Recent content by Kim

I had 1-2 optical migraines a day after my surgery. These occured right after being moved from ICU to a regular room. I had optical migraines before surgery too, but after my OHS the occured quite frequently for the next several months. Like Bonnie, I had double vision and the brown shade/spot...

Hi Gina, I have seen Monistat listed on the package insert of Coumadin as a possible drug that can raise the INR. I have used this product twice though since being on Coumadin and it did not raise my INR at all. But.....I was expecting it to! Good luck. An INR that high is scary.

Thanks for all of the great tips! I had forgotten about the Sears Tower. I am planning on leaving shortly after my youngest daughter safely lands in Spain with her senior Spanish class from school. The first or second week of June are the tentative plans right now. I will certainly let you guys...

It is bitter cold in KC with 10 inches of snow, thus I am thiniking summer vacation!! My husband and I have been wanting to go to Chicago. The Magnificent Mile and Science Center are appealing! Is there anyone who can offer suggestions on a place to stay? Hotels in downtown Chicago are way...

I have a blue heart shaped pillow made by the hospital's ladies auxillary. I keep it on my bed with my other throw pillows. It does not match my bedspread or decor, but every morning when I make my bed, it is a reminder to stop and be thankful that I am alive and up and moving!!! I plan to...

Hi Kim, I have always wondered if an ejection fraction at 50 and below automatically meant early stages of CHF (when there are no symptoms). Or would there need to be other symptoms for a diagnosis of CHF in addition to a comprismised EF. My EF is 45-50%, but my cardiologist has me on...

Thanks for all of your replys. I believe I do drink adequate amounts of water and do watch carbs (except during holidays it is tough!!). Henslyee, I too thought, that if this was a CHF issue, I would have swelling elsewhere. I do not drink alcohol. Well...I guess I will just see where this...

Merry Christmas to everyone! I know that edema in heart patients can present itself in the feet, ankles, and abdomen. I have been waking in the morning with swollen fingers. If I take my rings off before bed, I cannot, even with soap or lotion, get them on in the morning. It is evening before...

I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Thanks Al! The cardiologists' office said I would be there 4-5 hours. I can't imagine! They did say no caffiene 24 hours prior. It does seem like an easier way to look at arteries than the heart cath. Less invasive anyway. I wonder if they had this test 3 years ago, before my valve surgery, when...

Bonnie, What you described seems like what I also experienced! Frightening! What causes an aneurysm? Were you symptom free except when you had the sudden pain?

Thanks Nancy and Ross. You are both valuable members of this forum! I must remember I am paying my cardiologist! He doesn't pay me. Ross, I am having an echo at my regular 6 month check-up which is the end of December. Would that show an aortic dissection? I am not sure what the nuclear stress...

Ross, What is an aortic dissection? And yes,.....I would rather be slightly humiliated than leave three daughters without a mother! I just want to be sure I have a true problem before whining to my doctor. I always want him to take my complaints seriously and if I have a complaint without...

Hi Kim, I posted a month or so ago about intermittent chest pain that I had been having. Of course my great friends here advised me as they did you....get it checked out! I too, have an ego and didn't want to be humiliated and embarrassed if nothing showed up. I had a heart cath in August of...

Gisele, I have been reading all of the posts on your surgery. I am so glad you are home and on the road to recovery. You are in my prayers and I am sending positive thoughts your way!