Chris Calhoun - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1207 days ago

Happy to report that I celebrated 3 years of life after AVR this past Sept - now that life is going on in a normal way - I am considering some elective surgery ...Read more

Happy to report that I celebrated 3 years of life after AVR this past Sept - now that life is going on in a normal way - I am considering some elective surgery but I did a mechanical valve and am on warfarin - has anyone dealt with this? Can you safely go off the warfarin for a period long enough for some minor procedures?

Klara Čičić Dear Chris, usually they do the 'bridging' with heparine if they find it necessary, so not to worry. ... Read more

Klara Čičić Dear Chris, usually they do the 'bridging' with heparine if they find it necessary, so not to worry.

Rita Savelis Once your doctors know about your heart valve replacement they will bridge you with heparine (either ... Read more

Rita Savelis Once your doctors know about your heart valve replacement they will bridge you with heparine (either shots or an IV) before, during and after your surgery. It is very rare that they would let you go without anticoagulants (especially if your mitral valve is involved) even for a very minor procedure. I have, alas, had many procedures since receiving my 2 mechanical valves 8 years ago and it always requires some anticoagulant planning (done by surgeons and/or anesthesiologists) in advance even for relatively simple procedures like needle biopsies or colonoscopies. But I always let the doctors direct me and they always do. You must always let doctors know that you are on anticoagulants and why. Take care. I hope your simple procedures go well.

Chris Calhounposted an update

1545 days ago

anyone with any info on left bundle branch blocks issues and any ever returning to normal?

Chris Calhounposted an update

1545 days ago

fyi - Entresto can improve ejection fraction - it has helped my numbers go back into normal range!!

Chris Calhounposted an update

1564 days ago

I suddenly have left bundle branch block - has anyone dealt with this?

Marie Myers I have not dealt with it, but a good friend was found to have a LBBB on a routine EKG. He was checked ... Read more

Marie Myers I have not dealt with it, but a good friend was found to have a LBBB on a routine EKG. He was checked out, and no further action was taken. This was 10 years ago, and he has had no problems from it. Many times, people would be unaware they have developed one. What has your cardiologist/internal medical doc say? Love the horse buddy, by the way...

Chris Calhoun Thanks for the reply!! and the compliment on Spirit the horse!!

Chris Calhounposted an update

1568 days ago

does anyone have any comments on L Bundle Branch blockage? I have been told I have that after more than 2 years of recovery from an aortic valve replacement ...Read more

does anyone have any comments on L Bundle Branch blockage? I have been told I have that after more than 2 years of recovery from an aortic valve replacement (On X) - This is the first I have heard of it - is this common? from google it seems it could be an indicator of poor mortality?

Cathryn Howard I'm pretty sure I have heard my dad say he has a left bundle branch block. He is 82 and had a heart ... Read more

Cathryn Howard I'm pretty sure I have heard my dad say he has a left bundle branch block. He is 82 and had a heart attack at age 64 and got angioplasty and 3 stents, no open heart surgery. I think it has something to do with an arrhythmia but I'm not positive. It bothers him from time to time and makes him anxious but he is in pretty good health otherwise. Not sure if that helps any but I hope so!

Chris Calhoun Thanks for the reply.........still curious if anyone with valve replacement has had this show up afte ... Read more

Chris Calhoun Thanks for the reply.........still curious if anyone with valve replacement has had this show up after any length of time and / or if it was intermittent or if it caused any problems

Chris Calhounposted an update

1621 days ago

Are any of the men here taking testosterone with mechanical valves? My surgeon said to go for it - cardiologist doesn't like it - the benefits are big as ...Read more

Are any of the men here taking testosterone with mechanical valves? My surgeon said to go for it - cardiologist doesn't like it - the benefits are big as far as feeling well - any ideas?

Chris Calhounposted an update

1625 days ago

I had my aortic valve replaced with Mechanical on Sept 12 2019 to my 2 Pfizer shots last one was in late April - I will be 55 this year should I get the booster ...Read more

I had my aortic valve replaced with Mechanical on Sept 12 2019 to my 2 Pfizer shots last one was in late April - I will be 55 this year should I get the booster now?

