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Best of luck to you. I mentioned before that my cardio thought I had one, too. It has been two years now. The cardio feels it has gotten better and is now mild. My surgeon still says it's merely a function of how my valve conduit is designed (with purposeful backflow washing). I guess they are...

I asked for additional meds before the nurse removed them.

I slept on the couch for the first week home with a table for the phone, remote, etc. I also kept my toothbrush downstairs. I was able to go upstairs once a day for a shower. hopefully your friends will start a meal train. It was a huge help. Also, buy a cheap very light running bra. And...

By the way, I met a man yesterday with my same valve (st Jude aortic valve and conduit graft). 26 years for him and going strong!

Yes, I had the first one the week of my surgery (but I think a few days before). I had them frequently after surgery - a few times a week. They decreased, though. I am now 2.5 years out and it happens maybe one a month or two, or even less. The key for me is to take an extra strength Tylenol as...

Perico, I was 42 when I had surgery 2 years ago. Went with mechanical. I am very drifty but use a pillbox and pill reminder app on my phone to ensure I take my coumadin. To me, the risk of another surgery was too much.

Do you have uber or lyft in your area? i waited 6 weeks to drive. And drove with my pillow for several more. Think about yourself, but other drivers as well. You won't have your normal reaction time or turning ability.

Yes, I had young children, too. My friends started a meal train online. It really helped (also, avoids people dropping off three pastas in one night!). Best of luck.

I use the accuchek one. Set at 5. Very easy! The home health recommended it.

Wow! Thank you so much. You have all given me confidence.

Private insurance - I pay 101 per month for home testing. I just had an echo but don't have bill yet. I think I paid close to $2k for ct scan. Coumadin is $30 for 90 days.

I am curious whether any of your doctors mentioned running restrictions - my surgeon said no restriction generally, but I forgot to ask specifically about running. I run, but don't push myself. This weekend I walk/ran a charity race with my young daughter and remembered how much I liked racing...

Thanks, everyone! Crouch meaning squat down. Today, I happened to be painting a small piece of furniture so was squatting for several minutes painting the legs. i did take my blood pressure shortly after - it was 106/64. I am not on any blood pressure meds, but that isn't crazy abnormal for me...

Anytime I crouch or bend over for a few minutes, I am very dizzy when I stand up. This has happened since getting on Coumadin - noticed it again today while painting a small end table (it didn't smell, so it wasn't the fumes!). My blood pressure is fine. Does this happen to anyone else? I...

Yes. I lost tons of hair. I thought it was when they switched me from warfarin to Jantoven. Turns out I was severely anemic due to warfarin and the associated heavy periods (I had almost no iron left my body). I went on iron pills and now all is good!

Hi! I am 44, but was 42 when I had my surgery. I have a St. jude mechanical. I also work at a desk job. I was back at work at 8 weeks, although I worked from home the first few weeks (mainly because it was difficult to lug my briefcase to work and dress myself in a suit). I also tired easily...

Yes, they do. I believe they may generally operate under 5 cm. My sister and I both learned we have genes suspected of causing aortic aneurysm. She had surgery at 4.8 and the surgeon said her aorta was the worst he had ever seen that had not ruptured. I have surgery at under 4 (although I think...

I eat tons of cheese. Ok, not literally, but much more than average. I haven't noticed an effect. I have recently looked into K2 because I am interested in starting Shakeology, which has about 40 mg of K2. Some articles say K2 is actually good for you because the good outweighs the bad, and you...

I think most insurers may make you wait 3 months to start home testing, but you can still get it set up now. Even if your doctor doesn't like it, you could always go yo the lab once per month and home test in between. I have been home testing about 2 years and love it. I pay quite a bit through...

I am two years out from surgery - have mechanical aortic valve conduit. I see my cardio every 6 months - they do EKG each visit and echo every year or two. I also see my surgeon for CT scan every two years (just had my follow up - all good!) although I have now requested every three years for...