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Today is my 5th year of having my ATS mechanical aortic valve (and ascending aortic arch aneurysm replaced with Dacron graft 😀). Turning 32 later in June and feeling great. My original “valve-versary” was July 2012 (Ross procedure) but I don’t usually count that one since it ultimately required...

Hey there everyone! Like many of you probably reading this, I have been home testing for a while now (4.5 years) and have been using the Coaguchek XS the entire time. I haven’t had any complaints with the machine, but at this point I feel like it may be less expensive over time to just purchase...

So I had my 27th birthday earlier last month in June. My girlfriend told me to be ready to go by 10am and she didn't tell me where we were going. So I got myself ready, and at 10am she gives me a card. I open it and it's a birthday card and it reads "We are jumping out of an airplane in 2 hours...

Anyone have any medical journals, publications, and/or resources available that may contribute to evidence that intense physical training (high intensity interval training, long runs, weight bearing exercise, lifting) contributes to the more rapid onset of adverse symptoms regarding BAV, severe...

Well this question has nothing to do with how anti-coagulants work or anything like that. I am curious if there is anyone on this site that has gotten tattooed since being on anti-coags. I have two half sleeve tattoos and want more down the road. I know this is going to be a case by case basis...

I've read many stories of people who have made claims that they've been able to get in the best shape of their life after heart valve replacement. I assume because after a successful surgery, our heart finally is pumping and working the way it should be, which should mean it is more efficient...

Got my mechanical valve last week and have been on warfarin for about a week now. Currently a bit low on the INR on my last blood test, but I'm alternating between 10mg and 7.5 mg doses each day until my next blood test. This week I've only noticed a couple things that I'm not sure I can...

Well I would've posted an update a little sooner but I honestly just didn't feel like it, haha. So I had my second OHS last Thursday on 15 January. I chose a mechanical valve this time (ended up getting the ATS....St. Judes was first option but doc said he didn't like the way it was going to...

I have a preoperative appointment on January 9th to have a trans radial catheterization in order to get a better look at my coronary arteries. I didn't have to do this on my first OHS and I am just wondering if anyone else has had this done prior to their OHS. I'm not worried about it, but just...

Met last week with my surgeon and we agreed on a surgery date of 15 January 2015. I had a Ross Procedure in July 2012 which didn't hold up and now I feel the right thing to do this time is go mechanical due to my age (26) and making the best potentially 'long-term' choice. I am also getting my...

Met last week with my surgeon and we agreed on a surgery date of 15 January 2015. I had a Ross Procedure in July 2012 which didn't hold up and now I feel the right thing to do this time is go mechanical due to my age (26) and making the best potentially 'long-term' choice. I am also getting my...

My first OHS was in July 2012 at 24 years old. I chose the Ross Procedure hoping I'd get longer out of it than a tissue and also not wanting to get medically discharged from the military for being on Coumadin if I chose the mechanical. After my two echos this year, it appears that my Ross...

So bad news today at the cardiologist. I had the Ross Procedure back in July 2012. I chose these method so that I would not be medically separated from the Marines (which would have happened if I got a mechanical and placed on blood thinners). Since the surgery, I had a pretty fast and smooth...

It has been quite a while since I have posted on here, but figured now would be a good time to get reunited back with the heartvalve forum community! :D So I had the Ross Procedure on July 30, 2012 at the age of 24. I made a great recovery and was back to doing light cardio/weight training 3-4...

Ran a mile in 8:34, about 30 seconds faster than a week ago. Up to 13 dead hang pullups in one set Ran a 294/300 on a CFT (combat fitness test) -2:56 half mile sprint -100 30lb ammo can over head presses in under 2 minutes -2:15 time on movement under contact drill (consists of running and...

So I'm about 12 weeks outta surgery, feeling really good! Hitting around a 9 minute mile right about now, wanting to shave 2 more off that asap. Also back in the gym doing about everything I was used to doing, even the same amount of weight, except for chest exercises. So I was noticing a few...

SO I had my Ross Procedure on July 30, 2012, almost 8 weeks ago. This previous weekend I did some very slow treadmill runs, at about 20 mins duration to see how it felt. I felt pretty good, good controlled breathing, but some slight chest tightness. Tonight, I wanted to run 1 mile on the road...

So I am one week out of surgery, and my back has been very tense and uncomfortable pretty much since I've been home, as I'm sure many of you can relate... I pop my own back several times a day (before surgery), and I have been feeling the overwhelming urge to crack my back, but I can't of...

I was discharged from the hospital this morning. So a total stay of 3 days and half of a morning. I was getting around pretty well on my own as far as getting dressed and using the bathroom. Don't have much of an appetite when I begin eating, but I haven't felt nauseous or anything. My posture...

Well, tomorrow morning is the big day. I actually feel surprisingly calm about everything. Just ready to get it over with. I will be at the hospital at 430am. Thanks for all the advice, info, and encouragement from y'all on this site. This site has been a huge help. I will update as soon as...