Search results

Valve Replacement Forums

Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
  1. mecretired

    First Surgery Coming Up, And Afraid

    I have a st Jude grafted valve. Surgery was 13 years ago. Before I was discharged I had to watch a video that made it sound like you could bleed to death from a paper cut if you’re on warfarin. Absolutely not true. I have to admit I stressed about it until I finally purchased my own Coaguchek xs...
  2. mecretired

    Lovenox for bridging with a Mechanical Valve

    I had a colonoscopy last month. Cardiologist insisted on bridging. Stopped warfarin 5 days prior. They didn’t seem to care that, based on previous bridging, my inr drops quickly. 3 days prior would be enough. Oh well I survived. NOW I’m having a right hemicolonectomy due to polyps they couldn’t...
  3. mecretired

    Bentall procedure on Tuesday 27 June

    I had surgery using the Bentall procedure (grafted st Jude valve) 13 yrs ago at age 58. This site was a life saver for me. Good luck to you.
  4. mecretired

    Surgery time

    I had surgery for an aortic aneurysm (grafted st Jude grafted valve) 13 yrs ago at age 58. Do what the medical staff tell you and all will be good. Someone told me after my surgery—sleep eat walk repeat—or something similar. Good advice. Keep us posted on your progress. This site was a lifesaver...
  5. mecretired

    Intro

    I had surgery 13 yrs ago for an ascending aortic aneurysm. I now have a St Jude grafted valve. This group has been a life saver for me. I so appreciate everyone here. There’s just nothing like hearing from people who have gone through the same thing you’re going through. Good luck to you. Glad...
  6. mecretired

    Bridging with Lovenox

    Good luck with your surgery and let me know how it goes.
  7. mecretired

    Bridging with Lovenox

    My opinion— I would love to go off warfarin just long enough to bring my INR to a number the endocrinologist could work with. Prior to the colonoscopy I couldn’t get him to give me a number. He told me I had to talk with my cardiologist. She said to bridge. I did 3 days without warfarin and my...
  8. mecretired

    Bridging with Lovenox

    I would have liked to see a compromise where I would not have to bridge but the gastroenterologist was firm that he would not be able to remove any polyps if I were not off warfarin. And—my cardiologist insisted that I needed to bridge with Lovenox. Six years ago I had lung surgery and didn’t...
  9. mecretired

    Bridging with Lovenox

    Thanks. The bridging was for a colonoscopy. The doctor said he could do the colonoscopy while on warfarin but would not remove any polyps. Turns out I did have multiple polyps—2of which need surgery. One was large enough he couldn’t get it—but didn’t “think” it was cancer. Another polyp was a...
  10. mecretired

    Bridging with Lovenox

    Advice, please. What am I doing wrong? I’m in the middle of my second time bridging with Lovenox. I pinch skin/fat on my abdomen (2inches from navel and alternate sides) slowly inject, count to about 5 seconds and withdraw needle. All appears to be ok(other than hurting for 10-39 min) then some...
  11. mecretired

    6 Month Post-Surgery

    Awesome! I thought I was doing good when I did a 13 mile ride 5 months after surgery.
  12. mecretired

    17 Years Today!

    Congratulations! Those grand babies are special!
  13. mecretired

    How do you prevent endocarditis and blood infections?

    Yes, thank you. Spent a week in the hospital both times. Went home with a pic line both times to do daily antibiotic injections.
  14. mecretired

    How do you prevent endocarditis and blood infections?

    I had surgery to replace my aortic root, aortic valve an ascending aorta 13 yrs ago. I’ve had endocarditis twice—2019 and 2020. Mine was strep. Infectious disease Dr said almost all strep comes from the mouth. I had absolutely no teeth or gum problems. Couple of tips I picked up—use antiseptic...
  15. mecretired

    Dacron Graft Life expectancy

    I had an aneurysm of my ascending aorta. Had it replaced with a st Jude grafted valve. My surgeon gave me a 30 yr warranty.
  16. mecretired

    What do you do when your cardiologist lies to you?

    I would definitely consider changing cardiologists. You need a cardiologist who has time for you, listens to you, takes you seriously and one that you have confidence in. You know your body better than anyone else.
  17. mecretired

    Mechanical Valvers! Tell me about your travel experiences

    I haven’t changed my activities since surgery 13 years ago. Never did mountain climbing or anything like that but my husband and I cut firewood and I use a chainsaw. My biggest issue in traveling is making sure I have enough medication to cover the time I’m gone. I had to watch a video after my...
  18. mecretired

    Echo

    I have been having annual echoes for almost 30 years. I started having them before they were in color and they were stored on video tape!
  19. mecretired

    Mechanical Ticking - When is it louder and (side) sleeping

    I have had a st Jude mechanical aortic valve for almost 13 years (Bentall procedure). I almost never notice the sound unless I am laying on my right side. Don’t notice it at all if I’m on my left side. The sound has never been an issue for me.
  20. mecretired

    Merry Christmas 🎄 everyone

    I wish everyone a very blessed Christmas and healthy 2023. Thank you to everyone for all the advice and support I have received over almost 14 years. You have made the journey so much easier.
Back
Top