Denise's Journal

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  Good question, I glad you asked. I will be due after my surgery too. The very first time i went into A-fib was during the prep. Did all the prep and went ... Read more

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  Good question, I glad you asked. I will be due after my surgery too. The very first time i went into A-fib was during the prep. Did all the prep and went to the hospital for my colonoscopy and I was in A-fib they sent me to emergency room and I never got the colonoscopy after all that....

Marie Myers  The Coumadin will be of consequence if the doc needs to biopsy something during the colonoscopy. Your cardiologist and gastroenterologist will let you know ... Read more

Marie Myers  The Coumadin will be of consequence if the doc needs to biopsy something during the colonoscopy. Your cardiologist and gastroenterologist will let you know how your Coumadin needs to be handled for the colonoscopy.

Denise Campbell  Hi. Lessbif it’s for aortic valve. Not mitral. It’s been an adjustment. You need to be consistent with vitamin K intake. Bruising hasn’t ... Read more

Denise Campbell  Hi. Lessbif it’s for aortic valve. Not mitral. It’s been an adjustment. You need to be consistent with vitamin K intake. Bruising hasn’t been too bad. It’s a pain getting blood checked every two or so weeks. But I probably won’t have to have replacement like I know would happen if it was tissue valve replacement

Kate Watson  Hi Denise, how are you feeling these days?! I have bruises constantly now since being on Coumadin, but I am very clumsy so I often bump into things Sometimes ... Read more

Kate Watson  Hi Denise, how are you feeling these days?! I have bruises constantly now since being on Coumadin, but I am very clumsy so I often bump into things Sometimes I get huge bruises and don't know where they came from, or I get bruised from just scratching my skin too hard. I think it's just par for the course unfortunately, but if it's just gotten worse lately I'd touch base with your ACC. Has your INR been under good control?

Denise Campbell  Hi Kate. How are you? I've been good. Do your bruises have a lump under them? Yes I get them for no reason too. Sometimes I get worried about ... Read more

Denise Campbell  Hi Kate. How are you? I've been good. Do your bruises have a lump under them? Yes I get them for no reason too. Sometimes I get worried about it. I think I'm having a little pity party lately about having to be in meds forever. I'll get passed it. Hope you're well. I think I'm going to stay involved more in this site. Do you stay get on here often? How is the lady who had her surgery around the time we did? Was it Laurie? She had a bunch of complications

Rita Savelis  Denise, I hear you, Ihave pity parties regularly. And yet have been lucky to not get too many bruises. Or I'll just avoid looking or pretend they're not there.... ... Read more

Rita Savelis  Denise, I hear you, Ihave pity parties regularly. And yet have been lucky to not get too many bruises. Or I'll just avoid looking or pretend they're not there.... Whatever it takes to keep going.
Take care.

Juergen Li  My cardiologist told at the last visit - which was my one month post surgery visit - that there would be no need to see him again. I received a mechanical valve ... Read more

Juergen Li  My cardiologist told at the last visit - which was my one month post surgery visit - that there would be no need to see him again. I received a mechanical valve (should outlast me) and got a wrap around my slightly enlarged aorta which should stop any further change. I am feeling great, are very active and had no complications and a very smooth recovery. Returned to work in less than three weeks.

Emily Rowley  My Cardiologist is excellent and does all testing on my heart. At first due to my cardiac complication/surgery I was seeing him every 2 mnths with consulation ... Read more

Emily Rowley  My Cardiologist is excellent and does all testing on my heart. At first due to my cardiac complication/surgery I was seeing him every 2 mnths with consulation calls in between. Yesty I had my 6mnth post-op visit and since my heart is going well I will visit him in 6 months time (unless something happens before then) with update ecg+ekg. It depends how your condition is progressing and if anything needs closer monitoring. Is it your Cardiologist who you are not too happy with? You are entiled to a second opinion/change in Doctor to who you feel comfortable with. My old Cardiologist was only doing once every 12 months follow up.

