On 4/14/20, I underwent aortic and mitral valve replacement in Reno, NV. I knew going in that this was Mega-serious surgery. I had been scheduled to have ...Read more
On 4/14/20, I underwent aortic and mitral valve replacement in Reno, NV. I knew going in that this was Mega-serious surgery. I had been scheduled to have the surgery on 3/17/20 but was postponed during the Covid-19 virus. I feel that I was mentally prepared for the surgery only to have it canceled. When 4/14/20, I thought that, once again I was mentally prepared. I know now that I was nowhere near understanding how difficult the surgery, followed by recovery would be. At this point, I am taking one day at a time and try not to think about how weak I am, the pain and symptoms that have not resolved as of now. I was put on Warfarin in the hospital and, on the day following my discharge, was advised to go to LabCorp for a blood draw to see how my levels were. On 4/22/20, my test showed INR 4.1 and PTT 39.9, both higher than they should be. I received a call from the Coumadin Clinic and they asked me to alter my Warfarin by taking half a 5 mg tablet on one day followed by taking a whole pill the next. On 4/28/20 my INR was 10.0 and PTT was 90.0. On 5/5/20, my INR was >10.0 Critical and PTT was 117.8. The Coumadin Clinic called me and asked me to hold all Warfarin for 5 days and then have another blood draw. My question is has anyone else had this kind of difficulty in getting to a therapeutic level with Warfarin? My other question is why I have an extreme "salty" taste in my mouth that has been with me for over a week. This symptom prevents me from eating because the taste makes me gag and then vomit. Could this taste be due to a possible Warfarin Overdose? I am still muddling through the initial healing and am discouraged by the continued shortness of breath, foot and hand swelling, weakness, dizziness, sadness, and inability to function...all of which should be addressed by the replacement valves with time. Thank you for your input on this...
Chris Calhoun Eat leafy green salad - it will get better and you will get a routine down that works - it takes a m ... Read more
Chris Calhoun Eat leafy green salad - it will get better and you will get a routine down that works - it takes a month or 2 - keep your chin up!!!
Marie Myers One day at a time is the right approach! The whole experience is very trying, both mentally and physi ... Read more
Marie Myers One day at a time is the right approach! The whole experience is very trying, both mentally and physically, and it will take time to recover. You had the added stress of Covid 19 to deal with, also! Sorry you are having Coumadin difficulties. I have heard from other patients it can take some time to get it regulated. Like Chris said, eating a leafy green salad will help counter a high INR. Hoping things get easier for you from here on out!
I was told while on warfarin to not eat Kale, other leafy vegetables should be ok. I do feel bad you ... Read more
I was told while on warfarin to not eat Kale, other leafy vegetables should be ok. I do feel bad you are having a hard recovery but we all know that you have to take recovery one day at a time and sometimes one moment at a time. I will pray that you will start to feel stronger and recovery gets easier. Blessings of healing to you Candy.
Mike Roskowinski Candy yes I also had issues at first with my INR. When I was in the hospital I was at a 7 for my INR ... Read more
Mike Roskowinski Candy yes I also had issues at first with my INR. When I was in the hospital I was at a 7 for my INR level. They told me it would be a few weeks till I could go home since my levels were so high and it takes some time to go down. I had a few blood and plasma transfusions to help get the numbers down since I wanted to leave sooner than later. Give it time and maybe take a K2 supplement to thicken your blood a little bit. Good luck hope things get better for you
Rita Savelis Double valve surgery recovery is long. It takes time to get over the physical trauma of surgery on 2 ... Read more
Rita Savelis Double valve surgery recovery is long. It takes time to get over the physical trauma of surgery on 2 valves. My INR took months to stabilise. I was in hospital for 4 weeks 5 yrs ago after double valve surgety. I was exhausted. I feel for you. Recovery is often much more difficult than surgery. Your body is out of whack and anticoagulants take time to stabilise. It's up and down and each patient needs their own time. It is completely normal that stabilisation would take weeks/months. I remember losing my appetite for a long time after surgery and food not tasting the same for awhile. Every organ and hormone in yr body needs to readjust. So take a deep breath. Rest. Take it slow. Take care.
Just scheduled repair/replace aortic and mitral valve surgery for 3/17/20. I am at less that 25% heart function and my quality of life is horrible. I know ...Read more
Just scheduled repair/replace aortic and mitral valve surgery for 3/17/20. I am at less that 25% heart function and my quality of life is horrible. I know that this surgery will help me feel better, but that doesn't take away the fear. I have total confidence in my surgeon and cardiologist and know that the cardiac team will pave the way to a better life. My emotions are all over the place and I will work on getting my head in the right place and let the doctors do what they do best.
Jo Orsini Praying for your peace & calm, courage & strength as your surgery day approaches. Mine is the 16th. ... Read more
Jo Orsini Praying for your peace & calm, courage & strength as your surgery day approaches. Mine is the 16th. Your Cardiac team will take excellent care of you to bring your quality of life to where it should be.
Adam Pick Thoughts and prayers are with you Candy!!!!
Rose Madura Candy, it's definitely a tough journey. And emotions can run high. I knew I would need my surgery " ... Read more
Rose Madura Candy, it's definitely a tough journey. And emotions can run high. I knew I would need my surgery "someday" for decades and I was still shocked and stunned when the day finally came. But 2+ years later, I feel great and so will you after you recover. God bless you. Hand in there and trust the doctors.
I am from: SILVER SPRINGS, NV
