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Today's Blood Test - The amount of blood generated from the lancet was enough. More than enough! The lancet is 21G x 1.88mm. I though I would try dropping the blood onto the strip instead of coming at it from the side. I guess I didn't do that right because I turned my hand over and the blood...

I have to admit that I was pretty freaked out about the possibility of a blood clot when my INR dropped to 1.2 for a couple of weeks. In the beginning, my Coumadin was being managed by a clinic at the hospital where I had my surgery. I had a visiting nurse come to the house to draw the blood...

Thanks to all for the terrific advice! (I'm not sure how to post individual responses). I will be putting them to good use on Monday. The good news on the brownish urine front is that things are back to normal. I've been drinking A LOT of water!

Thanks for the encouragement!

Hello! I have not tried the rubber band trick yet, but it looks like a great idea. I warmed my hand under warm water, massaged it a bit and changed hands and finger. I was using the blue pen like device, but on their advice switched to the small red preloaded device. It seems to make a bigger...

Hello and thanks for the feedback. I signed up with Alere and I have a CoaguChek XS meter. I'm taking 6 mg a day, but my Coumadin nurse has occasionally dropped my dose down to 4 to get my number down. She also encouraged eating some greens so I had two spinach salads.

Hello Group! I haven't posted in years, but I had a second aortic valve replacement in Feb of this year and now I'm on Warfarin for the first time. Overall, it's been a rocky road with my INR numbers too low (1.2) at first. Now they are too high (5 last Wed and 4.1 yesterday)! My optimal...

Okay, I will thanks Greg!

That's awesome, thanks for the tip Lyn!

I've had migraines since puberty. I get the aura and the pain. There are many triggers; low blood sugar and bright lights are a couple of mine. I too had a attack in the ICU following my AVR surgery. I then had 1 or 2 attacks a day for the next two weeks. The whole episode ended abruptly...

I'm so glad I'm not alone in this! My surgery was 4 1/2 weeks ago and I've become VERY aware of how sensitive the area around my incision is. I think wearing undergarments has made it much worse. By the end of the day I feel like building a tent around my chest so that nothing touches it. I...

Hi Jimmy: I'm new to the forum too, but I thought I would chime in and add a couple of comments about my recent experience at Mass General. I'm 56 years old and I had my aortic valve replaced on 10/3. I was thrilled with both my surgeon and the care I received there. I'm sure I would have had...

Hi Bradvo: I'm new to this forum as well. I'm 56 years old and just had my aortic valve replaced on 10/3. I was pretty nervous about my surgery too, but I know now that it was the right thing to do. This is a great group, I think you will find both the support and answers you are looking...

Hello: One of the nurses mentioned that I shouldn't drink. I figured it wouldn't go with pain medication. I don't know about the beta blocker. I thought I would ask the surgeon when I see her on the 15th if it was okay. I do enjoy a nice glass of wine! I expect to be off of all the pills by...

ha ha, thanks :)

Hi Debby: Thanks, I'm very glad to be here :) I start rehab next week. They want me to go 3 times a week, but I'm not sure how easy it will be to get there until I can drive again. I'm hoping the surgeon will clear my to drive after I see her on 11/15. Be well, Laura

Thanks Bill!

Hi Rob: Thanks for your support! This is a great site. I can tell already how valuable it will be in my recovery :) Laura

Hi Dan: It sounds like we are in very much the same place right now. I too have slept in a comfy recliner that we have in our living room. Thanks for your support and I wish the best of luck to you as well! Laura

Thanks! I have to remind myself all the time not to pick stuff up!