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I could use some help with my INR testing strategy. I've been testing at home weekly and in range (2.4-2.9) for the last couple of months. Unfortunately, I'm down to two test strips. (Of course, when I need them!) I ordered more, but they may take a week. My symptom onset was Friday...

I've got COVID and started Paxlovid yesterday. I found this paper that discusses Paxlovid and warfarin interaction: https://ashpublications.org/blood/article-pdf/doi/10.1182/blood.2022017433/1925093/blood.2022017433.pdf In this small study, Paxlovid lowered INR by .4 to .5. "Comparing INR...

I got my new St. Jude aortic valve in June. My surgeon uses both ON-X and St. Jude. He likes St. Jude better because of how it attaches but suggested the ON-X because of the possibility Eliquis would be approved. It would potentially be nice to have Eliquis as an option down the road. He...

A heart rate strap is going to be more accurate than a watch on the wrist. Both will have some errors, but a watch will frequently be inaccurate when moving, while a strap will be correct most of the time. Whichever you use, it's good to get familiar with your heart rate based on RPE and...

The Inspiris Resilia was presented as a viable option for me earlier this summer. Being 56, I chose mechanically and ended up with St. Jude. At 62, it would have been a more difficult choice. As we discussed the Inspiris Resilia, it seemed it was almost certain to be able to take a TAVR down...

I'm working toward a sub-30 5K. I was hoping to do it at a turkey trot, but not there yet after surgery on June 1st. Too proud to have a slow race on my "permanent record," so I'll hold off and keep training. :) I was in much better shape after my first surgery five years ago. I ran a 26...

Update: My primary cardiologist wasn't sure about the need for Metropol long-term, so I was referred to a cardiologist who specializes in adult congenital heart defects since I had a bicuspid aortic valve. I now understand why I should probably stay on Metropol despite having a mechanical...

I'm on metoprolol after my aortic valve replacement (mechanical) three and a half months ago. I don't have high blood pressure, so I'm wondering if I will need to continue and will discuss it with my cardiologist at my next visit. Searching around, I found this article I wanted to share on...

Thanks so much for the detailed response. That's exactly the info I needed! Great to hear I'll likely be able to test more often than I report to the service to save cost. I'm also wondering if there will be a cost from my health care provider, as the anti-coag nurse adjusts my dose after...

Question about at-home testing through an insurance-covered service: Does the testing device automatically report back to the service, or do you need to enter the value on a website or manually report it some other way? I'm wondering if I can use a device provided by the service to test my...

Our family is booked for a beach vacation in early August. I'll be ten weeks out from surgery. We signed the kiddos up for surfing camp since I probably won't be able to do my regular lifeguard duties playing in the big waves. I need to get into beach shape between now and then... without...

Stop by your local REI, and they will help you choose: https://www.rei.com/c/water-treatment I always carry a little life straw and potable agua tables in my pack in case of emergency. For the rim-to-rim, I'd want the ability to fill up at the bottom with a more substantial but lightweight...

Given you mentioned pain as one of your primary concerns, is there a reason you haven't taken any pain killers? I feel very normal as long as I stay on top of my acetaminophen. If I don't, I'm pretty miserable at four weeks out. I get not wanting to be on narcotics. They make me feel like...

Fantastic! Thanks for asking. I gave an update over here: https://www.valvereplacement.org/threads/severe-aortic-regurgitation-leading-to-second-surgery.888348/page-7#post-917175

My first outdoor bike ride was three and a half months after my first surgery. Looking at my training log, I didn't ride again until two weeks later. I remember my sternum still hurting the first ride. After four months, it felt better, and I was riding quite a bit. I was running at two...

First, it sounds like you are doing fantastic!. Everyone is different! This is my second open heart surgery, and this time has been easier than five years ago for whatever reason. Don't worry too much about where you are. Just keep doing what you need to do, and you'll keep improving. Where...

Any suggestions on what a newbie at home monitoring should buy from eBay? Background: I had surgery and got a mechanical valve four weeks ago. The large health system I use has an anti-coag nurse managing my INR with twice-weekly testing and dose modification. With my dose and INR...

I'm almost four weeks post-surgery and doing fantastic. I got my St. Jude mechanical aortic valve on June 1st. I doubt I could be doing much better. I feel great and have worked up to walking twice a day for 1.5 to 2.0 miles at a very normal pace. I start cardiac rehab this week, where...

Thanks! The parole board didn't budge, but my numbers finally did this morning! I hit 1.7, so I'm free to go! Note my therapeutic range is 2-3, so they are letting me out a bit early. The cruel and unusual thing is I spent all seven nights in the cardiothoracic ICU! I was cleared to step...

Still here, night 7. INR hostage. :rolleyes: My surgeon wants to see 1.7 to release me. I tested 1.6 this morning. The plan was to test again in the afternoon, and surely it would go up 0.1. Nope, still stuck at 1.6 this afternoon. I had my first dose of 5.0 on 6/3. These are my doses...