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Hi, had my AVR with a St. Jude mechanical valve about 11 yrs. ago. Had an echo today and Dr. told me that there is scar tissue developing along the rim of the valve which is increasing the pressure gradient. He changed my blood pressure medication to help lower the gradient. Does anyone have any...

It has been five full years after my valve replacement, and I smile with shared joy as I read other members' valversary postings! Aside from the usual caution I need to take to prevent bruising from coumadin, I live an active and full life. I think all of us at some level have been changed since...

I am doing bridge therapy for a colonoscopy and teach Spin classes (indoor cycling). Are there any associated risks with Lovenox that differ from coumadin that I have to be careful about in this low impact aerobic exercise?

Reflecting on my third Valversary. Thank you, VR community for being a source of support, information, and community these past three years. Everyone, everything, every experience is a deeply felt gift. I take nothing for granted. Allan

Hi All, I have been taking warfarin for almost three years. My INR is usually between 2.0 and 3.0 which is my therapeutic range. I find that as time goes on, I get "black and blue" much easier. For example, if I lightly bang my arm on a doorknob, I may get black and blue on my arm. After...

Jan. 17, 2007. I was wheeled into the O.R., looked around and said to the OR staff, “You are all miracle workers.” It has been some journey since then. It is humbling to be celebrating my 2nd Valversary. I feel great, cherish my loving family, and appreciate every day, every sunrise, and every...

I have started a program of three day high intensity interval training for cardio and three days of weight training (2 days upper body, one day lower body, then switching it to 2 days lower and 1 day upper the following week). I am almost two years post surgery and I continue to have some...

Today is my first anniversary of my admission for OHS at St. Francis Hospital, NY where my leaking bicuspid aortic valve was replaced with a St. Jude mechanical valve. What a year it has been! I am so glad to have found VR.com this past year, but I wish I knew about it before my surgery. All...

Just wondering if it is my imagination, but we are expecting a nor'easter tonight in NY.. and I am relaxing, and I feel a very mild , just noticeable ache in the upper left part of my chest that is around the surgery site. It makes the area feel weak and the sensation subsides with a light...

As a result of my surgeon's suggestion, I am going to be entering the world of at home INR testing. I had a St Jude aortic valve put in Jan 2007, and feel good about minimizing the risk factors of taking warfarin for the rest of my days. Does anyone have any suggestions about using this...