Hey all,
Just another small update, I got discharged for the second time on the 17th. Since then I've been in sinus rhythm the whole time. About 2 more weeks of the amio left, pretty low dose.
The days since discharge have gone well. I've been sleeping well despite some discomfort from not being able to change positions while sleeping. Been eating as much as I can and lots of protein. Walking about 4000 steps a day at this point, with 100 feet of elevation. Overall I feel pretty good! I'm going back to work this Friday (I work a remote desk/computer job so no limitations there).
Saw my cardiologist last Thursday and she said everything is looking good and that we'd check up again in August.
The hardest part has been dealing with all the different clinics and doctors in terms of anticoagulation management. For some reason OHSU made me go through my primary care doctor to check my INR and refer me to an anticoagulation clinic. So I have an appointment with the clinic on the 31st, but in the meantime my primary care office has been checking my INR with blood draws. Last week it was 2.1, so I upped my dose a bit. My cardiologist said the anticoagulation clinic will want to see me for 2-3 months in person and then would be open to self-testing and management. Fine by me, but I did order a meter and testing supplies just for my own peace of mind.
Also, in terms of the clicking sound of the valve: I can definitely hear it if I'm just wearing a t-shirt and sitting down, even if there's fans or ambient noise. My partner can also easily hear it if they listen from the front or the back. Any kind of layered clothing or jacket makes it very hard to hear. It may get quieter over time, but I haven't found that it bothers me or keeps me from sleeping. It's actually pretty reassuring. I think going into the surgery with the mindset that the noise wouldn't be a big deal and that I can adapt to it was a big help. The surgeon did also say I have a "delicate frame" so that may have something to do with how audible it is 😂