Tersia Rogers What does your cardiologists recommend?

Richard Munson I also had 2nd pfizer end of april and got my flu shot yesterday. I may wait a month or so before thi ... Read more

Richard Munson I also had 2nd pfizer end of april and got my flu shot yesterday. I may wait a month or so before thinking booster. I recall being a pin cushion many moons ago at ft. Dix and not sure i want a repeat performance.

Chris Calhounposted an update

1666 days ago

I was on testosterone before OHS - I got a OnX Valve and now am on warfarin - my surgeon said test should be no problem - cardiologist doesn't particularly ...Read more

I was on testosterone before OHS - I got a OnX Valve and now am on warfarin - my surgeon said test should be no problem - cardiologist doesn't particularly like the idea - I can say the testosterone makes me feel better in lots of ways - should I take it?? There must be some guys dealing with this? Any comments appreciated

Patsy Stewart I know nothing about taking testosterone other than it can increase your cholesterol levels which can ... Read more

Patsy Stewart I know nothing about taking testosterone other than it can increase your cholesterol levels which can build up in your arteries and lead to a heart attack. I’m thinking that would be why your cardiologist is concerned with the idea of you taking it. Since we only deal with our surgeons for a short amount of time and then we don’t see them anymore, I would suggest that you listen to your cardiologist, and also talk with your general physician.

Chris Calhounposted an update

1670 days ago

I was on testosterone before OHS - I got a OnX Valve and now am on warfarin - my surgeon said test should be no problem - cardiologist doesn't particularly ...Read more

John Hannon I would take a functional medicine approach and if a test showed low levels then seek to figure out w ... Read more

John Hannon I would take a functional medicine approach and if a test showed low levels then seek to figure out why it's low and try to address the root cause if feasible. That said, I've never had mine tested and am just stating an approach to a lot of things.

Chris Calhounposted an update

1687 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Suddenly I have a huge vitamin D deficiency after OHS - has anyone seen this? Is there any link between the two? I have now been prescribed a D capsule to ...Read more

Suddenly I have a huge vitamin D deficiency after OHS - has anyone seen this? Is there any link between the two? I have now been prescribed a D capsule to take once a week Any comments are appreciated Thanks

Chris Calhounposted an update

1687 days ago

1 person reacted to this

my cardiologist has decided to up the dosage of my coreg to lower my resting heart beat from 84 to a goal of closer to 60??? anybody had any dealings with this? ...Read more

my cardiologist has decided to up the dosage of my coreg to lower my resting heart beat from 84 to a goal of closer to 60??? anybody had any dealings with this? How bad is 84? Is 60 realistic at age 54 and a bit overweight?

Richard Munson My resting heartbeat is now in the mid 80’s after being in the 90’s, on amlodipine and metropolol ... Read more

Richard Munson My resting heartbeat is now in the mid 80’s after being in the 90’s, on amlodipine and metropolol and 6 months after ohs. Yes, i am 79 but i think pretty fit. my surgeon and cardiologist are quite happy with that. Sometimes if i stand up too rapidly i can have a momentary lightheadedness. If it was only 60, i might be in trouble.

Susan Lynn Chris - I'm currently on extended release metoprolol and lisinopril. My heart rate is in the 50s and ... Read more

Susan Lynn Chris - I'm currently on extended release metoprolol and lisinopril. My heart rate is in the 50s and low 60s. I don't feel faint or weak and I'm older than you are! You should be fine. Keep us posted on your progress.

Rose Madura I had an ablation on 2007 for SVT and just prior, my resting heartbeat was in the mid 90s. After th ... Read more

Rose Madura I had an ablation on 2007 for SVT and just prior, my resting heartbeat was in the mid 90s. After the ablation. It dropped to mid 70s. After OHS, it's in mid 50 range and my cardiologist said that's just where we want it. The way I see it is that your heart only has so many beats. Now, I'm playing catch up.

