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Thanks for the replies - everyone is always so helpful here. I will also look up the previous thread. It's good to know they are still used and emp's still look for them.

I was thinking about getting a medic-alert bracelet in case of emergency. I have an On-X aortic valve, so I take warfarin. I'm also allergic to penicillin. I think this is important information for first responders to know. Do people still wear these? Bracelet or necklace? Is there a format for...

I got a new on-X aortic valve seven months ago. My recovery, so far, has been relatively non-eventful and I am feeling well. I do not hear my valve often. Only when laying on my stomach and occasionally after exercise. The sound is more of a thunk than a click. The warfarin is a bigger deal for...

A quick comment from someone who's had both types of valves. I opted for a tissue valve (human aortic) when I was 37. After a successful recovery (about 6 weeks) I felt great and like my old-self. No physical restriction, no medication, no dietary adjustments. I could drink alcohol a little or a...

Yes, even if it isn't "your time of the month", it will be. When I had my first OHS 20 years ago, I was lucky that my Mom is an RN and she gave me the heads up. She sent me to the hospital prepared with a box of pads and a sanitary belt (do they even make those anymore?)

My surgery was 5/25/12. I was cleared to drive by my surgeon at my two-week check (actually 3 weeks post-op). After surgery, I went home with instructions not to lift any more than 5 lbs., increased to 15 lbs. at three weeks and "as comfortable" after five weeks. I'm more active now than before...

I'm five weeks post-op and feeling great. Yes, I was anxious before surgery because this was my 2nd OHS. Just keep thinking about the things you'll be able to do afterward that you can't now. What a difference a month will make! You will be weak right after surgery and wonder how you will ever...

Better late than never, I thought I'd chime in. I've had two successful OHS, one tissue (human valve) 20 years ago and then, almost a month ago, mechanical (On-X). After both surgeries I recovered to function normally (without lifting) within 2-3 weeks. With the tissue valve, I recovered and my...

Thank you all for your responses and advise. I'm back on track again. The stickies have also been a very useful tool. For clarification, here is more info about the questions you had. I don't know what triggered the increase from 4 mg. to 5 mg, but I suspect it was prescribed based on the INR...

So glad you're well on the mend!

My aortic valve was replaced on Friday, 5/25. I chose a mechanical valve to reduce the possibility of repeat surgeries. Four days post op (Tues, May 29), my INR was 1.6 The next day I was told I would be getting Fragmin shots, which would continue a few days after release. Got my first shot on...

Best wishes today! I'm one week post op, and happy to be home!

If your Dr. is on board, I say go for it! I've though about how much I'd like to turn back the clock a bit. I recall hearing that there's a study that says Botox may actually help reduce migraine headaches, too (don't know who did the study - probably the Botox manufacturer). I think every...

Thank you! I'll start contacting them via mail and phone as you suggested. And I'll remember to ask for copies going forward. I'm sure the passage of HIPPA ment the secure disposal of many old records, but I won't know unless I try.

I've been followed by cardiolst since birth and have seen doctors from California to Florida to Connecticut. Even as an adult, I never thought to ask for copies of my records. I have a short list of doctors and hospitals where I was treated or monitored. Does anyone know how long records are...

My boys were 10 & 15 when I had my first OH surgery. They were both pretty typical with their questions, mostly asking how things in their lives would work while I was hospitalized. I never felt the need to "spell out" the risks to them - I knew I was going to be OK, and refused to waste our...

My first OHS was 20 years ago, but I still remember a lot about post-op (I think I was so happy to be through it!) A couple of things: * Waking up just a bit in ICU and wondering why they put catcher's mitts on my hands. My fingers were so swollen, that they were touching, even when I tried to...

Hi, Kristen I'm waiting, too. My surgery has been postponed twice, but third time's the charm, right? I'm scheduled on May 25th (my 2nd OHS to replaortic valve, stem & root). To pass the time, I've been doing all the spring & summer chores I can. While going through my closets, I decided to do...

Surgery date moved - AGAIN! Surgery date moved - AGAIN! I got the sniffles earlier this week, so I called the surgeon's office yesterday to make sure it wouldn't affect surgery today. Dr. said as long as there is no fever and it's a head cold, we can proceed. When I woke today, the congestion...

Thanks for responding. Glad I can fly without additional hassle. It just goes to show the weird things that pop into your mind when you're over-stressed and can't sleep. I'm nervous, but mostly worried because I've had a cold this week and I'm not feeling 100% strong. I called the surgeon's...