Search results

I was at the lab within an hour each time that I have compared my at home test to the lab.

I started doing at home testing three months ago. It has been a bit of a struggle. My INR results started dropping compared to what my lab results had been for the previous 2-3 months. I'm guessing it was my technique which has gotten better. In December I tested at home (1.6) and then the lab...

Glad all is well with you Superman. We were on vacation and avoided the 18-24 inches that got dumped here in January. Not so lucky this time, it just snowed for over 24 hours. It's not a lot, just enough to be annoying. Prior to vacation I was pushing myself to work out 5-6 times a week. I...

Welcome. Glad you are recovering well. I started cardiac rehab at three months post op and when I worked my arms I did have weird feeling too. It wasn't painful just different. I slept with the heart pillow the hospital gave me for at least 4-5 months I think just to keep me from rolling all the...

Can anyone else feel the wires if they touch the top of their scar?

My cardiac surgeon had told me in our first meeting that it would be no lifting more than 10 lbs for 3 months and no more than 30 lbs for 3-6 months. I followed this to the best of my ability even though my discharge papers said no more than 10 lbs for 5 weeks because honestly it hurt when I...

I am now 10 months post op. I came home with low blood pressure and a resting heart rate of 104. I was on 25mg metoprolol but at my two-week checkup the cardiologist increased it to 25mg in the morning and another 25mg in the evening. She also said no caffeine. :( The visiting nurse had me...

My cardiologist said it was okay for me to have chamomile tea and I found one with no other ingredients. I have it every night so if it was affecting my INR we would have corrected my dose a long time ago.

I have always had 2mg tablets. It is easy to split them and allows me to change from 7 to 8mg. I don't have to think about what mg pill I am choosing as I fill my pill case. :)

I had surgery to replace my aortic valve with a mechanical one 10 months ago. I still hear a thump especially if I am sitting at my desk or driving my car. If I am distracted, working out or there is a lot going on around me, I am not really aware of it. It does thump when I first get into bed...

My cardiologist requires a lab draw every three months. I went early because I wasn't confident in my technique testing at home. This week I followed all Pellicle's suggestions and was confident in my testing. 1.6 at home and 1.8 at the lab I used for first eight months after surgery. Still...

Thanks. That is a really good point. When I was using a lab before testing at home my appointments were usually a bit later in the morning so I had usually had a bit of water to drink. I will be sure to hydrate well before my next test.

Thanks for the reply. I do switch fingers and I am going to work on the rubber band trick. It's frustrating because after I collect in the tube, and I struggle to get that drop, I am then bleeding perfectly well. Unfortunately, I didn't choose which machine to have, my doctor's office or...

Again, I appreciate all your input. I actually received information in the mail from On-X that said the target INR range is 1.5 - 2.0. That is what is currently on their website too. I totally get what you are saying, and I am working on being closer to a 2.0. Lots to discuss at my next...

My goal range is 1.5 to 2. I was 1.3 on Wednesday but at a 1.5 on Thursday when I retested. I have not compared to a lab draw since I got my machine so want to do that next week. I really think it is my technique. I have only been using the machine for 5 weeks. I am going to try everything you...

My goal when I was discharged in March 2021 was 2-3 and I was discharged at 2.1. It was when I was home that I dipped low. Three months post op I was up to 7mg per day and that seemed to work for me. I have an ON-X valve and my goal range is now 1.5 - 2. I was in range all summer and into the...

Thanks so much for all the information. I think part of my problem is definitely with my technique. I retested today and my INR was .2 higher putting me at least in range although still at the lower end. I used a rubber band as you suggest but must not have had it tight enough because I still...

Firstly how much experience do you have with the machine? I found that when I first started my reproduction was a bit haphazard. Remember you are being a technician here, not just changing channels with a remote control. You need to make sure that: you are strictly following the directions...

I was in preop meeting everyone and was in a bit of a panic because I couldn't get my wedding band off. I was wheeled to the operating room and was awake for some time as they prepped me. I was shocked by how calm I was. When they put the mask on my face, I was surprised by how long it felt...

Thank you all for your replies. My cardiologist's office gives me the dosing info after they receive my INR. I'm not comfortable enough yet to do that myself. When I left the hospital my goal range was 2-3 and I was at 2.1. They didn't allow me any greens in the hospital not that I would have...