Meredith's Heart Valve Journal

Meredith Bray  I would find a new dentist, actually! I, like Anna, am prescribed 2000 mg amoxicillin to take 1 hour before my appointment. Your dentist & hygienist really ... Read more

Meredith Bray  I would find a new dentist, actually! I, like Anna, am prescribed 2000 mg amoxicillin to take 1 hour before my appointment. Your dentist & hygienist really should know this. Please don't have any dental work done without a pre-med. Perhaps your cardiologist or their nurse can recommend a dentist that has had cardiac patients before.

Josie Saunders  Been trying to get information from my surgeon, but keep waiting for someone to ring me back, a lot of the dentist keep saying they don't do pre med no more ... Read more

Josie Saunders  Been trying to get information from my surgeon, but keep waiting for someone to ring me back, a lot of the dentist keep saying they don't do pre med no more
But thank you ladies I will take your advise so you don't have to carry on with the antibiotics after treatment.

Susan Lynn  I began my career working for a group of dentists and oral surgeons several decades ago. Over the years, the American Heart Association, has changed their ... Read more

Susan Lynn  I began my career working for a group of dentists and oral surgeons several decades ago. Over the years, the American Heart Association, has changed their recommendations about pre-medication to eventually eliminating them - at least for people like me who had mitral valve prolapse. However, since I rarely take antibiotics and my dentist still believed in the value of pre-medication, I continued to do it before each appointment. Now, my cardiologist has informed me, since my surgery, that pre-medication is required and it didn't sound terribly negotiable.
I suspect with all the research about antibiotic-resistant strains of viruses, many people and dentists are opting to forego this process. I am fortunate that my use of antibiotics has been limited to my few dental appointments a year and I felt there was more upside than risk.

Josie Saunders  Thanks for that Susan when you read about endocarditis it scares the life out of you, and my brain will look for all the symptoms after, so I'll pre med 1 hour ... Read more

Josie Saunders  Thanks for that Susan when you read about endocarditis it scares the life out of you, and my brain will look for all the symptoms after, so I'll pre med 1 hour before do I have to take any more after dental treatment .

Meredith Bray  Hi Chris, I don't remember a whole lot about the time I spent in the hospital. I do remember waking up with the vent tube still in, realizing I made it through ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Hi Chris, I don't remember a whole lot about the time I spent in the hospital. I do remember waking up with the vent tube still in, realizing I made it through surgery, and going back to sleep. Best 2 seconds of my entire life! :)

My biggest issue the first few days was breathing deeply. I did NOT want to take a deep breath because I didn't want to hurt myself. At the same time, I was afraid to fall asleep because I was breathing so shallow. I have a cPap machine, and that helped, especially when the nurse hooked up the oxygen for me.

My biggest issue the first week was back pain, and getting in/out of bed. The back pain was alleviated by supporting my body weight while resting - stuffed pillows under my arms, and used a travel pillow under my neck. Then I could relax and get a few hours of good sleep. Getting in & out of bed was a challenge because my core muscles were very weak and sore. I think I could do it myself by week three. However, I still battle insomnia from time to time, and still have moderate difficulty turning over in bed. Yes, even 4 years later.

The first month was consumed with sleeping, walking, and eating. The first day I got home I went for a walk to the end of the driveway and back, then took a 2 hour nap. Even the simplest things required a LOT of energy: showering, + getting dressed + breakfast = 3 hour nap. All the little naps plus the after-effects of the anesthesia meant there was NO WAY I could sleep through the night. I was probably 6 weeks out before I could sleep more than 4 hours. Even today, about 6 hours at a time is my limit.

The thing is, everyone's experience is different. It wasn't as awful and painful as I imagined it would be. You have to be flexible and approach life in an easy way. Like, I did a load of laundry my first week home. I couldn't carry a laundry basket, but I could carry one outfit at a time to the washer. And I used the long BBQ tongs to get the wet clothes in to the dryer. The clothes were all wrinkled though, because I fell asleep before the dryer finished, ha!

I was cleared by cardiac rehab, my cardiologist, and my surgeon at 12 weeks to go out and do whatever I wanted. The only limits I have are the ones I've created in my own mind. Prior to surgery, if my heartrate went over 120 I felt a sense of dread and doom, I was very uncomfortable. Now, I don't even think about it. I ride roller coasters, kayak, horseback ride, mountain hiking...

That was probably too many words, more than you wanted. I ramble. What else?

