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I went in at 5:30 am the morning of surgery and was in OR about 6:30 am. Did not bank blood, but later that evening I noticed a bag of blood had been put on pole with the iv's and asked about it. Nurse said they take all the blood they collect during surgery and process it and give it back to...

Maybe a couple of youtube links would help. Recording of valve noise. Sounds like mine and I like the crisp sound as if it sounded mushy I would be worried stuff was growing on it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o23iyLWQeWA Doctor talking about sound of valve in newer valves...

I have had MRI's in the past. Two since heart valve. One for lower back and another for shoulder. If you feel it will be uncomfortable, ask doctor for something to relieve anxiety. He gave me a couple of xanax to take before MRI and I had no problem getting through it.

I have mechanical, so maybe different, but my card has info on it for MRI and phone number for tech to call if needed. I carry it in my wallet.

Happy to hear you are doing well. I know my day 3 was not a good one and hosptial staff told me day 3 is usually the worst for some reason. They were right and next day I felt much better and they sent me home.

I was instructed and given a supply of Dial Soap, which is a brand in the US to use for showers. Everytime I smell it, it reminds me of the surgery. And there a was a song that was very big at the time of my surgery and everytime it comes on the radio, I think of the surgery.

I have gotten into a habit of wetting a paper towel and then putting in microwave for 8 to 10 seconds and then putting it on the finger of choice and then going upstairs to do the blood test. Machine is out and ready for strip to be put in. Seems to work pretty good, but will try cup of water...

First, I was told I had to wait 3 months until my insurance would cover the meter. I think I was pretty stable after 3 months. Cardiologist was happy to give me prescription for the meter. He is part of a large group of cardiologists in the area and they have 2 people, who are great, that work...

My wife was in the room when I was brought into the ICU. The nurse told her what she was doing each step of the way. At one point she told my wife she was giving me something that would make me forget anything I may have seen or heard in the last few hours. I do know they woke me up I think 2...

I had my wife bring her camera and she took pictures of me right out of surgery. Took a few months before I looked at them, but I look at them now and just say "wow" what an experience.

I want to remember the stool softner and also an Iron pill. I was told the softner was needed as the iron would stop you up. Also, put on a beta blocker for a few months. Was told it would slow the heart down a bit and help it to heal. Had pain pills, but really did not need them after a few...

I had cortisone shot last Tuesday morning in shoulder and did home testing for INR on Wed afternoon and was right at same number as the last few weeks. So, no effect for me.

Mine was worse at year one, but at year 2 it has improved greatly. Just takes some time for some of us.

I had surgery at 52. I told him mechanical and he put in what he felt was best. I had not been to this site before the surgery and so did not know about the ON-X. I think tests are still out on the ON-X, but if I had to do it again, I would have discussed the ON-X with him to see if better...

I am not a doctor, but I think I would concentrate on light work out stuff like walking until after surgery.

My surgeon had planned on minimal but when they put me out, they did the TEE and found the heart was deeper in the chest and larger than they expected, so he did the full cut and later told me there would be no difference in healing after 3 months between the 2 procedures. He did tell me if he...

Yep another one from Elmhurst. My 2 year anniversary was this past Monday. Time really fly's. I did have my surgery at the new Elmhurst Hospital with Dr Davalle and was quite happy with results and my stay there. Maybe we can have an Elmhurst reunion one of these days.

Thanks, I will check it out. I am with Aetna right now, but will see at first of the year who our insurance is with as they change ever year or two where I work.

I read somewhere, and I can find it if needed, but the sooner you have surgery the better. The article explained that the heart was like a balloon. If a balloon is inflated and then deflated after a very short time, it will go back to it's original size. If the balloon is inflated and left that...

Can I ask who the 5th company was, as I have not found a company in network for my insurance company. Maybe I can give it a try. Right now I am with Patient Home Monitoring