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Just a quick hello to everyone on here. Yesterday was my one year valveaverary. I was crazy busy at work so wasn't able to get on here until today. Think of you all often, and thanks again so, so much for getting me through it!!! I'm doing fantastic! I'll try to remember to post an...

I think it was Bina (but could be wrong) who pointed out that the Coagucheck XS comes with a groovy travel case. Boy, was she right! I'm sooo excited. Got my monitor and had my training tonight. Went well. I'm gonna be able to do this! The best news is the lancets don't hurt as bad as...

Apparently size matters. I've got the smallest St. Judes Regent they make - 19 mm (keep your comments to yourself lol). And my Body Surface Area (BSA) is currently 2.4 (6'2", 245 lbs). On St. Judes website there's a chart showing the safe valve sizes for different BSAs. I'm in the red...

I've been 2-3 hrs late before and wasn't too worried. But last night I went to bed w/o taking it, and woke up in the middle of the night (luckily) and remembered I'd forgotten... Normally take it at 10 pm, took it at 4 am... Anyone have thoughts on whether this is a big deal? Do I need to...

I'm approaching the 3 month mark post-surgery, or about 9 or 10 wks since I had the a-fib episodes that caused them to put me on Amiodarone. I got approval today from my cardiologist to go ahead and stop it cold-turkey. I'm a little worried to go off it - afraid the afib might come back. But...

Now that I have a new Aortic Valve, I've got some questions about dental work. 1) For the last 20 years or so, due to my heart "murmor" (which was known to be due to a bicuspid valve), but before my surgery, they'd always make me take anti-biotics before any dental appt. Then a couple years...

Been protecting it with a strip of cloth in addition to 30 spf. Anybody have advice on when I can take the strip of cloth off? Thinking the skunk stripe might look kinda funny at the beach.

Do you remember what were you doing 6 weeks ago today (5-5-10) - Cinco De Mayo day? I do! I was on the operating table! And I could NOT be happier about it! Those guys and gals extended my life by who knows how many decades (yet to be determined). And you guys and gals in here supported...

I've always slept on my side a lot. But for the first 2-3 wks after surgery, I wasn't sure if my sternum was strong enough to do that, and I think it hurt a little when I'd try. So I tried to sleep on my back all the time. But the last couple weeks, I've been feeling like things are...

As a guy who's rarely been on anything other than over-the-counter stuff for headaches or sniffles, this is just crazy! See pic below for the meds I've been on since surgery (off many of them now). For those in the waiting room, I'd recommend getting a pill box (in background) and a pill...

Will try to keep this one shorter (see my 3-week update for more details if interested). Last part of scab/glue came off last night. Pic below shows progress at one, three and four week marks (this morning). I don't expect any more significant changes to the look of the scar now for...

I'm told the a-fib and other irregular beat issues I've been having since 2 wks post-op is a fairly common side effect from the surgery during the healing process and that it should be temporary. Note, I never had a-fib prior to the surgery (but did have some irregular beats). Almost every...

Couple days late (my 3 week anniversary was actually two days ago - surgery was 5/5) 'cause have had some irregular heartbeats that have pre-occupied me - more on that in a sec. So to re-cap... I kept myself busy (small projects around house) before the surgery to keep my mind off things -...

I was doing great the first 2 weeks post-op, just an occasional irregular beat here and there (much like before surgery). Then last weekend I started having significant irregular beats, and took myself back to the ER. Even went into A-fib that next morning. And the irregular beats have...

I've shaved with a blade (actually one of those multi-blade models - like Mach-3) as long as I've been shaving. I don't remember the last time I cut myself shaving (I bet less than once or twice a year, if that). Since surgery, I've been using an electric shaver (on advice from nurses). For...

I know, I know - you guys aren't doctors. And I probably need to call one (again). And I will - but hate to bother them again on a weekend, so hoping I can/should wait 'till tomorrow... I ended up calling my cardiologist yesterday (sat). So let me run this by you guys and see if anyone...

Just sneezed for first time since surgery (2 wks and 2 days ago). $#%&* $#!@# ! ! ! Ross - why didn't you warn me!!! OUCH!!! %$&^*@#$$ I think we need a new forum called DON'T SNEEZE AFTER SURGERY! Son of a $%^&$*(##$$ that hurt. Ok, all better now, just had to vent for a minute.

Today was the one-week mark for me since surgery. Have had a couple slight "relapses" the last couple days (probably just from trying to do too much, and not liking the metal taste one of the meds is giving me), but overall still doing amazingly good, considering I was on the table just a week...

Now that I've earned my stripes, I'll be glad to share any and all of my experiences. I posted another thread a few weeks ago and had a lot of replies, but as a reminder... I'm now a 49 year-old semi-newbie to the forum who was born with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve. Had mild Aortic Root...

Aplogize in advance for the long post - I tend to get wordy... Have had bi-cuspid aortic valve since birth, diagnosed when I was 12. Have known for years I'd have to have it replaced eventually and have been getting annual echo's for last 5 yrs or so. Over last 1-2 years, the shortness of...