-Meredith

Meredith Bray  Everybody has occasional issues. My personal experience: It took me about 3 months after surgery to really get solidly consistent with my doses and INR. I was ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Everybody has occasional issues. My personal experience: It took me about 3 months after surgery to really get solidly consistent with my doses and INR. I was working in a warehouse throwing boxes around and driving a truck/bus, and consistently had bruises up and down my arms. Running my hip in to a counter would leave bruises that lasted for weeks. A year after surgery I was told by the manufacturer and the surgeon that I could maintain a lower INR. After an adjustment period, I stopped having the bruises.
I eat dark greens 3-5 times a week, just like I did before surgery. One of the reasons I struggled right after surgery was my eating habits were thrown off by the surgery. As long as you eat a consistent diet, your INR manager should dose you to your diet, and not make any changes to your diet/lifestyle.
I am confident that my valve will outlive me.

What other questions do you have?

-Meredith

Meredith Bray  I think the On-X is the only valve approved for the lower INR, and it's 3-6 months post op. You could ask to speak with the coumidin nurse at your cardiologists ... Read more

Meredith Bray  I think the On-X is the only valve approved for the lower INR, and it's 3-6 months post op. You could ask to speak with the coumidin nurse at your cardiologists practice. I see my nurse every 5 weeks. She's much more informed than many doctors and surgeons.

Meredith Bray  I have a conflict when I have to check the "I am not a robot" box because that was a joke one of my friends made before my surgery - that with my mechanical ... Read more

Meredith Bray  I have a conflict when I have to check the "I am not a robot" box because that was a joke one of my friends made before my surgery - that with my mechanical valve, I am PART robot now, haHA!
I'm happy to answer any questions for you that I can regarding surgery and the On-X valve.
-Meredith

Meredith Bray  Well...I don't really have anything to compare it to other than my bicuspid & stenotic natural valve. It ticks, I can hear it sometimes, sometimes I can't. ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Well...I don't really have anything to compare it to other than my bicuspid & stenotic natural valve. It ticks, I can hear it sometimes, sometimes I can't. Sometimes people around me can hear it, but my sister can't hear it even with a stethoscope. I received a letter from On-X stating the FDA has approved a lower INR for On-X aortic valve recipients. It's on file at my cardiologist's office. After an adjustment period of about 4-6 months post-op, I get my blood tested every 5 weeks by a nurse who does a finger-stick. It's not a full blood-draw, and I get immediate feedback. I chose mechanical over tissue for several reasons. The main reason was I wanted to avoid another surgery if at all possible. I understand there are no guarantees against surgery, but I DID understand that if I chose a tissue valve at my age (42 at the time), I was guaranteeing myself a second surgery, as research indicates that tissue valves do not last as long in younger patients. My surgeon left the choice up to me, and told me that if I chose tissue to avoid "blood thinners', he would most certainly be seeing me in 5-15 years. The worst problem I've had is after a vacation where I didn't eat my usually dark greens that i am accustomed to, and had several nights of cocktails. I do bruise easier than I did before, but it's not an issue, I'd rather have a few extra bruises than another surgery. I haven't changed my diet or my lifestyle, I have a very understanding nurse who is up to date on any food restrictions (all things in moderation is her motto!) .

I love to talk about myself. What other questions do you have?
-Meredith

Clare Auten  I am right there with Meredith. I celebrated 2 years in Jan with my On-X valve. My warfarin has been consistent. Get my INR checked every 5 weeks. Same ... Read more

Clare Auten  I am right there with Meredith. I celebrated 2 years in Jan with my On-X valve. My warfarin has been consistent. Get my INR checked every 5 weeks. Same dosage for the past year. No restrictions on activity. Surgeon did say to try not to cut off a toe when I mow the yard. ;)

Meredith Bray  Helen, nice to meet you! I just signed up to "Follow You" so you can see my email address. PLEASE ask me any questions you might have! This site is a wonderful ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Helen, nice to meet you! I just signed up to "Follow You" so you can see my email address. PLEASE ask me any questions you might have! This site is a wonderful resource. i used it mainly as a way to communicate with friends, family, & coworkers. I've also met some people who will probably be life-long friends.
Again, feel free to ask any questions. Everyone that has been through surgery has experienced the emotions and anxiety of the weeks and months (and for some, years) leading up to surgery. You are not alone!
Meredith