Chris Calhoun thanks everyone!!! I love this site!! Thank God for it

E Taub Reading the comments and wondering how long after OHS it took to get the heart rate down into 60's. ... Read more

E Taub Reading the comments and wondering how long after OHS it took to get the heart rate down into 60's. I'm 7 weeks out and still in low 80's and occasionally high 70's. After surgery was in high 90's then started moving downward. Before surgery was in the 60s. Thank you in advance to your answers.

Joseph Heinzmann Took me months to get under 80 consistently and now I'm 66-72 for the most part. However today in the ... Read more

Joseph Heinzmann Took me months to get under 80 consistently and now I'm 66-72 for the most part. However today in the northeast it's hot and humid and when I go outside and walk anywhere, I jump right into the 90's+. That's really unusual so I'm chalking it up to the weather.

I'm low 50's during the night and if I'm just hanging out/watching TV, working on the computer, I'm always in the 60's.

Chris Calhounposted an update

1795 days ago

anyone here on warfarin had to have wisdom teeth pulled? I have heard to go off the blood thinner and not to go off ? which is correct?

Richard Munson Ask your dentist

Lynn Loudermilk Yes I would ask your dentist

Marie Myers I would consult both your cardiologist and dentist. There are several ways to get the extraction done ... Read more

Marie Myers I would consult both your cardiologist and dentist. There are several ways to get the extraction done. They may or may not hold your warfarin, or they may bridge you with heparin depending on your procedure. They will decide using the individual details of your case, like whether it is an uncomplicated extraction. It is not a “one size fits all answer”. Of course, there will be antibiotics involved also.

Chris Calhounposted an update

1818 days ago

Has anyone noticed their cholesterol rising post valve replacement ? Pre my total cholesterol was 242 the other day my blood showed 291 !!! What could cause ...Read more

Has anyone noticed their cholesterol rising post valve replacement ? Pre my total cholesterol was 242 the other day my blood showed 291 !!! What could cause this ? In a year and a half I’ve jumped 50 points and my diet has been better not worse

Marie Myers Just wondering if you have gained any of the “Quarantine 15” pounds during this pandemic? If so, ... Read more

Marie Myers Just wondering if you have gained any of the “Quarantine 15” pounds during this pandemic? If so, that could contribute to increased cholesterol. Sometimes, just losing 10% of your body weight can make a huge difference.

Chris Calhoun This could indeed be a player - thanks I had not thought of this

Chris Calhounposted an update

1823 days ago

Has anyone noticed their cholesterol rising post valve replacement ? Pre my total cholesterol was 242 the other day my blood showed 291 !!! What could cause ...Read more

Chris Calhounposted an update

1824 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Has anyone noticed their cholesterol rising post valve replacement ? Pre my total cholesterol was 242 the other day my blood showed 291 !!! What could cause ...Read more

Rose Madura Mine has gone up. I've always had great HDL which is what usually put me over 200 but lately (last ye ... Read more

Rose Madura Mine has gone up. I've always had great HDL which is what usually put me over 200 but lately (last year or two) my LDL started rising and HDL started going down. I've been taking supplements and trying to eat better and got it down to 188. Then 6 months later it's back up but not as high as it was. I'm continuing with supplements and plan to talk to my cardiologist about it in May when I see him.

Chris Calhounposted an update

1895 days ago

Hey everyone ! It’s been a bit since I checked in I am curious if any have had COVID with their new valve and how well that went ? Hoping we do not suffer ...Read more

Hey everyone ! It’s been a bit since I checked in I am curious if any have had COVID with their new valve and how well that went ? Hoping we do not suffer more than those without new valves ? Thanks

Chris Calhounposted a journal

1895 days ago

Hey everyone ! It’s been a bit since I checked in I am curious if any have had COVID with their new valve and how well that went ? Hoping we do not suffer ...Read more

Chris Calhounposted an update

1975 days ago

I am about 13 months out of Aortic Valve Replacement and have recently felt a little bit of a nagging pain near my left nipple. It is a ache and gets worse ...Read more

I am about 13 months out of Aortic Valve Replacement and have recently felt a little bit of a nagging pain near my left nipple. It is a ache and gets worse when I take a deep breath. It is not super painful, just more of a nuisance. I am researching Pericarditis and/or Pericardal Efffusion. Has anyone dealt with this?

