would choose this valve again. 3 others in my family have/had BAV.

Yes- wondering what kind of valve you have? I remember that my INR did not settle down for a good year after surgery. It helped when I strated taking a multivitamin with vita K every day and when I started eating a salad/greens EVERY day. The greens part is about being consistent. When my...

This may be a dumb question, but I have not talked to my cardiologist about it and do not plan to go to his office any time soon because of the social distancing. With the Corona Virus, is someone with a mechanical heart valve,10 years post surgery, and otherwise in good health considered high...

Thanks for the advise. I will take it to heart. :)

Curious as to what type of valve you have.. I think that determines the ideal INR level. I take warfarin and a daily baby aspirin. My therapeutic INR is 1.5-2.5 because I have an ON-X valve. 2.5-3.5 would be overkill for they type of valve I have. I did have an INR target range of 1.5-2.0...