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I can't figure out what's going on. My cardiologist doesn't seem at all concerned about my symptoms, so I've convinced myself that I shouldn't worry, yet he still has me coming in for check-ups every 3 months. I am extremely short of breath when doing the simplest activities...showering and...

Just completed my weekly pt/inr testing. My acceptable range is 2.5-3.5 and today's reading was 2.5. After I applied gauze to stop the bleeding I noticed that my blood was brown rather than the usual red. Anyone know what this means or if it is a cause for concern? Thanks

I'm having some difficulty understanding tricuspid regurgitation after my mitral valve replacement 5 years ago. My cardio assures me that everything is fine even though I am symptomatic and a comparison of the two valves indicates the regurgitation is worsening. After doing a little research on...

Hi VR Friends, I haven't been here in a while due to changes going on in our family and just simply haven't had the time. For the last year and half, I've had frequent chest pains ranging in severity from mild tightness to crushing pains so bad that I'd need to lie down just to get some relief...

Hi all! Haven't visited site in a while, everything has been going so well. But, a cardio visit yesterday has raised concerns and questions. I've been having periods of dizzyness and chest pains. It's not every day, but at least twice to 3 times a week, I have episodes of these symptoms. I've...

I've been very busy during the last year or so and haven't been "in tune" to my body much. I have occasionally had bouts of angina - for some reason mostly while doing laundry, hanging clothes in our closets and taking baskets of folded clothes upstairs. I've mentioned it to my doctor, but he...

I'm so excited, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! I received my new Protime home monitoring kit. Hallelujuah, there will be no more 3-4 hour waits in outpatient to have my PT/INR done. There will be no more "lost faxes" and miscommunication (hopefully). A nurse from Raytel spent over an...

I recently began experiencing night sweats and other unpleasant menopausal symptoms. My GYN put on premarin tabs. He knew my history of MV problems, and assured me that HRT is a safe treatment for my symptoms. However, after researching on the internet, I'm not so sure. Can anyone help me with...

Everyone with a mechanical mitral valve knows the familiar "ticking" noise we live with...like a watch or a clock is inside your chest. For the last several weeks, off and on, I have noticed a new sound. It's more of a "click," just once, then resumes the familiar tick. Has anyone else ever...

On and off for about 2 months I've had bouts of dizziness. I've told my cardio about it, he seemed to think it was related to my increased blood pressure, so, he doubled my altace and put me on coreg c.r. My blood pressure has gotten better, but the dizziness seems to be getting worse. Just...

Please pray for substantial rain in the southeast U.S. Georgia and Alabama are experiencing the worst drought in recorded history. We live on a hydro-electric dammed- not damned (no pun intended) lake. The lake is 25 feet below winter pool. There are areas of the lake that you can actually...

Recently while vacationing in Maui, I had a severe allergic reaction to what we think was a mussel (shell fish). I had very painful abdominal cramping, swollen lips, vomitting and bloody diahrea. I thought my blood pressure was high, however the parmedics said it dropped. I am in the process...

What is involved in having a heart catherization while a person is on coumadin? Is a person usually admitted to the hospital and given heparin or what is the normal protocol? Just wondering. Thanx!!

What is a normal resting heart rate? I've felt rather badly lately and have kept check on my blood pressure thinking that could be the cause. My machine also reads my pulse and over the last week it hasn't fallen below 93 and has been as high as 116 while resting. Physical exersion has been...

Hi all, I recently went to my family doc for a kidney infection and she was alarmed at the amount of weight I've gained in less than a year - 18 lbs!:eek: I am an emotional eater and my cardio has told me that some of the meds I take do cause some decreased metabolism. Anyway, my family doc was...

Hi all, quick question. Can stress effect your INR levels? Mine has been out of whack for about 2 months. Had a major nose bleed yesterday. Had blood tested today and it was 7.8 (supposed to be between 2.5-3.5). Talked directly with my cardio and he told me to not take my coumadin tonight or...

Michelle started a very interesting thread about being more spiritual after OHS. I've enjoyed reading everyone's responses and realized how diverse our little community is here at VR.com. But as I was responding to her post, I started to mention this obsession I have about death. I didn't want...

I had MVR 6 mos. ago- on vacation now in deep south- very hot and humid. I've noticed that I can feel my heartbeat in various parts of my body- fingertips, back, ankles, even my bottom!? It's really noticeable outside, but also when I'm inside w/ the ac blasting. What's happening? Any ideas...

Back in January when I had my MVR, I would have never thought that I would be able to be the director of this year's VBS- God is SO good to me. This type of work and preparation (and stress) is just what I needed.:eek: God is showing me that my health is improving each and every day and I thank...

This show really stirs my emotions- I guess because I can relate to the reality of hospital drama. The patient who went through so much for a heart transplant and then finally passed away absolutely broke my heart. Does anyone else relate to these stories and does it touch your heart lide it...