Search results

Unfortunately not one doctor warned me about “pump head syndrome” before surgery. Some don’t know (e.g. GP) but others do know (my new GP and my neurologist ).

I have had several urinary tract problems. Warfarin can give you more blood in the urine than w/o warfarin, but there’s always an underlying cause, thus my urologist told me to see him anytime there’s blood in my urine. Last time there was no cause discovered and it just stopped.

About 12 years ago, St Jude dropped my aortic valve’s range from 2-3 to 2-2.5, so they do make adjustments. I’ve dropped mu INR to 1.0 for several procedures (5 days w/o warfarin) w/o harm. My cardio calls it a “robust valve with a proven record.”

He likes to police his business, but there’s a time limit on the ability to edit a post so it doesn’t always work. Pellicle is a self appointed forum expert, especially when it comes to INR measurement and management, thus it’s a real hoot he didn’t know about the INRatio and its problems.

Yes it's true that endocarditis can come from non-oral routes. My old blind crotchety dog bit me good, proving the adage "let sleeping dogs lie." The vet at work said I should get some antibiotics immediately, that's what they do when bit by a dog. Me being stupid, said I've been bit many...

To kill what's in my mouth, I use Listerine at home before the appointment rinsing for a few minutes. I also request a rinse with an antibaterial rinse before starting treatment at the dentist.

My cardio and the hospital pharmacist said the problem with NSAIDs is they cause stomach bleeding in a significant number of people. This is very hard to control if you have an elevated INR thus all of them are contraindicated. I am allowed to take ibuprofen, but only at the lowest therapeutic...

I had/have it. My metric was doing math in my head. After OHS I lost that ability. I slowly regained it, but not completely. I still have trouble with figuring tips and the total bill in my head. I also became much more emotional, e.g. crying at funerals and movies. This has also...

My initial ticking went away with time. I don't hear it anymore. I found that rote prayer helped my mind ignore the noise (also helps to relieve anxiety) and I fell asleep within 5-10 min. If you don't pray, you may want to try meditation or guided imagery meditation.

It's time for me to get my first colonoscopy with a St. Jude in the aortic position. I was told that due my valve model, its positioning, its action per echocardiogram, and my history (I've stopped warfarin several times before w/o problem) that there was no need to bridge for the procedure. I...

Some advice: Use your respirometer. Take naps. If in pain take your painkillers. Walk - several small walks is better than a single longer one. Have a good balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Watch good TV - I went through the Ken Burns Civil War series and every Law and Order.

It happens all the time. The FDA approves a drug for condition Y but the doctor can prescribe the drug for any condition not just condition Y. That's legal. What's not legal and has generated 100s of million dollars in fines, is when the maker of the drug markets it for anything condition...

The antibiotics that we have to take before cleaning does a number on my intestinal track. I get a cleaning every 6-9 months. My dentist recommends every 6 months.

Try ECT it works for some.

Congratulations!!

You linked to an article about thalidomide. A drug that caused birth defects in many countries, but not in the USA due to the brave actions of Francis Kelsey: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-history-exhibits/frances-oldham-kelsey-medical-reviewer-famous-averting-public-health-tragedy It's a...

I found that saying rote prayers, such as the rosary, is helpful and calming.

Should you be scared? It's OK to be scared, you've been trained to keep your INR high. However, the doctors who manage your INR also manage your bridging, take heart in the fact that they have your best interests at heart. When I need to drop my INR for a procedure I feel a twinge of fear...

Be careful with Prednisone. It's a powerful drug that can push you in different directions. I was on it for a few weeks and it pushed me close to diabetes.

Cardiac rehab therapy is standard at the best hospitals. It helps and speeds recovery and you learn exercises that will serve you for the rest of your life.