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This is true! I should have been more clear. He is not only on warfarin, but a beta blocker and another medication for BP. He was on these medications prior to any of his surgeries, and his alcohol tolerance was still pretty normal for him then. It wasn't until this last surgery that the...

Mathias has had his On-X for only 5 months. As far as alcohol goes, on his birthday earlier this month, he had 2, 22oz beers (one IPA, one light draft), 1 shot of tequila, and a double of Maker's on the rocks. He is a pretty sturdy guy and has been drinking since maybe 16 or 17 (no problem...

I first went with "Don't micromanage", but then did "try" instead, because if you're like me (a perfectionist) and something is slightly off, you want to fiddle with anything you can to get that "perfect" reading. It's part of being self-aware. I know it's not healthy to micromanage and obsess...

In his defense, the warfarin pills look like Pez...complete with fun colors! 9. try not to micromanage.

7. Pay attention to the color of your Warfarin pills and double check that you're taking the right dose.

3. Eat and drink what you want, but understand how it may affect you/INR. 4. The "professionals" could use some subtle reminders from the patients every now and again...they dont know everything!

We should start a new thread on the Rules of ACT--A Diary. Limit the entries to one sentence each. It'd be a fun one!

okay, but where is this bible? I'd like a copy or 700 to pass out to the ACC "professionals"! In all seriousness, I'm happy to report that Mathias' ACC clinic is offering self testing in 2020! He is first on the list to pioneer the program. Should we tell them that we have been self-testing...

Congrats on coming home! What a relief that feeling is. Other than the discovery that sleeping isn't that much more comfortable physically despite the fact you are in your own place. The only way Mathias could sleep for about 6 weeks was in a zero gravity chair...seriously, the ones you lounge...

I am glad to hear you are enjoying rehab and that your echo went seemingly well. I remember during Mathias' many echos, the grim faces and the occasional "run out of the room" bit. That was always fun. I am looking forward to the holiday season, even the weather that comes with. It truly is my...

Mathias had his surgery on a Friday and went home on a Monday, then had surgery on a Wednesday and went home on Saturday, both times in August. Granted, if they would have kept him a day longer the first round in Aug., he likely wouldn't have been readmitted the following Wednesday. The first...

I reread my post and can see where my wording comes across as I do it all for him and he would be SOL without me making his meds up. This is untrue, thankfully. He participates in his own care and is an advocate for himself, so of course he can make his meds up, understands what dosage he is...

No problem! I'm sorry it wasnt an in depth answer, but I'm sure one of the many smart folks on here will swoop in soon and answer this in detail for you. I know how hard it is to have your questions left unanswered!

Hi! I think it was possibly taken out of context. After Mathias' last surgery, his left ventricle at 4 weeks post op had already begun to return to normal size. Of course, ask your surgeon about this, but I believe if the LV dilation was caused by the valve regurgitating, it is completely...

If you don't mind my asking, what are your symptoms when you have flare ups? We have a cardio appointment in a couple weeks, and Mathias has been gagging daily, and vomiting almost daily and I am wondering if it's a hernia. He has no other symptoms, just gets nauseous and starts...

Hello! My sweet fiance, Mathias, has had both the Edwards Inspiris Resilia valve and the On-X valve. His surgeon in Cleveland spoke highly of the Edwards valve, saying it could last into the 15-20 year range. However, it has not been used in the US for very long, so the evidence isn't...

He did have a high BP before surgery, unfortunately. So I think the BP meds will be life long. Thankfully, they switched him to a medication he had taken before surgery but switched off of it due to GI upset and restless sleep. However, we talked with his cardio about those "side effects"...

Hi Freebird! I am the fiance of a OHS x3 patient. His first surgery was an aortic valve repair and aneurysm repair. The surgery was about 3.5-4 hours, but there were complications with the repair of the valve part, so they ended up replacing it. That added some time to the surgery. Mathias was...

Hi All! Mathias is experiencing some troublesome symptoms or side effects (unsure which). He has had a dry, persistent cough for several weeks now. He coughs and ends up gagging and will vomit from the coughing occasionally. He also complains of a "hot, acidic" feeling stomach, a lump in his...

I'm sorry to hear you aren't well, Rich. I know many medications have joint pain listed as a side effect. Dry cough, too. I hope you are just under the weather and that it clears up for you soon. Have you looked into anti-inflammatory diets? Mathias is struggling with a couple side effects...