Search results

Pellicle's rubber band finger tourniquet works! I'm regularly getting a good sample after one try now. In other news, I've been running 5K 4-5 times a week at a pace similar to what I was doing before surgery. I never finished cardiac rehab -- they cancelled it in March due to COVID-19, and by...

This is me, now. I stabbed every finger on my left hand today (not the thumb), and finally got a good drop from the index finger of my right hand.

Three more strips in the trash for one successful test today, and I watched the video, which I should have done before I started. Excellent -- thanks! I've got my rubber band ready for next time.

I'll keep that in mind when I do tests in the future. I wasn't timing it, but I'm pretty sure I did it within 15 seconds.

I managed to do the test successfully on the first try today. I don't seem to have any trouble getting a good sized drop. In fact, the drop keeps getting bigger for a few minutes after the test is complete. I get enough blood from a single finger stick to do three or four tests if I wanted to. :)

I got the go-ahead from a nurse in my cardiologist's office, so I've started running a mile or two in my morning outings. My running ability, as measured by heart rate/pace, does not seem to be any worse or better than before surgery. Last time I checked my INR, I managed to waste two test...

"Extracorporeal Life Support Organization" sounds like group therapy for astral beings.

I got my self-testing kit yesterday, and today I connected with a trainer from the service prescribed by my doctor. The machine is a CoaguChek XS, and I got a dozen strips and 16 TestWell Choice safety lancets, too. I was able to self-test correctly the first time, and my INR tested in range. My...

It's been 90 days plus a week since my surgery -- my home INR monitoring kit has shipped, and it should arrive Thursday. Still feeling good, knock on wood. First thing in the morning, when there aren't too many people out, I've been going for very brisk walks, like under 15 minute miles (9...

Sorry you've had to go through this ordeal! I hope you get well soon!

After I stopped taking Amiodarone on March 17, I got a seven-day heart monitor. I'm happy to report that the results came back showing me in normal sinus rhythm with an average heart rate of 71. No AFlutter. I'm feeling good physically, despite being stuck at home most of the time and pretty...

The pimple? It was nothing. Maybe a zit. It cleared up within 48 hours.

My wife didn't go to work today: she runs a preschool, and they closed because of the SF Bay Area COVID-19 shelter in place. So the car was available -- we were worried about parking near the lab, so she drove me this time. Next time, if I have access to the car, I'll drive myself, or I could...

After my 1.8 result a week ago, my Warfarin dosage was increased, so I might not get to 2.5, but I'll probably be above 2 with today's measurement.

I saw my cardiologist today, a little more than two months after my surgery. I'm stopping Amiodarone, Furosemide (diuretic), and Potassium. He also gave me a seven day heart monitor to check for recurrence of atrial flutter. Because my arrhythmias were over a month ago, he's having me go back...

If it's not a must now, it will be in a few days. If people can work from home, they should.

I know the lab itself is sterile -- it's the waiting room I'm worried about. Because the lab I go to is operated by one of the companies offering COVID-19 tests in the USA, I'm wondering whether it will be crowded with people hoping to get tested. At this point, I'm not planning on calling...

From the same link:

I'm a little worried about going to the lab to get my blood drawn on Tuesday -- I'm still not past the 90 day waiting period for self-testing. Unfortunately, my last three INR checks have been below where my cardiologist wants me to be. I'll call my cardiologist's office tomorrow to check in...

Yes -- I'm a software engineer, and my job can be done remotely.