Helen Yade  HI Thanks for the reply..I have been reading a lot of great stories..I am maybe going in on the 2nd of Oct..but not sure yet? Found out that I am a little anemic ... Read more

Helen Yade  HI Thanks for the reply..I have been reading a lot of great stories..I am maybe going in on the 2nd of Oct..but not sure yet? Found out that I am a little anemic so we dealing with that,,did you go with a tissue valve or a Mechanical?? It seems to be the hardest decision to make !! I Know you live close ..maybe would be fun to meet for lunch when your up to it..I will keep in touch and let you know when the big day is! Hugs Helen

Meredith Bray  My surgery was on a Wednesday. He took off Wed, Thurs, and Fri. He went home every night. I came home Sunday. My sister came the first week, my mother the ... Read more

Meredith Bray  My surgery was on a Wednesday. He took off Wed, Thurs, and Fri. He went home every night. I came home Sunday. My sister came the first week, my mother the second week, and my brother the third week. By the time brother left, I was READY for some alone time!

Anyway, my guy and I had a plan for the waking up from surgery. I wanted him to hold my hand, tell me I had surgery, and everything is ok. He says he did, but I really don't remember.

There some pretty serious prayer warriors on this site, I'll send mine up for you two as well.
Peace
Meredith

Meredith Bray  I'm taking extra vitamin C and spending as much time in the sunshine as I can. I'm also starting to be more active - parking farther wawy from teh building, ... Read more

Meredith Bray  I'm taking extra vitamin C and spending as much time in the sunshine as I can. I'm also starting to be more active - parking farther wawy from teh building, going for a brisk walk (almost a powerwalk!) during breaktime. I still obsess over every little twinge, and am planning to talk to my primary doctor tomorrow, unless he seems rushed. Keep me posted on how your meds work!

Meredith Bray  Well, your fear is NOT irrational, there's certainly a crap-ton of stuff to be scared of! It's amazing what faith can bring you through. It was about a week ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Well, your fear is NOT irrational, there's certainly a crap-ton of stuff to be scared of! It's amazing what faith can bring you through. It was about a week before my surgery when I started getting less anxious about the surgery, and more anxious about just getting it over with. I still don't like to think a lot about the surgery, which is great because I don't remember very much about that week. Faith is a great travel companion, and when you add in science, ain't nothin' gonna stop ya!

I subscribed to your journal, so you have my email address if you have any questions. I actually have a really great resource for heart patients if you want want to drop me a line. It was kind of my "haven" away from friends, family, and coworkers, a place where I could rationalize my fears and ask really gross questions that my coworkers didn't need to hear about. It's all heart patients, and a few caregivers.
Surgery and recovery will be easier than you think. From what i gather of your athletic lifestyle, I imagine rehab will be the toughest part for you - going to the gym and only using a recumbent bike and a treadmill the first time, ha!

Please ask any questions you have - no question is too silly or unimportant. (ie yes the toothpaste in the hospital sucks, bring your own)!

Meredith Bray  Prayer and science, working together! I'm confident that if I had opted for surgery closer to home I would not have recovered so quickly! I still have a ways ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Prayer and science, working together! I'm confident that if I had opted for surgery closer to home I would not have recovered so quickly! I still have a ways to go, but the care I received during the surgery (only on "The Machine" for 40 minutes!) and post-op made all the difference in the world. Thank you for all the prayers!

Meredith Bray  Thanks, Auntie C! I'm feeling better than I deserve to feel. We went to church, watched some hockey, went for a walk, had a nice dinner - a pretty typical ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Thanks, Auntie C! I'm feeling better than I deserve to feel. We went to church, watched some hockey, went for a walk, had a nice dinner - a pretty typical Sunday. I'm itching to get back to work already! Love you!

Meredith Bray  I always want to over-do it! And boy, do I pay for it the next day! Right now I'm on the NuStep, recumbent bike, hand-bike, and treadmill. I'm not looking ... Read more

Meredith Bray  I always want to over-do it! And boy, do I pay for it the next day! Right now I'm on the NuStep, recumbent bike, hand-bike, and treadmill. I'm not looking forward to the weights. I like the classes at rehab also - stress relief, nutrition, etc. I've been initially approved for 10 visits, and my fingers are still crossed for a total of 36 visits. I'm going 3 days a week. If I don't get approved for any more visits after 10, I'm going to push to be released to work. It's getting kinda old, not having a regular schedule and not going to work. Love you!