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I think I use the accucheck softcliq lancets. They work fine for me. The Coaguchek nurse who came to my house recommended them over the others. It is a blue pen.

I had young children as well - 6 and 8. I was more fearful of what could happen if I didn't do anything. My surgeon was very confident, so that helped.

Try some front zippered sweatshirts. Lots of this at local goodwill or consignment stores.

I wrote letters. I bought special paper and wrote letters for each of their their birthdays for the next 5 or 7 years (they were 6 and 8 at the time), then age 18, getting married, and one in case I died. I originally intended to write letters up until age 18 but I wrote them the night before...

I could not imagine all of that activity so soon! I took the oxycodone as prescribed. I can't recall anymore, but maybe three times a day? It helped. I was able to sleep - although I did get up in the middle of the night occasionally. I switched to Tylenol after 3 or so weeks I think? At tgat...

I'm sorry you are going through this - my cardio thought I had a leak at my 6 week post op, but my surgeon advised it was just the way my valve works (with attached conduit). I have a st Jude. I did research back then, but there was not much available.

I pay $101 a month. My deductible is $4000 or $5000 I think.

By the way, I brought all of the things you mentioned to the hospital and used none of them, except my phone for texting. I stayed in the hospital gown. They gave me socks. I had a bathroom so could wash my face. The hospital provided soap, toothpaste, toothbrush etc. I didn't even brush my...

Also, I don't think I was shaved from head to toe.

Tank top: no. Buy a cheap zippered sweatshirt or shirt. I lived in those sweatshirts for the first 8-10 weeks. I wasn't able to do arm motions to get anything over my head. But a cheap bra from Walmart - like a running bra, but loose cotton. I think mine was $5, with a front latch. I should...

I was 41 when I had surgery. It does affect my cycle - it is very heavy now. I became anemic, so went on iron pills. If I get a migraine or cramps, I take Tylenol and it's fine. Warfarin is not a big deal. I did not have a tubal ligation before surgery. I drink rarely, but it doesn't seem to...

its been two years since my surgery, and yesterday I forgot to take my warfarin. I self test but am managed by my Coumadin clinic. It was a hectic week - I forgot to do my usual self test on Thursday morning. I remembered Friday night, and tested. It was 2.3 (my range is 2.3-2.8). But then I...

I would definitely recommend cardiac rehab. It is very reassuring to exercise under the direction of nurses and physical therapists. You are constantly monitored but (in my case) they let me test myself and get back to running - and really challenge myself. I was 42, and was with a mix of ages...

Depending on the company, you could just ask them yo send you extra strips. When I first started home testing I couldn't get the hang of it and wasted a ton. I just told them that and they sent extra.

I went to Dr Elefteriades at Yale, which isn't that far from NYC. Amazing. I have also heard that once the aorta reaches above 4, it is likely to grow larger and faster.

Just create a username and password. Then you can choose a forum in which you want to post and click "new topic". I usually read posts by selecting "activity stream"

I have a st Jude mechical conduit. My cardio put me on baby aspirin. My sister, who had same surgery and goes to the same practice but a different doctor, was not put on aspirin. As such, I don't stress if I miss a dose. We are both on warfarin as well.

About twice a year, I test my Coagucheck after a blood draw. This time, I did it about two hours later (and after eating). It was 2.2, the lab was 2.0 (my range is 2.3-2.8). About 6 months ago it was .1 higher than the lab, and before this out .2 higher than the lab.

So today I did the same video but skipped the push ups. I did a series of jogs and jumps where you raise you arms in the air. Same pain! I stopped the video. I assume I didn't pop a wire, or I would be in pain the entire time (it's better now). It seems fine when my arms aren't raised. I...

I research everything like crazy but in this instance, whatever the surgeon wanted to use was fine with me. I have a 21 mm st Jude valve with conduit graft. We never even discussed it, other than mechical vs bio. I think your doctor would know what fits best. I expect it may also have to do with...