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Hi everyone, It?s hard to believe I had aortic valve replacement (AVR) 5 years ago today. Time has flown. Anyway, I apologize for not posting any threads over the last several months (if not longer). I took a new job 2 years ago that keeps me very busy. Below is a brief five year post-op...

To RCB again . . . To RCB again . . . I probably shouldn't have mentioned the NO coumadin thing overseas, but I was curious if there was something new (and this site would know). I never inquired about the specifics. The subject originally was brought-up by me. I had made a comment during...

To RCB To RCB RCB, Don't worry, the medical assistant was on the same page as the rest of us, she couldn't believe it either (SHOCKED is a better word). She was just sharing some information from a a recent training class on different approaches to anticoagulation therapy around the world...

All, During a recent ProTime test at our Coumadin Clinic (in Colorado), the medical assistance that was measuring my INR had just returned from a training class. I ask her about the class, and she indicated the class dealt with anticougulation therapy in Europe, etc.. Anyway, she indicated...

Thanks Thanks Hi Mark, Thanks for the note. All is well 672 days post-op & 58 million valve cycles later! Although my running times haven't recovered to pre-surgery levels yet, its been a completely different story in the pool. I swam my 10th best time for 2,500 yards last Friday (37:46)...

Swim time Swim time Thanks Mary! And congratulations on your 3.25 mile run. That's great!!

Post Surgery Performance Post Surgery Performance Philip, I apologize if my words were negative; that most certainly wasn't my intent (and I'm very sorry). My response was based on running data I've recorded post-AVR, as compared to my running times before surgery. Note: I ran 13,000 miles...

Slower after surgery Slower after surgery For some, who were only suffering the beginning affects of valvular heart disease, they'll probably be faster after surgery. For others, who waited too long (with significant symptoms), there could be permanent damage to the heart that prevents...

Testing Interval Testing Interval Randy, That's all my INR data. The time-scale might be a little difficult to read since its getting compressed. The longest I've gone between tests is 5 weeks, not two months. I think 6 weeks is the longest you can (or should) go while on Warafin...

Hi everyone, It?s been awhile since I?ve posted a thread on this website (sorry). I?ve been very busy with work, etc. in the last few months. Anyway, I decided to post my INR history after taking Warafin for the past 21 months (see attachment). In summary, my INR has stayed between the...

Pressure Gradients at Elevated HR's Pressure Gradients at Elevated HR's Mary, here's a replay I sent to another valve replacement.com member. Sorry for the long delay in responding. I've been on a business trip for the last few weeks. In summary, all valves have "some" resistance to fluid...

Excellent 5K Performance Excellent 5K Performance Russell, Good job! Until I ran a sub-8 minute mile pace last week (7:53 for 4.1 miles), I was beginning to wonder if ANYONE could run under an 8 minute pace after AVR! I really believe that at high-cardiac output (while running for example)...

Sub 8 Minute Mile. Sub 8 Minute Mile. Grant, I just read one of your replies. I feel your frustration. However, this week on a business trip in New England, I finally ran a sub 8-minute mile pace over a 4.1 mile course. I was very happy. I'm sure some of the improvement was due to running...

Good Job! Good Job! Mark, Congratulations on completing your first post-surgery half marathon! You did great. Don't worry too much about your times right now, you'll definitely improve over the next 12 months (or so). FYI - My ejection fraction was 54% pre-surgery, and 55% at 6 months. At...

FAA Medical Recertification FAA Medical Recertification Ross, I'm very sorry about your lung disease. Was this unrelated to open-heart surgery, or a complication? Anyway, technology is improving every day. Don't give-up; you might be able to fly again someday (i.e., Buzz the eternal...

Hi Pam, No, I haven't heard of AirCell. Is it located at Centennial Airport? I fly for fun and work part-time as a flight instructor at Flights, Inc., located at the north end of Centennial airport. I just rent airplanes from this flying club, or provide instruction, so I'm not sure about...

Ross, I'm very sorry you're currently grounded. Maybe you can get your medical in the future? Anyway, I have to renew my medical every year with the tests specified in the special issuance letter (echocardiogram, status report from my cardiologist on the cardiac valve replacement, coagulation...

All, At last, I made it over my final hurdle from open-heart surgery; I received my FAA medical certificate! I haven?t been able to act as pilot-in-command for 427 days, but this weekend, I received my ?letter of special issuance? from the FAA. Yesterday, with my special issuance letter in...

Running after AVR Running after AVR Marcus, I had AVR in July 04. I started running again after completing cardiac rehab. 3 months later. Initially, I jogged 2 to 3 miles. Within a month I was jogging (easy) around 4 to 5 miles. I've essentially maintained this distance for most of my...

I'm 47 years old and had my aortic valve replaced last July. I still snow ski with a mechanical valve (and Warafin). I skied 8 days last season in my home state of Colorado. I do wear a helmet. This is definitely a personal decision, but I'm very comfortable skiing.