Recent content by IanH

I can't believe it's been three years since my valve replacement. I feel good and am even getting used to the ticking of the mechanical valve. Thanks for all the support I've gotten from this forum over the past few years. Ian

It was two years ago today that I received my mechanical aortic valve. I feel very good and other than having a scary high INR once when I was on antibiotic for an unrelated condition I have had no problems. Thanks to everyone for all the support. Ian Howes

Thank you everyone for your advice. Unfortunately the Dr. that prescribes my coumadin finished at noon today and is not available for the weekend. That's why I turned to this forum and you didn't disappoint. Self testing is great. I'm surprised how few people know about it (even Doctors)...

I've been on coumadin for two years since my valve replacement surgery. I self test/dose and have been able to maintain my range of 2.5-3.5 with very little playing around. I usually alternate between 6 and 7 mgs/day. Last week I had a bout of diverticulitis and the Dr. put me on two very...

Laura, My heart goes out to you for having to deal with this situation. I hope you are able to find the support you need whether it be from friends, family or the church. You deserve it! Now I think I'm going to go hug my wife and family/friends for all the support they gave me. I have a...

Just reading these posts bring back memories of all the emotions I felt in the days before my surgery. Just before being wheeled to the operating room a nurse took my hand, looked me in the eyes and said "Everything is going to be fine". I didn't think much about it at the time but his words...

My company had Great West and switched to Sunlife. I'm not complaining but there are definitely somethings lacking in our plan. I'm lucky that my wife has a plan also so most things are covered (except INR test strips it seems)

Hi Cameron, I am covered by Sunlife and my wife has Bluecross for extended medical. I checked with both and neither will cover the test strips or the machine. I see that Bina also has Sunlife and she was able to get them to cover the strips. (Don't worry Bina, I didn't use the "you do it for...

I am excited. I got my home tester yesterday and can now join the ranks of self testers. It is a long story. My PCP didn't know too much about self testing and it would have been an uphill battle to explain the benefits to him. My Cardiologist knew more but his attitude was one of "why...

Our daughter went traveling around Europe last fall so we bought her an Acer Aspire 1 netbook so we could keep in touch. Back then there wasn't as much choice as there is now. She used it for e-mail, webcam, music, storing her pictures and keeping up with "Gossip girl". (I copied some...

Here's another to add to your list that a friend of mine actually used (yes he got a ticket): "You've been in the force 20 years and you are still just a sergeant?"

I also have a Carbomedics valve and take Aspirin daily. My cardiologist said that with the Aspirin my INR range is 2.0-3.0. Without the Aspirin it would be 2.5-3.5.

Thank for the info. I'm definitely going to look into this before I go to the dentist. I did all my dental work before my surgery so I'm not due until July or Aug.

Congratulations on 50 years. I only have 49 years and 46 weeks to go before I catch you. Of course you'll be at 100 years by then.

My cardiologist stated I should have IV antibiotics prior to dental work now that I have a mechanical valve. Prior to my OHS I would take 4 amoxicillin one hour before going to the dentist. Anyone else been told this?