Long time, no post. Greetings all regulars. Glad to see the same solid group still giving good, comforting advice and information!
Reading this thread with interest at first, then started skimming.
First off, welcome aboard, Homeskillet!
Life on warfarin. I'm 44 years old and in my 27th year or 26 1/2 or something on warfarin. No bleeding events, no strokes, some unexplained bruising (well, initially - then my wife tells me I was snoring again). I test weekly. Work with your cardiologist and your insurance to obtain a home testing kit. While they have some interesting advice about warfarin, I find one thing they are pretty good at is knowing what is and isn't allowed with various insurance providers. If VA is similar in some ways to Medicare, it should be covered.
I survived 20 years without home testing, and was not a good patient. It didn't exist, then my insurance didn't get on board after it first came out. So it was off to the lab monthly, which was a pain for a teenager, and twenty something to be obedient about.
I shave frequently. Nothing fancy. Just barbasol and a mach 3, or whatever cheap promo they mailed me last.
As far as lovinox, I've bridged (that's what they call it) three times. Once for a second open heart, once for a vasectomy (certain areas have a great capacity for blood - TMI?), and once for gallbladder / appendix removal. All three were a hassle and would have been easier without warfarin, but none proved to be difficult to manage or any kind of nightmare.
Never had an issue with dental work.
Sternum wires don't "feel" like anything after a while. Sure, the texture is there. But there isn't any associated discomfort if done well. I don't notice them unless I touch them. Sitting idle, they don't feel like anything.
Ticking is what it is. Ideally one gets used to it. It's even a nice conversation piece at times. I always have something interest to share during icebreakers when they ask you to share something unique about yourself. "Everyone, be very quiet and listen." Recently moved into a new place, nice house with a big tiled shower. But it's an echo chamber. Kind of amusing really.
Best part is - the valve has a lifetime guarantee!
Best wishes as you process all of this. Sounds like you're hearing some interesting things. I wish you well as you process all the info and decide what does and does not make sense.
