I am back

[melanie]

I am back at work now. It has been four weeks since my surgery. I wanted to thank everyone for their support and it really made a difference in how I felt going into surgery. I think that I have been in more pain this time around for some reason. The second drainage tube caused a lot of discomfort. My surgeon was not able to put in a 21mm AV so I have a 19mm. He keeps telling me I have such a small heart. That is what they tell me at work also. I was hoping to get a St. Jude, but I received an ATS valve. Does anyone know about those?? We have not been able to get my INR right yet, but I am hoping that this week will be different. I am scheduled for an echo the 18 of August. I hope everything is good. Outside of the discomfort, I feel pretty good. I have been walking at least two miles every day sometimes more. This week I have started to work in a couple of jogs, (1/8 of a mile )not many. I am still tight in the chest and wish I was back to myself. The nurse is continously getting on me for doing too much.

 

[Karlynn]

It sounds like you are doing well.

How often are they testing your INR? What is your weekly dose and what is your INR?

Just seeing if we can give you a few hints.

 

[melanie]

When I left the hospital it was 3.0

1st wk 4.3
2nd wk 1.7
3rd wk 4.9
4th wk ?????(find out Wednesday)

 

[sue943]

I have two ATS valves, and very nice and quiet they are too. Mine were put in just over three years ago and as far s I know they are just fine. I will be having an ECG and echo on Thursday prior to my routine six-monthly check with my cardiologist.

 

[melanie]

That is one thing I know. I kept telling my doctor in the hospital that I couldn't hear the valve. With everything I read, I thought for sure I would be hearing it, but I haven't.

 

[Karlynn]

So what were your doses for those weeks. If we can see what they did in response to the INRs we may be able to see why you are bouncing a bit.

 

[WayneGM]

Thanks for the update. Welcome come to work. Listen to your body and don't over due it, though.

 

[Phyllis]

Thanks for updating us and best wishes for a complete recovery - it sounds like you are well on your way!

 

[Jkm7]

Good to hear you are coming along so well and able to return to work so soon. Sorry to hear of your discomfort and the INR bouncing. Hope it all resolves quickly. Welcome Back!

 

[Guest]

Hi Melanie, it sounds like you are doing ok. Here's to wishing you a smooth recovery, INR will catch up before you know it.

 

[BDMc]

I've read some good reports about ATS valves. They would be among my top choices were I to get another. All the best, Brian Mc

 

[terryj]

My husband has the ATS aortic valve. He has had it for nearly seven years and so far all his follow-up echos look good. The doctor said he could keep his INR 2.0 to 3.0. We are happy with 2.0 to 4.0. He has been consistent except for a few years ago he went on the South beach diet and we had to adjust for all the soy in most of their prepared foods.

 

[melanie]

Still bouncing

Still bouncing

Last week when my INR was 4.9, I went to alternating between 5mg and 2.5mg for six days. Today my INR was 1.1. I was instructed to take 5mg right now and then another 5mg at my regular time. I am to take 5mg every day. I feel I have been watching what I eat. I don't see where I am getting a lot of vitamin K. I would do what I need to do to get it right, but I have no ideal what that is.

 

[Jkm7]

Please read the anti-coagulation section of this board, Melanie. You don't need to watch everything you eat. You need to eat consistently though. PLEASE read and learn some of the misconceptions and poor coumadin management some people encounter among the health professional community.

There is so much priceless information there that is sure to help you.

Just the fact you are more active and back to work can be the reason your INR is lower. That is a very low INR as I'm sure you know.