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Happy Monday, folks! Mathias is 8 weeks post op this week and doing remarkably well. The only concern we are having is with his blood pressure. After surgery, systolic was being stubborn about coming below 140-150. At discharge from the hospital, he left on 20mg Lisinopril, 100 mg Metoprolol...

When Mathias had his cath procedure, he had a horrible burning/stinging pain below the incision and down into his inner thigh. He was advised that the surgeon could have nicked a nerve in his leg that can cause the pain he was experiencing. He couldn't walk well for days, couldn't put weight on...

Curious, what do you use to raise INR and what do you use to lower? I know a small bit about how foods affect INR, just wondering how you specifically handle highs and lows and manage since every body is different.

Hi Superbob! I hope the hurricane situation has passed you by without too much trouble. We had a thunderstorm here in Washington that was so exciting (for us, most of y'all would probably roll your eyes at it)...I sat with the doors open and listened to the rain and thunder and watched the...

Thank you! They live a long drive and a ferry ride away, so we will have to "be" with them in spirit and by way of virtual connection, unfortunately. I just thought they might appreciate a little something with items that have been helpful to a veteran of OHS, since ultimately, they are the only...

Hello friends! Mathias had his surgical follow up yesterday and all went really well. Yay! He is healing tremendously, though he is having some terrible pain behind his left shoulder blade off and on. Surgeon said he couldn't definitively say whether or not a rib or two have hairline fractures...

Mathias had one surgery in the dead of winter (end of December) and one in the dead of summer (mid august). Both in the US. I think it depends on personal preference...he is not a heat person at all, and has been miserable this time around if temps go about 75 or so. During the winter last year...

Thank you. I realize my asking this question has come off as silly to some, and am only asking for suggestions and experiences of others because this forum seems full of supportive, non-judgemental people with a wealth of knowledge. Thank you so much for providing your experience. We did not...

Thank you for your input. I was merely asking because I like to plan. I understand that things come up and I cannot prepare for everything, nor do I want to. I am not "that scared"--simply asking for others' experience in the matter. If I had the opportunity to delete my original post, I would...

😂 thank you for the laugh! It was much needed today.

I love your addition of maintaining good health insurance. What a blessing it is. Could not imagine if we didn't have it. Yikes. Thank you!

This is true! However, it was a teen pregnancy, so no planning or screening about it! But I will be forever grateful for the outcome of Mathias...even if he isn't 100% (yet). I guess going into it knowing there's a possibility and being diligent about informing doctors and having screens done...

Thank you for sharing! It keeps us both on edge, just trying to decide if the risks are low enough for us to feel comfortable. I hope for a situation similar to yours! Negative screenings!

Hello all, Mathias' condition was deemed congenital (Ascending Aortic Aneurysm, BAV), and I am wondering if anyone has insight into family planning around these genetic issues or has gone through it all and their kids are just fine? I know it really scares us both to think of having a kiddo go...

Thank you. I'm sure with your detailed research, you will find the best solution for your situation. And probably be able to tell the Dr. why and how to do the whole procedure! That's how I feel sometimes when I'm arguing medication changes and side effects.

I believe his surgeon is sending his findings into the manufacturer as well. The photos were interesting to see, I think he took them specifically so he could send them to Edwards (and the original surgical team). Maybe we will get some answers...maybe we wont. We'll see. All I care about is...

Thank you for your input. I understand many people think this was an error, and perhaps it was. What I don't like to do is dwell on something that I can't change. It has been fixed now, his previous surgeon has his perioperative notes from this last surgery and that's all that matters. I wont...

We aren't sure what happened. Since being reopened, his surgeon was able to find more information than could be discovered via imaging. His surgeon here is in contact with Cleveland to see what the issue could have been. We have a follow up on Sept 5th, so will see what he has to say then.

Good to hear. The surgeon made me chuckle when he said the size he put in, so we should be satisfied with it's performance. Like it's the latest and greatest car part. 😂

It was severe. I'm unsure of pressure gradients, but to put it in perspective his Inspiris was 23mm, and his On-X is a 27/29. His surgeon here was able to place a suction tube between his native tissue and the valve ring easily. The leak was destroying his RBCs and causing the symptoms that he...