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I am a patient with an On-X aortic valve since 2009, and I have been following the results of the PROACT trial for years. I was very happy to receive a letter from On-X notifying me that they have finally received FDA approval to recommend a lower INR range (1.5 to 2.0 for On-X aortic valves)...

I have read in several threads how it takes 2-3 days for the effect of a warfarin dosage change to show up in measured INR. So I was wondering if anyone knows if intake of Vit. K in the form of dark greens has a similar delay, or shows up sooner? Karl.

I am researching possible reasons why I am not recovering quite as well back to my pre-symptom aerobic capacity, have too low ejection fraction, and still too high resting pulse (~90). One thing I have been wondering about is the relatively small 21mm On-X valve which was all that would fit my...

.. according to my anti-coagulation clinic. Yesterday a nurse from the clinic called to complain I was testing once per week, and wanted to know why I was doing so.... Since I always was in range, she told me I really shouldn't be testing more than once / 4 weeks, and she needed to document why...

1) Last week I called Hemosense (Inverness Medical) to have my almost new INRatio2 replaced, due to a broken OK button. The customer support lady told me I would receive the replacement shortly, and return the broken one with a pre-paid FedEx label. Sounds about right so far, for good customer...

I am posting in the post-surgery forum, since my upcoming PM implant on Monday 1/11 is really a follow-up to my valve replacement surgery. A remaining problem after my valve replacement and repair surgery has been what is called a Left Bundle Branch Block. This means that the electrical signal...

I measured 1.72 on my INRatio2 at 8am this morning, and when I went to the lab and drew blood for another test at 2.20pm, it was 1.9. Either I am a little disappointed in the accuracy of the INRatio2, or I am surprised the INR can go up 0.2 in six hours for no apparent reason. Thoughts...

My INR has been rock stable at 31.25 mg/week, but after spending 10 days in Norway, with a different diet and different (lower) activity level over Christmas, I dipped from 2.2 to 1.8 in a week. Normally, I would increase 10% and aim for a higher target, but I am going back to my standard...

I am having a really hard time with my new INRatio2. The OK/ON/OFF button is very flaky. I have to press it several times, sometimes it works, sometimes not. I am pretty sure I have to exchange it, but will be leaving for 2 weeks vacation in less than a week, so I won't be able to get that...

Before my surgery I had mildly elevated pulmonary (artery) hypertension (PH or PAH) at 30-35 mmHg, but it has made a jump after, and my last echo showed another increase. In Sept it was 42-47 mmHg, and now in Nov 47-52 mmHg. My cardiologist never mentioned this to me, I just noticed from the...

After a week of waiting, I finally had my cardiologist appointment to discuss the 3 month echocardiogram results. The really good news is that both valves have only trace leakage, no more than what is expected. The bad news is that the EF has not improved at all since the 3 week echo. It's still...

My company's open enrollment period has started, and I am considering switching from the HMO I have always been on, to Regence PPO. I didn't really utilize my insurance benefits much until I was diagnosed with my heart problem, and I have been very happy with how my surgery turned out, incl...

After my episode with a racing heart a week ago, I was eagerly awaiting the results of my echo today. I have an appt with my cardio on Monday in another week to discuss the results, but I figured due to the episode and my expressed anxiety, I could ask him to quickly review and give me a...

Since my surgery I have noticed that when I breathe fully in and make sure to fill the top of my lungs, I can feel and hear my heart and its beating much stronger than before, and the ticking gets much louder. It's almost as if I can feel it's being squished, and there is a slight discomfort or...

Group Health (GHC) is supposed to cover home INR monitoring after 3 months, so I tried to start the process. The anti-coag clinic referred me to Coaguchek, so I called them (Roche). My PCP received a prescription which she filled out and returned to them. Now Roche calls me and tells me they...

Yesterday, Saturday, I had a very scary experience with my heart rate and BP both running out of control. The whole thing started after a bicycle ride. The exercise was perhaps a little harder than usual (max pulse 158), considering I had also been pretty active throughout the day. A while after...

On my most recent INR test, I barely fell out of range (2-3) with 1.9. When I called the clinic they wanted to adjust me to the upper part of my range saying this was preferable. With my On-X valve I tend to disagree. With On-X's clinical trial it is likely the adjusted range for On-X aortic...

I went back to work full time last week. I have more than enough energy for a full day, and if it weren't for my upper back and neck pain, all would be well. I try to sit ergonomically well, but as the day progresses, the pain increases. It's centered in my upper back, just below where the spine...

It's been a while since my last update... "Slow-but-steady" is my motto, and I can fortunately report that the biggest event the last couple of weeks is that I have slept well on my side and in my own bed for the first time in 5 weeks. It may not sound like much, but after so many weeks...

After several weeks of sleeping on a recliner, I tried to sleep in my bed again last night. I didn't sleep as well. What I miss the most is sleeping on my side. I was curious if any of you received advice from your doctors on how soon you could sleep on your side? Karl.