Lee's Guestbook

Hi Lee I have been on Coumadin since mitral valve replacement 14 wks ago. This was my 3rd open heart sternotomy and only on Coumadin prior 2 times for a short period of time. I pretty much cut out all my greens as I was all over the place, I know that was not necessary but I would jump from 1.9 to 4.0 in a few days with 5.0 to 7.5 dosages, right now 7.5 to 10 with a level of 1.9, which is way too low for a On-X mechanical valve which needs to be over 3.0. I know from others that we can taylor our dosages to meet our diets just as long as we are consistent. Susan V NC

Hi Lee I didn\'t have too much trouble with the Coumadin/Warfarin and I eat lots of leafy greens and cranberry. I just took another 1/4 or 1/2 a pill if I thought I consistently had too much of the wrong thing and I eventually managed to stay within my level fairly well. Continued good luck on your healing. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Lrr You first posted about the time I was preparing for my own surgery (march 18th), so I never saw it. I had a mitral valve replacement and tricuspid repair. I am in a-fib and have been on coumadin for years. Just wanted to reassure you if you do need to remain on it, that it can all be worked out. You know the coumadin can be tailored to your diet, not the other way around. If you eat a lot of greens and your dose is increased and both are consistent it should work out with maybe a minor tweak or two. Sounds like you have made an amazing recovery, congratulations. Fran

Lee, Wow! Sounds like you\'ve come out of this in super shape (comparatively speaking). What\'s your secret? Congrats on the recovery Steven in Calgary

Hi Lee, Nice to meet you! It\'s great to hear that you are doing so well, considering the complications. Great job finding Dr. McCarthy. Many of my readers have had excellent results with him and his team. Keep on tickin! Adam Pick

Hi Lee Nice to see your recovery is coming along. One thing you\'ll see in these journals is that slow is the magic word. We tend to want to do more but physically even though it may be possible, it isn\'t always wise because we then sometimes see setbacks. With your healthy active background it shouldn\'t take long before you are enjoying biking with hubby again. I had my mitral valve repaired in Oct. of last year and am in rehab. I still have a few issues that we\'re working on so am now taking beta blockers. I think I\'m doing pretty good. Take care and be kind to yourself. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Lee, What great news to hear how well you are doing after two weeks. I had my first mitral valve repair 2/25/98 in Cleveland. I have acquired severe regurgitation again so am scheduled for another surgery in Cleveland, April 15th...hopefully a re-repair but will also be thankful if they have to replace it because of scar tissue. Just curious about what type of incision you had....minimal or robotic? Don\'t overdue...slow and steady is the name of the game! Blessings, Carla Hansen (Florida)

Glad to hear you are doing good after two weeks...I have also had alot of great days when I was at two weeks...It only gets better and better. I am three weeks yesterday post op and I feel really great also....I also get tired more easily but the rest is helpful and to keep all stress down to a minimum....Keep going strong but down let your energy fool you....sometime I over do it and am down again for a whole day...Just take it easy and listen to your body....Goodluck Michelle (Oklahoma)