Rita Savelis  It will really depend on your condition. It could be every 6 months or once a year. I know that is sort of scary... There is this feeling that one would like ... Read more

Rita Savelis  It will really depend on your condition. It could be every 6 months or once a year. I know that is sort of scary... There is this feeling that one would like to be seen more often. I went to my GP a lot at first (since I couldn't see a cardiologist often), because I just wanted someone to tell me I was okay and to answer my questions....

Denise Campbell  Thank you everyone. Rita it is scary to think I won't see a doctor regular. That's how it's been for a while. I feel better now that I've heard from you ... Read more

Denise Campbell  Thank you everyone. Rita it is scary to think I won't see a doctor regular. That's how it's been for a while. I feel better now that I've heard from you all and your all hearing the same thing. Thanks guys. Today starts a new school year and I'm with preschool this year. Wish me luck. Good luck Juergen. Try to go slow and ease in.

Chris Vereb  Before surgery it was happening to me. Its called night numbness. Very common as we get older I think. For me it was the position I sleep. Easiest thing to ... Read more

Chris Vereb  Before surgery it was happening to me. Its called night numbness. Very common as we get older I think. For me it was the position I sleep. Easiest thing to try is get two pillows for you arms and rest them on the pillows when sleeping. Try not sleeping with your arm under your head and pillow. It has to do with pressure we put on our arms when sleeping.

Jean Raber  What Chris said. I have a body pillow. Use the bottom portion to ward off sciatica and the top part to keep arm elevated. Stays in place better than two extra ... Read more

Jean Raber  What Chris said. I have a body pillow. Use the bottom portion to ward off sciatica and the top part to keep arm elevated. Stays in place better than two extra pillows and takes up less room in the bed. I had an expensive feather one when I was pregnant 20 years ago, but found the synthetic floppy cheapo one feels better now.

Meredith Bray  I was worried my first time flying also. But you know what? I had no issues at all. Before surgery I would feel weird things in my chest when changing altitudes, ... Read more

Meredith Bray  I was worried my first time flying also. But you know what? I had no issues at all. Before surgery I would feel weird things in my chest when changing altitudes, but since surgery I've experienced NO problems. My doctor suggested wearing compression stockings if I thought I wouldn't be able to get up and walk around on the plane. I wore them once, then disregarded them because they were hot and itchy.
We drove to Key West at my 10 week mark. I couldn't have driven down and back myself - 6+ hours one way. My ARMS were exhausted from holding the steering wheel for so long! I was still in the routine of taking naps, so it was nice to not be the only driver. It was a tiring weekend though, and I fell asleep pretty quick after relinquishing the driver seat on the way home.
tl:dr - You'll be fine. :)

Meredith

Kate Watson  Not very far yet, but I'm sorry for your loss. I am planning two short trips next month, when I will also be 3 months post op. Like Meredith said, I'd just ... Read more

Kate Watson  Not very far yet, but I'm sorry for your loss. I am planning two short trips next month, when I will also be 3 months post op. Like Meredith said, I'd just be sure to get up and walk around on your flight and consider compression stockings. And on your drive, I don't know how long of a drive it is, but definitely make sure you stop every few hours to walk around. And stay hydrated too!

Denise Campbell  Hey all. My flight to and fro Maine went well. And two days after we got back we drove to Indiana. That was good too we made that a two day trip to and ... Read more

Denise Campbell  Hey all. My flight to and fro Maine went well. And two days after we got back we drove to Indiana. That was good too we made that a two day trip to and two say drive back. We did get out and walk around too. So it all was good

Meredith Bray  Nice! My first vacation was about 4 months post op. I went for an INR test 3 days after I came home, and it was 4.8!!!!!! A stern talking-to from my nurse, ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Nice! My first vacation was about 4 months post op. I went for an INR test 3 days after I came home, and it was 4.8!!!!!! A stern talking-to from my nurse, and we determined that i had consumed liquor several nights (I don't usually drink) and neglected to eat my usually salads and vegetables, instead subsisting on hotdogs, hamburgers, and potato chips. Whoops! Now, I'm not above running to the grocery store while on vacation to grab some broccoli or green beans to munch on throughout the day.
Glad to hear you had no problems.

