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I was diagnosed with a BAV at 6 years old. Early teens was told would probably have to have the valve replaced around 40. Later on, was told don't worry about it. Then the measurements started worsening over the years. Was going to cardio for checkups once every 2 to 3 years; then every...

From what I've read/heard, just about any heart surgeon can do a valve replacement, but the aortic repair/replacement is more specialized.

Before I had my TEE, my wife told me about an Oprah show where a small camera the size of a big pill was swallowed to check out the digestive tract. During my TEE, they sprayed some foam that tasted like cigarette butts to deaden my throat. Also, some other deadening medicine was swabbed much...

I blinked out on a Monday morning. Surgery was 7.5 hours. I was told I woke up the next day. I started "coming to" on Wednesday - the first day I remember anything. The breathing tube was gone when I woke up. I was goofy from the morphine and other drugs. I couldn't finish sentences when...

Hang in there. My BAV was found when I was 6. Started with a pediatric cardiologist every 3 years. Over time, the time between my cardio visits went from 3 years to every other year to once a year to twice a year. After several years of 2 times, I had a feeling I was getting close to valve...

There is no magic checklist for when to have surgery. Everything needs to be taken into account: Ejection fraction, LV diameter, gradient pressures, aortic aneurisms, symptoms, etc. Start at 6 years old I had echos/checkups every 2-3 years, then every other year, then annually, then every 6...

I signed up with the Philips service. They require being on warfarin for 3 months before you can self-test. I think the same is true for the Alere service. Philips gives you a choice of meter - you checked the appropriate box on the paper your doctor completes to OK home testing. I chose to...

I'm thinking I should have had the surgery 1 or 2 years ago. I no longer huff-and-puff when cutting the grass. Before surgery, I had to stop to catch me breath every now and then. This was even before starting rehab. I'm 4 months post surgery and halfway through cardiac rehab.

Made a compromise. Tested Friday, INR = 2.4 (did not report to anyone). Tested this morning, INR = 2.3. Plan: increase from 27.5 mg to 30 mg per week for the 5-10% increase. And test on Friday and report to Philips service. I use 5 mg tablets. Currently my dosage is Sunday - Saturday...

I know several external changes affect INR. Since I'm learning this game, doesn't exercise lower INR? My INR range is 2.5 - 3.5 Weekly warfarin is 27.5 mg. July 12: INR = 3.1 July 14: started exercises at rehab (rehab 3 days a week and trying to walk at least 30 minutes 2 other days) July...

I picked up my INRatio2 machine from my GP yesterday. Yesterday was my 90th day on warfarin, so now I can call in results. (I'm using the Philips service). While at the doctor's office, my meter was used to test INR - 2.5. I'm the first for the GP to do home testing. NP wants me to test...

I was surprised by: forgetting what I was saying mid-sentence in ICU not being able to tell time or concentrate the first cough the truck that hit me on Saturday morning (surgery 5 days earlier) the same truck hitting me the next morning walking the same day after leaving ICU waiting 3 days for...

Drivetopless, I agree 100%. My response was to let be known my experience with Emory, not to rile peoples emotions. I've been visiting Elgeston Children's and the Emory Clinic for 34 years and really trust the people in my care. That's why I drive 2 hours for the surgery. My recovery has...

Drivetopless, I had AVR on almost 3 months ago. Before surgery, I was told "a guideline recommendation" was: mech for under 40; tissue for over 60; 40-60 was a "gray" area. Based on my age (39) and the fact I prefer not to have the surgery again, I chose mechanical. I'm now the proud...

I was put on omeprazole (Prilosec) after AVR to help protect my stomach since I started Coumadin and aspirin. I'm in the proceess of weaning myself rather than stopping cold turkey. I had AVR on April 26.

Update: I wanted the INRatio 2 meter. Since my insurance (BlueCrossBlueShield of South Carolina) will not help me pay for the meter, I decided to start the home service. I didn't want to purchase a $1500 meter and have to replace it later. I decided use the service from Philips, mainly...

Others - I believe Ross is one of those - will mention aortic surgery is more complex than valve replacement. I felt a lot better when a few on this forum mentioned my surgeon was the one to go to in the south east for aortic surgery.

Results of my cath showed a spot (didn't inquire exact spot) 30% blocked. Cardio was not too concerned. After surgeon saw condition of the heart muscle, he performed an "internal" bypass. He used an artery from the chest cavity to bypass the blockage instead of having to harvest a leg vein...

Did you purchase the meter and supplies or are you using a service? I'm looking at using a service since my insurance doesn't cover the meter purchase. I'm wanting to get the INRatio2 meter and I'm looking at using the service from Philips mainly due to they produce a report for the doctor...

I second the motion for blood cultures. Had bacterial infection from from Sept. 2009 to March 2010. I thought I had the N1H1 flu until blood cultures identified the bacteria. While infected, my fever would spike (around 101.4) at night, but would be OK during the day.