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I think I got mine right before I went to the operating room. I wheeled myself to the room in the wheelchair while giggling. That was several years ago.

after a little research, I think it is a 25mm valve. On that chart that is linked above, it says the mean gradient for a 25mm is 2.5 +/-1. I guess that doesn't make sense to me. I would think 2 would be better than 1.5 if 2.5 is the mean. I don't know. Is this something that can be changed...

How does everyone know the size of theirs? When I was young, I was told there was a child size and an adult size..lol I had both of my surgeries as a minor and pre-internet days, so I think my parents just went with whatever the Dr. suggested. But, I just pulled out my heart valve patient...

Thanks for the replies. I think I will ask for a copy of the echo, and maybe some past echos, next time. I've never received a copy of my echos, so I have nothing to compare. I mainly would have liked an explanation. What has my gradient been in the past? When did it become a 2? Can it be...

1. Did you choose a Mechanical or Tissue Valve? mechanical 2. What Brand and Model? first one was a Bjork-Shiley routine replacement of that one was a St. Judes 3. Did you go with what your surgeon recommended? probably. I was young so it was my parents decision 4. How long have you had it...

Hi all, Had my yearly cardiology checkup last week. In the past couple of years my Dr. just started mentioning "the pressure gradient." I have never heard of this before. In past years, I've been told "everything looks great, come back in a year." But, I think it just started looking...

I can handle being nice :) and I'm definitely a water drinker. Thanks for the tips :)

I want to join this thread and start checking in. Can't guarantee I'll do it every week. I'm horrible at online commitments..lol But, i do check in to my facebook accountability group, and it's fun. A group of women that keep each other accountable for working out. I recently said that my goal...

Some great advice on this thread already. I also wanted to say that Coumadin hasn't been an issue for me either. I've been on it for 32 years, since I was 2 years old. I lifted weights and played sports in high school. I set a few track & field records in middle school and high school, and made...

Talking to your Dr or surgeon about what specific symptoms to look for might put your mind at ease. When I was ready to have my first artificial valve replaced with an adult sized valve, I had shortness of breath. I was getting winded walking up stairs, which wasn't normal for me. My mom watched...

I, also like to take the holistic approach towards medicines, so I completely understand. However, Coumadin is the one medicine I don't mind taking. I've been on it for almost 32 years and never had any side effects, that I know of. I am 33, healthy and active. I enjoy running, lifting weights...

Congrats on being home from the hospital. Glad the surgery is behind you now. Take it easy and take time to rest to recover. All these issues should resolve soon. Glad you are home and healing up.

my last open heart surgery was in 1993 and I was 13, so I probably wasn't even wearing a bra yet. But, I've been in the hospital for many other surgeries, heart related and non heart related. Over the years, I have learned to bring underwear and a couple pairs of yoga/comfortable pants or...

Thanks for the responses. Good to hear. I actually started home testing in July 2012. But this week, I couldn't get a big enough drop of blood. I tried four times this week, and just decided to go to the lab since I was worried. This is my 1st time going to the hospital lab since receiving my...

Congrats on getting your date set! You will do great, and you will be so happy when it is over. It's understandable to have fears, but it will all be worth it. So happy for you.

Just got my results. 3.4, perfect. I'm not so worried now. If my stools change again or I get more symptoms, then I will see the Dr. Thanks

I was wondering if anyone else has ever dealt with a GI bleed. I think I have a possible slow bleed, and have had for a few months. Just a quick background: I have a St Judes mechanical valve in the mitral position. I recieved a Bjork Shiley mitral valve 32 years ago, and had it replaced with an...

Congratulations on 10 years!

Thanks for the responses. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield. I have a $300 deductible and pay 10% after that. After deductible, my blood draws cost $4.62 each. I have pretty good insurance for this area, but that may be changing next year. I work next door to the hospital so I walk over on my...

I've had an artificial valve for 30 years, and have been going to the lab for 30 years. I would love to use an at home testing kit, but have no idea how to go about getting one or finding a good one. Any tips would help. I don't like to keep torturing my veins. Right now I get my blood drawn...