Clare Auten - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Meredith Bray How nice to have a doctor follow up so thoroughly! Is everything ok now? What did it feel like? I had a feeling last weekend that felt like a baby octopus having ... Read more

Clare Auten Meredith, they gave me meds at the ER like my cardiologist suggested. I converTed to sinus rhythm with an hour and been good since.

John White What meds did they give you at the time and what meds do you need to continue on?

Clare Auten John, they gave me flecainide. I don't have to take anything daily but have a couple of doses for if the a-fib comes back.

Bob Fessler It sounds like your cardiologist came thru big time. I wonder about how available mine will be when I hear the desk telling someone the next open appointment ... Read more

How scary and unexpected. Glad they were able to get it back into rhythm fairly easily and how nice that your cardiologist was such an advocate for you.

Clare Auten Thanks guys. My cardiologist has been an great communicator and advocate since the first time I met him. He is a little quirky but he knows his stuff. He always ... Read more

Kimberly Biddick I am so glad that your scar is looking better... it sounds like it has given you a very rough time. Keep us posted!!!

Doran Herritt Has anyone used vitamin e on a scar. Do you wait until it is completely healed?

Elaine Cutri So glad to hear you have some relief Clare.

Emily Rowley I've used Vitamin E (and bio oil) on and around my scar when it was fully healed. It helped but I didn't notice a huge difference, probably due to scar already ... Read more

carol navin Mine has started to itch after the 14 months and as i mentioned i think the discomfort is from the wires... I dont want to go for an injection until i find ... Read more

Steven A Husted i wish you all the best

Rita Savelis I'm sorry that your husband didn't acknowledge your feelings and say: It's no fun to have a chest scar.
Do whatever you have to do to help you move forward. ... Read more

Daniel Spurgeon I also developed a keloid scar. My scar looked great until week 6, then grew dark pink and lumpy. A dermatologist gave me some injections in the highest portions ... Read more

Mary K Are you going to try the silicone strips? I am considering them.

Clare Auten Mary. I am doing them. The plastic surgeon says they work best within the first 6 months post op. She also said to use them consistently for 2 months.

Linda Wiebe I am at 8 months post on the 15th of Dec. I would like to try the silicon scar strips. do you need a script for them? I have been using benedryl gel and it ... Read more

Mary K I have been using the strips for about three months. I am about six months out from my surgery. Do not know whether they helped, because I have no other comparison ... Read more

Duane Beeman Glad it wasn't a "Recall Notice".

Suzanne Hunter Duane I love your sense of humour . When we are all going through the waiting times and then the healing times sometimes you just have to laugh and appreciate ... Read more

Clare Auten Duane I actually thought that same thing....

Elaine Foster Great news Clare. My surgeon told me this was coming soon, but I still opted for tissue valve instead. Happy for you

Rita Savelis I HATE the ticking! But what great news about the anticoagulant reduction.
I'm terribly jealous of anyone allowed to have a tissue valve....

Emily Rowley That's great, look into if it's only reduced for certain valves being replaced. I didn't know they could change the dosage of already implanted valves, I thought ... Read more

Bob M That's our initiation to the open heart surgery club! Nice scar!

Tammy Pilcher Clare, I don't hide mine either. I'm so proud of it! I'm going to post a picture too, but I have to wait until someone can help me. I'm technically challenged!

Barbara B. Bryan My scar is still very much visible after almost 14 years. I just with my surgeon had been a tad more centered! lol...

Duane Beeman I'd tell 'em I dropped a curling iron just to see the look on their face.....

Jim Kelly-Evans Wear it proudly!

Lin Casebier I am thinking I will ,too.... I think with some help from my sis when the time comes . WOW seriously not far away now . Getting a little freaky to say the least!!!

Rita Savelis Scars are cool. You're fab!