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Hi, @elMIguel ! I had a mini-thoracotomy at age of 30 last February at Cleveland Clinic. If the surgeon feels you are a candidate for mini-thor, it is certainly worth considering. I think they usually do a CT and/or coronary angiogram to determine it. They did a CT with me to determine if I...

Nice to meet someone else with a unicuspid valve (well, I used to have one). Your surgery is a day before my AVR one year anniversary. My AVA was .9 at time of surgery. My results from stress echo made my surgeon opt for surgery (even though I was successfully able to run at top speed at the top...

A few years ago and before my surgery, I started taking magnesium, riboflavin and a baby aspirin every day. It helped a lot. Migraines decreased from a few times a week to a few times a month. My neurologist said I could go off aspirin - she had me taking aspirin for something else, not...

I take 800 mg of magnesium oxide a day for migraines. No effect on my INR or stomach. However, I'm reading that oxide doesn't absorb as well as other forms. I may try glycinate or taurate.

Yes I read at one point that there is a better absorbing magnesium as well. Looks like magnesium glycinate and Magnesium L-threonate help with sleep and are more absorbable than the other forms. L-Threonate taken early in day, not before bed. I may try one of them. My neurologist recommended...

I take large dose of magnesium oxide every day. Cardio and ac clinic approved. Haven’t seen it effect INR. The oxide form doesn’t bother my stomach. Just googled it and it says to not take the magnesium and warfarin at same time during day. Space it out in the day. I’ve never been told that but...

I felt exactly the same way before my surgery. My surgery was February of 2020. I was also asymptomatic. Before surgery, I told myself that my surgeon does the same surgery every day, that it’s good this is a problem I know about it before it worsens and that any new valve will be better than...

Hi Bob! I have had transthoracic echos every year for many years to monitor my valve. I was always asymptomatic before surgery. Last year, I had my first TEE for a reason unrelated to aortic stenosis. It showed that my AVA was smaller than the transthoracic echo showed. TEE found it to be lower...

It’s been just over 7 months for me with an on-x. My dad has had his St Jude mechanical over 15 years now. Worst part was my anxiety during the the months leading up to the surgery but reading everyone’s posts on this forum helped a lot.

I have Cigna and it looks like carecentrix bills my insurance ~$100 a month for my testing services. My insurance has never been charged more than $101 in a month for testing. I have been reporting every week. So far, Cigna has covered it. I haven’t had to pay anything out of pocket...

The tissue vs mechanical thread is very helpful. My dad got a mechanical valve in his mid 50’s. He is almost 70 and has had no issues. I had surgery earlier this year at 30, and his experience helped me choose mechanical. The surgeon I ended up with was pro tissue for everyone but he still does...

Hi! I would ask nurse or doctor if it's OK. I waited until any remnants of the stitches were gone before applying anything. I think it took longer than 30 days for them to completely dissolve. I've been using argan oil and shea butter. My scar has faded a lot since February. I cover up my scar...

Wishing you the best! I had mine replaced in February with an On-X valve at Cleveland Clinic. Had a mini thor. Everyone there is terrific. The nurses were especially amazing which is great because you’ll be seeing them the most. During COVID they may not offer this anymore but if they still...

I’m torn. I’m concerned that there will be a spike in cases as we open up and we may have to shut down again later in the summer which could effect Aug appt. Some countries are shutting down now for second time due to spikes. Large gatherings have the most risk. I think a doc office could do an...

Hey there! I don’t think you’re being irrational at all. I would feel the same way. When I was first diagnosed in high school (16 years ago), I had echos every six months. A couple years later, my cardiologist had me do them every year. When I moved to NY, my new cardiologist had me do them...

Hi! I had my valve replaced with an on-x a little over two months ago. I did not have any symptoms before my surgery either. It was important to me to feel the same or better once I recovered. So far, I feel great! My incision was a mini thoracotamy. Much less pain after surgery than a mini...

I change my code chip with every box just to get into the habit of doing that even if they are the same lot/reference number. Great that they will automatically send test strips to you! I was told to call in more supplies as needed.

I agree. Roche is fine with weekly testing and insurance will cover it. My clinic recommended weekly at first and then once every several weeks but I’d rather test weekly.

That is great to hear! I think it took me four or five attempts for my first one. The floss and rubber band tricks mentioned on this thread have really helped me. Such a relief having a meter at home- especially right now! Wishing you the best!