Search results

My doctors always insisted on using only the name brand after my first surgery at Vanderbilt. Then, 10 yrs later, I had a 2nd surgery and had that done at Cleveland Clinic. They used Warfarin with me during my 21 day stay at the hospital. This was over 3 yrs ago. I have been using the less...

I had a St Judes mechanical aortic valve for 10 yrs., but had to get it replaced due to panus growth around it. I now have an On-X, - 3 yrs and counting. I would suggest that you call On-X, and they can tell you which surgeons in your area use On-X valves.

I use the same technique when I am on a crowded elevator. Everyone is usually quiet, so I will open my mouth and let the clicking resonate while looking at the facial expressions of those on the elevator. It's a fun thing to do if you have a mechanical valve!

HI Gang. WOW.... This is like a virtual reunion! Hmmmm..... wonder if we could pull that off on Skype or some other video media face to face cam get-together?

Happy Thanksgiving. Here are a few cooking tips from Mr. Obvious. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE7YKu8apPA

Hi Ann, Thanks for the updates! Ross is a fighter, and all our thoughts and prayers will help give him strength. Rob

I have had two Open heart surgeries, and have continued my workouts through it all. I cannot lift as much as I used to due to some restrictions from my dissection, but as far as my abs go, no problems or issues. After surgery, you will have to start easy though, and only after you have been...

Great info and test results. These new strips, according to Alere, are NOT to be used with the older original InRatio Monitor. (according to Alere) They WILL WORK with the newer InRatio II monitor. Anyone with an older unit, I would suggest you contact Alere for additional info. Several have...

The "new improved" test strips from Alere, (according to them), are not to be used with the earlier InRatio testing monitor. They are only supposed to be used with the newer InRatio II monitor. I was made aware of this issue from another valve replacement site. I would suggest that you call...

Hi, Here is a link to the Govt report list of Vit K content in foods. It is a good list, and with it, you can determine if foods are Low, medium, or high Vit K valve. It does mention that the report has been superseded, but the newer version only reports the data in a different manner, which...

I have a gold medallion that looks like a coin, but with the physician symbol on the front, and the back identifying my condition, AVR, Dissection, Coumadin. I think that anytime someone is in an accident, the medics are quickly going to open their shirt. The scare alone is a red flag, the...

I joined in 2001, from a galaxy far, far away.

Beta Blockers 101 You could ask your doctor to change to another type of beta blocker. one that does not interact with your central nervouse system as much as the Lopressor class of drugs, which includes Metroprolol. I switched from Lopressor to Atenolol years ago. Here is some further...

HI PTN, Both of the hospitals I go to have their own patient websites, Vanderbilt and Cleveland Clinic. They are also both training hospitals. You should look into yours, especially since it is a teaching hospital. Rob

Hi PTN, I have two suggestions. I usually take my home testing unit to the lab with me when I want to check it against the lab. They have no issue with me testing right after they do theirs. See if that may be a possibility for you. Also, I am a member of two hospital private web sites that...

Interesting observation. The first time I went into A-fib after surgery was while I was drinking ice cold water through a straw.

Hi all, I had an ascending aortic dissection at age 49. I was one of the lucky ones who made it to the hospital. Even then, they told my wife to say her goodbyes, that I only had a 3 to 6% chance of surviving the emergency surgery. The stats indicate that if an aneurysm or dissection occurs...

WOW... Amazing how time flies!!! HAPPY VALVERSARY !!!!!! Hoisting my glass that you have many, many more!!! AND.... able to remember them. LOL

Wishing you a very successful surgery. I do not see travel as in issue for you. Look into purchasing your own INR testing unit. You can take this with you, and test as often as you want. This would eliminate the need to frequent blood labs on a regular basis. Also, I would recommend that you...

I had both a St Judes mechanical valve, and now the On-X, both aortic valves. They both seem to be about as loud as each other. I would say the On-X seems just a tad more loud. Still happy that I went with the On-X for my 2nd surgery though. It took me several months after my first...