Hello Chris, good to hear from you. How is your EF nowadays? I had a nagging pain on my left breast 6 ... Read more

Hello Chris, good to hear from you. How is your EF nowadays? I had a nagging pain on my left breast 6 months post op and it lasted for a couple of months but it went away. It has not come back. Maybe someone else have an answer for you. Be well and blessings for a continued recovery

Rose Madura I have had this pain from time to time. Actually, my husband has too so we aren't convinced it was ... Read more

Rose Madura I have had this pain from time to time. Actually, my husband has too so we aren't convinced it was from heart surgery. It goes away on it's own. But since everyone is different and I'm definitely not a doctor, you may want to mention it to your doctor.

Chris Calhoun Thanks for the replies - my Ejection Fraction improved from 34 all the way to above 50 now !! So tha ... Read more

Chris Calhoun Thanks for the replies - my Ejection Fraction improved from 34 all the way to above 50 now !! So that was one scare that seems to have just been part of the process of the trauma I had during surgery heal

So good to hear Chris. If your issue continue talk to your doctor. Let us know how you are doing.

Susan Lynn Chris - Glad to hear your EF has so greatly improved. Are you still taking Eloquis? ❤

Chris Calhounposted an update

1975 days ago

I am about 13 months out of Aortic Valve Replacement and have recently felt a little bit of a nagging pain near my left nipple. It is a ache and gets worse ...Read more

Chris Calhounposted an update

1981 days ago

I still seem to have a tightness in my chest when I breathe in deep. It is a pain and has felt this way since I had my Aortic Valve Replaced a little over a ...Read more

I still seem to have a tightness in my chest when I breathe in deep. It is a pain and has felt this way since I had my Aortic Valve Replaced a little over a year ago. If I stretch or turn a certain way I can feel this. Other than this issue I feel fantastic. I go back to the cardiologist in Jan so I will be asking my doctor (before everyone tells me to!) But in the mean time has anybody else noticed this? It almost seems like its going to be with me for a while if not always? Thanks

Rita Savelis I had that chest tightness for at least a year. Now (years later) I feel it off and on, especially wh ... Read more

Rita Savelis I had that chest tightness for at least a year. Now (years later) I feel it off and on, especially when I am tired or do something strenuous. I remember thinking it would pass after weeks/months..... but some things take a long long time to heal. Take care Chris.

Chris Calhoun Thanks - how many years do you have?

Chris Calhoun

Chris Calhounposted an update

1992 days ago

anybody hear of updates regarding Eloquist being approved as a viable alternative to Warfarin for us mechanical valve people?

Chris Calhounposted an update

2020 days ago

Darrin Vohs, Pat Bluemel, Rose Madura and 5 others reacted to this

ONE YEAR !! Sept 12th last year I got my new valve. I can tell everyone I would have never believed how good my recovery has been. The first few weeks were ...Read more

ONE YEAR !! Sept 12th last year I got my new valve. I can tell everyone I would have never believed how good my recovery has been. The first few weeks were rough but each day got a little better. Today I am jogging and/or working out 5 days a week and sometimes I forget I went through it!! This site has helped me tremendously!! Thanks to Adam and everyone!!!!

Congratulations and happy first anniversary. So glad you’re doing well. Be safe and continued recov ... Read more

Congratulations and happy first anniversary. So glad you’re doing well. Be safe and continued recovery

Darrin Vohs Happy valveversary! Congratulations on your recovery and first year anniversary.

Rose Madura Great to hear!

Marie Myers Happy anniversary! It is an amazing Journey, isn’t it?

Jared Takeshita Congratulations. That’s great news to hear. Keep it going.

Susan Lynn Happy Anniversary, Chris! Glad to read you're doing well! ❤

Lee Wright Congrats, thanks for the inspiration!!!

Chris Calhounposted an update

2054 days ago

Is there any reason not to take testosterone after a bicuspid aortic valve replacement (ON X Mechanical) so I am on warfarin??

