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Hi Joanne, It has been a very long time since I posted - although I lurk daily :) - but your question sparked something in me. I found out in July 07 that my valve we had been watching since I was a baby had finally seen its last days. August 07 was spent finding a surgeon, having pre-op...

Wow these posts are sure bringing back memories! I was convinced I was in some type of military medical torture facility. I even tried to escape and found myself on the floor of the ICU laughing at the man in the blue uniform. I also thought something was evil in my son because he was...

I, too, didn't want visitors in the hospital after my surgery - other than my dear hubby who hardly left my side and brief visits from my adult children. I found it very tiring to visit. I made my wishes clear but there were still people who wanted to stop in - some out of true caring and...

I take One-a-Day for Women, fish oil, a small iron pill and 400 mg Magnesium Oxide. My INR is stable. Consistency in supplements and diet helps the stability of your INR.

I like your attitude! Feel free to ask more questions and don't be afraid to reach out when you are worried. We have all been there or we soon will be. I firmly believe that my life pre and post surgery is better because of the VR.com folks.

Hi Jeanie and WELCOME to our zoo. I have had a couple of TEEs. One during surgery which I have no recollection of (thanks goodness) and two others. If you end up having one either before or after surgery you will first be given something to "gargle" and then swallow. The stuff numbs your...

I have recently dealt with a lot of PVCs. My cardio told me to try some things to reduce the instances and severity. The first thing he told me to do was to make sure I was hydrated - easy fix! Then he told me to reduce or eliminate caffiene - not quite so easy. The last easy fix was to make...

Oh does this thread bring back memories! For a few days while I was In ICU, I was convinced that I was being held in a military medical torture facility. I thought they were keeping me for experiments and that my family was in on it. One night I thought I could escape so I got out of bed -...

I was on 60 mg for 3 days, 40 mg for 2 days, 20 mg for 2 days, 10 mg for 2 days, and finally 5 mg for 2 days. As far as I could tell, the Prednisone did not affect my INR at all.

Halley - I just finished a 10 day run of Prednisone for back pain. I, too, was told it would affect my INR. I home test so I checked on the 4th day - no change from my usual 2.8 - 3.0. I tested again on day 9 - again no change, still at 2.9. Good luck with your treatment, I hope it helps you...

My thoughts, prayers, and tears are with Valerie's family. May God grant all who were touched by her the strength to get through this incredibly difficult time.

You will want a bra - the best for me was an all cotton (no wire) with front hooks. My nurses had me wear one night and day to keep "the girls" supported and reduce strain on the incision. My daughter made me a little brag book with pictures of my family to keep me company. I really liked...

Valerie, My hubby was with me until they rolled me into the OR. I arrived at the hospital at 5:30 am and was wheeled into the OR at 6:30 am. I was awake and aware of what was going on for another 45 mins or so. I met all of the surgical team (3 nurses named Diane!) and harrassed the...

Mark - It is great to see your post. Congrats on #2 and may many more be in store for you. Still love your avatar....

Hi Kristen, I have been home testing for almost 2 years. I use the INRatio machine. I buy my strips through Express Medical Supplies - they sell 48 strips for $199. The only snag is they have to ship them to a doctor's office. My cardio lets me ship to his office and his nurse calls me when...

The thought of you being uptight didn't even cross my mind.

My decision to have a mechanical valve was driven much the same as Ctyguy's (Scott). I had already had open heart surgery at the age of 2 and wanted to do everything I could to make my AVR be the last OHS for me. We all make choices based on the information we have and our individual...

For me, it was 3 - 4 months before my resting HR was back down in the 60s, as it was pre-surgery. You will continue to see improvements in the way you feel for at least a year.

Valerie, Back to your original question. I wish I had quit my Coke habit. I'm not a coffee fan so I get my caffeine from Coca-Cola. Giving it up or at least reducing my daily intake prior to surgery could have prevented the whopper caffeine withdrawal headache I had. I also wish I had...

Hi Becky and welcome to VR.com! If you have missed a couple of doses of Coumadin, your INR is likely to be very low, probably just like someone who isn't taking Coumadin. You need to see your doc or head to the ER. You will most likely have to start Lovenox injections every 12 hours until...