New Information

[Guest]

I have added new information on two of my web pages.

A study showing that there is benefit for people with mechanical valves taking both warfarin and aspirin. I believe that this may be a first of its kind. The second author is Jim Douketis, the guy that I talked to to clarify my thoughts about bridging before I gave the talk at the reunion in Golden. Click on
http://warfarinfo.com/aspirin&warfarin.htm

A comparison of the three types of finger-stick testers available in the US. In the last few months I have had the opportunity to "test drive" all three of them.
Click on http://warfarinfo.com/metercomparisons.htm

 

[briansmom]

You are the best Al. Your information and services are top notch.
The second link appears to be the same as the first.

 

[Guest]

You appear to need new glasses!!! LOL

 

[Karlynn]

Once again Al - thanks so much for looking out for all of us!

What is the significance of the hematocrit range?

 

[Guest]

The HCT is the percentage of a sample of blood that is taken up by red blood cells.

If you have too few, the blood is literally too thin and it runs up the strip so fast that the test cannot be run.

Conversely, if you have too many then the blood is like sludge and will not go uo the strip at all. There is a condition called polycythemia vera when the body makes too many red cells for no known reason. The treatment is to take out a unit or two of blood and either discard the blood (I've heard of people taking it home to put in the rose bed) or use it for some research. But people who have been heavy smokers for years can have an induced polycythemia. The body keeps crying out for more oxygen, so the body makes more and more red cells. These people depend on the excess red cells for oxyge, If you take out that person's red cells they can go into respiratory arrest and possibly die. I have seen 2 of the natural type and about 20 to 25 of the smoker type.

 

[RCB]

LAA data?

LAA data?

I have added new information on two of my web pages.

A study showing that there is benefit for people with mechanical valves taking both warfarin and aspirin. I believe that this may be a first of its kind. The second author is Jim Douketis, the guy that I talked to to clarify my thoughts about bridging before I gave the talk at the reunion in Golden. Click on
http://warfarinfo.com/aspirin&warfarin.htm

Al,
Just wondered if the data showed any difference if the LAA had been excised?

 

[Guest]

I'm almost 65 so I have senior moments - can't remember what LAA stands for.

 

[catwoman]

Maybe Loungelizard Association of America???

 

[RCB]

Sorry Al

Sorry Al

I'm almost 65 so I have senior moments - can't remember what LAA stands for.

Left Atrial Appendage

 

[catwoman]

What is a left atrial appendage?

 

[Guest]

No it did not.

The left atrial appendage is the pouch in the left atrium where blood stagnates and forms clots in atrial fibrillation.

 

[catwoman]

Al:

Thanks. I knew someone would define it in layperson's words, rather than something like a Merck's dictionary.

 

[the art den lady]

INR Machines

INR Machines

Do you feel that acquiring one of those home machines is a good idea?? I just received my cardiologists report back. Because of a dilating ascending aorta, I should never lift heavy weights. Do you know what that is even?

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------------------

1995 - TIAs (mini strokes) started after birth of my daughter, Aspirin started.
1996 - BAV w/mild stenosis diagnosed.
2003 - PFO (hole in heart) fixed w/Amplatzer. 3 catheters up the legs.
2003 - FVL (clotting disorder) diagnosed, Coumadin started.
2/16/07 - Surgery for BAV w/severe stenosis, Mechanical Valve, Dr. Suri, Mayo Clinic.

Expect the best. Prepare for the worse.

I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.

"Life is great, life is grand. Life is like a rubber band." - Jackie Beach

 

[Guest]

Yes, I recommend them.

 

[Michaelena]

I have added new information on two of my web pages.

A study showing that there is benefit for people with mechanical valves taking both warfarin and aspirin. I believe that this may be a first of its kind. The second author is Jim Douketis, the guy that I talked to to clarify my thoughts about bridging before I gave the talk at the reunion in Golden. Click on
http://warfarinfo.com/aspirin&warfarin.htm

Now I understand better why I take 81 mg St. Joseph aspirin, my cardiologist ordered the aspirin after my valve replacement surgery last year. Thanks Al!