Recent content by Buck83

Gotta do the culture and an echo. Culture will show any infection in the bloodstream and the echo will show the valve and if there is any vegetation and if it is functioning properly.

I had OHS in 2022 for an AVR and aortic aneurysm repair. Had testing prior to include a full heart cath. 9 months later I had a stroke and after the stroke they did an echo with a bubble test and found I had a PFO. Still blows my mind that that somehow was never found before my OHS. There are a...

Like many of you, my On-X is extremely loud. People hear it everywhere I go. 2 1/2 years post OHS, I had hoped it would quiet down some. If anything it’s louder now than right after surgery. Also, like many of you have said, it makes you hypersensitive to any kind of arrhythmia. PVC’s and PAC’s...

Yes. I was on low dose aspirin to supplement the warfarin. Negative. I had no history of any cardiovascular or neurological issues. No history with any clotting disorders or blood issues in general. On-X manufacturers also marketed the ability to use eliquis (apixaban) with their valve...

Wow man! Very well put and backed by solid data as always! I am not immunocompromised and have a very strong immune system. I attribute that to a predominantly healthy lifestyle and a daily dose of plenty of vitamins to include zinc and D3. I have a feeling after the first of the year as long as...

I kept my INR at the suggested 1.5-2. Almost always fell on the high end of that. I actually had the stroke while doing a workout on my spin bike. After the stroke my cardiologist bumped me to 3-3.5 for a 6-8 months and now I am 2.5-3.5. I try to stay around 3. The lower INR really makes no...

Thanks for the input. My kids gym also has kickboxing and I would love to jump into that occasionally also. BUT… with the anticoagulant forever, I’m afraid of sparring and obtaining an internal bleed that goes too far. Feel like a shell of myself without being able to train and be better...

I had OHS for bicuspid AVR and AAA 2 1/2 years ago. I was 39, actively serving in the military. Swam, road biked, weight trained, HIIT, and ran. Was very active and wanted to stay that way. My surgeon told me my lifestyle “could” wear out a tissue valve in 2-5 years, definitely in 7-8. He gave...

I’m glad you made the VA claim. I am sorry to hear about the unfortunate way you ended up in this situation. Hopefully you make a go of HVAC. It’s a great trade. I’m sorry Uncle Sam wasn’t receptive to your pleas to continue to serve. Unfortunately, as service members, we are only good to them...

Did you file a claim with the VA? If not you need to get to a Veteran’s Service Officer asap. They can help you with the process. There’s usually one at your local VFW or American Legion. Make sure you talk to someone about the mental stress and how this situation has made you feel! Since the...

Over the last few months I have seen multiple members of the site talk about participating in jiu jitsu after various heart surgeries. My kids do jiu jitsu and it’s something I have always wanted to do. I had an avr (on-x) and aneurysm repair in June 2022. I have battled a SLAP tear in my...

Hello, sorry I’m just seeing this. I am currently on an active duty tour and had an avr (on-x) and aneurysm repair in June 2022. I was wondering if you have gotten any decisions in your career. I am most likely looking towards an involuntary medical retirement at the end of this tour but I will...

I got my On-X in June of 2022. I made it 9 months of 1.7-2.0 INR with aspirin before I had a stroke! Since then I implore anyone with an On-X to go the “safer” route and stay around 2.5-3.0. I got very lucky and didn’t have any lasting detriments from my stroke. But it took a toll mentally that...

Listen to your cardiologist. A leaking valve will put more stress on your heart and can lead to worse things like aneurysms. Very light cardio is probably all that will be recommended. The may put you on a bp medication also.

I can say, with 100% certainty, that I would get the mechanical valve again. I was 39 when I had OHS. I read for months on the reliability and longevity of mechanical valves. I would never push my decision on anyone but, when asked my recommendation, I would advise to get a mechanical in most...