Gerald Poulton IF I was you I would ask my Doctor that question, I think when you are on warfarin you probably want ... Read more

Gerald Poulton IF I was you I would ask my Doctor that question, I think when you are on warfarin you probably want to make sure before mixing drugs. It doesn't sound like it has been long since your surgery ? I found that it takes at least a year for your body and systems to heal.

Chris Calhounposted an update

2075 days ago

Has anyone seen any goos results from Entresto? Has it helped Ejection Fraction?

Chris Calhounposted an update

2078 days ago

Has anyone had any luck finding life insurance ? or are we just done with that idea now?

Pearl C I tried with AAA, it seemed possible, then they came back with questions about surgery, why, how long ... Read more

Pearl C I tried with AAA, it seemed possible, then they came back with questions about surgery, why, how long ago, last exam and request for records. . . that ended it.

Alex Sigalov If u get under $320k most of companies dont do health check, so if u spread it out over multiple insu ... Read more

Alex Sigalov If u get under $320k most of companies dont do health check, so if u spread it out over multiple insurers u can get a decent amount of coverage, i got my at 30 way before surgery so was not a problem for me.

Carlos Banuelos Yeah, I think we are uninsurable. I have tried a few times but have been denied. Even if you apply ... Read more

Carlos Banuelos Yeah, I think we are uninsurable. I have tried a few times but have been denied. Even if you apply for a policy with coverage under $320k there is usually a questionnaire that will cause a denial if you answer the questions about heart disease and past surgeries honestly. And if you don’t answer them honestly and then die, I’m sure they won’t pay on it. I would love to know if anyone has found coverage, and if so, from what company(ies).

Alex Sigalov Carlos, i think it matters if u die from that particular thing, i mostly got it for an accident or ca ... Read more

Alex Sigalov Carlos, i think it matters if u die from that particular thing, i mostly got it for an accident or cancer or something like that, i think also time frame is dependent; because some of them payout even if u commit suicide but it has to be after more than 2 years or something like that; maybe taking to a 3rd party agent who does work for a particular i company but deals with many different insurers will be able to point in right direction; as there are many different kinds with different options; selectqoute.com work with many insurer; and maybe they can just buit a exclution in if you pass away from heart issues they wont pay but anything else it will payout.

Carlos Banuelos Thanks, Alex. I have a 30 yr term policy I took out 14 years ago when I had my first child then trie ... Read more

Carlos Banuelos Thanks, Alex. I have a 30 yr term policy I took out 14 years ago when I had my first child then tried to get more insurance several times during last 5/6 years and got denied. I will try again and ask about specific exclusions pertaining to heart issues. That will probably be the cause so seems like a no brainer for an insurance company! 🤣

Chris Calhoun Thanks everyone - I am going to see if the exclusion route could work for me

Chris Calhounposted an update

2091 days ago

Entresto anyone?? Tell me something good about this very expensive drug please

Chris Calhounposted an update

2107 days ago

Entresto anyone?? Tell me something good about this very expensive drug please

Chris Calhoun

2108 days ago

anybody out there on Entresto?

Chris Calhounposted an update

2120 days ago

Has anyone been given Entresto? Has anyone seen improved Ejection Fractions?

Barbara Wood Yes, I did. I had a ef of 48 measured by echo before surgery, was 59 at last year's echo. That was ov ... Read more

Barbara Wood Yes, I did. I had a ef of 48 measured by echo before surgery, was 59 at last year's echo. That was over a period of 2 years. I take toprol xl - 12.5 mg/day & my cardiologist said it was that combined with exercise that raised it. Never taken entresto though.

Chris Calhoun Do you think the surgery improved your EF or the medicine?

Barbara Wood It was 52 or 3 a few weeks after surgery, so surgery def helped. I do mountain hike pretty much every ... Read more

Barbara Wood It was 52 or 3 a few weeks after surgery, so surgery def helped. I do mountain hike pretty much every day & ski every day in winter, so I am pretty active too. The toprolxl dosage is very low, I've never been on more than that, but because of the ef improvement, he wants me to continue - I tolerate it fine.