Westie has a new on-x valve

[westie]

Hi everyone, I am Westie's wife. It was not possible to repair his mitral valve and an on-x valve has been implanted. He is feeling very well and there is no pain. Westie will fill you with more details when he leaves hospital.

The hospital has recommended we buy a roche coaguchek INR tester. That is what this hospital uses. The cost is about $700 (US dollar) all up with 24 test trips and 50 lancets. On going costs are about $152 per 24 test strips, about $12 per 50 lancets. Any comments?

By the way, he had a very nice lunch at his favorite bar before checking in and the hospital gave him a small bottle of wine for dinner, food and drink all taste good, no memory lost.

 

[starrman]

Excellent news - Hope Hubby's recovery road has no speedbumps!

I am no help on the INR tester; my cardiologist insists on lab work so far. I would feel so much more in control if I had the home tester.

 

[Phyllis]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post. Wishing Westie a continued speedy and uneventful recovery and we look forward to hearing from him again soon!

 

[Ross]

You'll be happy with the Coaguchek! Freedom of labs is true freedom. He may have troubles getting his INR stable and it may not be him, but those managing him. If he's not stable in 4 weeks time, have him come to the anticoag forum and we''ll get him straightened around.

 

[Karlynn]

Great news on the successful surgery. I wish him a smooth recovery.

Home testing is the way to go!

 

[WayneGM]

Thanks for the update. It's too bad the valve couldn't be repaired, but I've read lots of good things about the On-x valve. The main thing is the heart is fixed and the surgery is over. Best wishes to Westie for a smooth and speedy recovery. I look forward to hearing the details of his experience from him when he is able!

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Westie's Wife - Thanks for the update! Glad he's doing so well! That they gave him wine in the hospital again is very interesting. I was doing good to get jello and watered down decaf coffee . (I wonder if there's a way to get jello to ferment...) Hope you're doing well also and wishing the best for both of you. That home testing really seems a good way to go when possible.

 

[Superbob]

Way to go, Westie! Give him our best.

Wine in the hospital -- now THAT is a civilized hospital!

Wishing Westie a smooth recovery.

 

[Bina]

Hello Westie Wife,
Many years ago when I gave birth, I stayed in hospital over New Years Eve, and the nurses said that they would "ignore" the small bottle of wine in my bag! Of course I had 2 sips and gave them the bottle

Regarding the Coagucheck XS, you are getting a good deal and will be thrilled with it.
I am in Canada and the supply prices are similar in the U.S.
Machine was $1,000 regular price, but I paid $500.
24 strips (1 yr supply) are $182 and I just ordered 50 lancets (2 yr supply) at $10.50

Best wishes to Westie with his fabulous new OnX valve.

 

[Cooker]

Glad he is over the moutain.....wishing him a smooth recovery.

 

[netmiff]

Mrs. Westie - thanks for taking the time to post to let us know how he is doing. Best wishes for a boring and successful recovery - too bad the repair could not be done, but that is why it is good to have a back-up plan in place !

I got a coaguchek XS In January (in Canada) and the list price was $1000; I contacted Roche, and received a coupon for $500 off in the mail.

You should both check out the anti-coag forum soon, as there is a ton of information around, between the stickies and the links and the threads, it can be hard to absorb it all in one go. I always feel information is power . .

 

[Freddie]

Congrats to Westie
Prayers and best wishes for an uneventful recovery.

To Mrs Westie,
Thank-you for taking the to post. Feel free to do it again.
Make sure you look after yourself too.

 

[aussiemember]

Thanks so much for posting. So glad to hear that Westie's ohs went well and that he was able to indulge a bit beforehand

 

[marie]

Thank you for posting. I hope all continues to go well. Wine WOW I too had ucky coffee, jello, broth. Finally I asked the nurse for regular food but that tasted like cardboard. I'm just getting my taste back now.
Can not help with the machine as I am not on coumadin but I'm sure you'll get lots of input on that. Take care of yourself.
Earline

 

[zlever]

Congratulations Westie!! Heres to a very successful recovery!!

 

[Guest]

Welcome home, here's wishing you a smooth recovery.

 

[Philip B]

Wine?

Wine?

Geeeeeez!

How did he manage to score a bottle of wine? That's my kind of hospital!

Glad to hear things went well!

-Philip

 

[zipper2]

Dear westies wife,its always an adrenillin rush
for me when spouses or members post after
surgery is over.Thank-you for your post and
continued prayers for comfort to both of you.
the coagucheck is a great investment in your
monitoring inr`s and coumadin needs. I dont
how I managed without mine cus ive used up
years of vein danage in my arms from the lab.
Keep us updated........bye



zipper2

 

[njean]

Glad to hear Westie is home & on his way to a speedy & great recovery! The worst is over now; now comes the healing. Best wishes & take care!

 

[Curtsmum]

Wishing Westie a continued speedy recovery, both take care of yourselfs.