Emily Rowley  When on Coumadin, I noticed slot of unexplainable bruising, I talked to my GP he said the Warfarin will do that but since it is in my legs and didn't bump my ... Read more

Emily Rowley  When on Coumadin, I noticed slot of unexplainable bruising, I talked to my GP he said the Warfarin will do that but since it is in my legs and didn't bump my head it would be okay. But definitely check with your Dr/the clinic esp with your mechanical valve (which is important).

Meredith Bray  Change in activity level, slight change in diet, addition of alcohol, weight change. Mine changed at the end of last summer and I'm not sure why. Maybe because ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Change in activity level, slight change in diet, addition of alcohol, weight change. Mine changed at the end of last summer and I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's warmer out and we're wearing shorts and being more active, you may just be noticing it more? I'm interested to hear what your doctor says.

Denise Campbell  Hey Kate. My Coumadin lady said its because of the Coumadin. I also take a baby aspirin everyday. Do you? She said it is more worrisome if it's on ... Read more

Denise Campbell  Hey Kate. My Coumadin lady said its because of the Coumadin. I also take a baby aspirin everyday. Do you? She said it is more worrisome if it's on your torso area since it's harder to bump into things and hit your torso. So it might be something else causing the bleeding. I bumped my elbow and now I have a big ugly black and blue. She said with arms and legs you bump into things and not realize. It doesn't take a hard hit since we are sensitive

Kate Watson  Thanks for the response! I don't take any aspirin anymore, they had me stop it about a month ago. They said with warfarin and aspirin, the risk of bleeding ... Read more

Kate Watson  Thanks for the response! I don't take any aspirin anymore, they had me stop it about a month ago. They said with warfarin and aspirin, the risk of bleeding was increased. But I've read some literature that suggests it is better with mechanical valves to be on aspirin, so now I'm confused. I think it's debatable and depends on the individual. Do they plan to keep you on it for life?

Kate Watson  Hi Denise, I'm still struggling with sleep issues too. I hate to admit that I usually can't sleep soundly unless I take something, like Xanax. For me, it's ... Read more

Kate Watson  Hi Denise, I'm still struggling with sleep issues too. I hate to admit that I usually can't sleep soundly unless I take something, like Xanax. For me, it's usually related to anxiety or just being unable to get comfortable. Have you ever tried melatonin? I tried it one night and it worked, though I forgot to ask the Coumadin clinic if it's ok so I need to do that before using again. It is good for regulating sleep. My surgeon said the sleep cycle is the last thing to resolve! I imagine cardiac rehab is stirring up some pain while you re-build your strength. Maybe mention it to your rehab and see if they have suggestions. Maybe you are over doing it there?
Ah the sun- I miss it. We had some beautiful days here in Washington state but it's been so gloomy here lately!

Denise Campbell  I'm going to ask the Coumadin clinic (heather ) if melatonin is ok. Rehab does make me tired but it makes my legs restless at night and sometimes my knees ... Read more

Denise Campbell  I'm going to ask the Coumadin clinic (heather ) if melatonin is ok. Rehab does make me tired but it makes my legs restless at night and sometimes my knees hurt. And my arms and my back. Lol. I guess I'm a mess. My surgeon never mentioned sleep but hopefully this isn't my new pattern.

Kate Watson  Oh man, I think we get so de-conditioned after surgery, so it hurts to build the flexibility and muscle strength back. I really can't say I'm looking forward ... Read more

Kate Watson  Oh man, I think we get so de-conditioned after surgery, so it hurts to build the flexibility and muscle strength back. I really can't say I'm looking forward to cardiac rehab , I'm having too many pain issues as is still! Do you stretch afterwards or while you are there? Stretching is one thing that's helped me a lot.
I'm surprised your surgeon never mentioned sleep issues to you, I hear it is quite common and expected post surgery. Though I thought it would be resolved by now for me!

Meredith Bray  I take atorvastatin. It took me about 4 months to settle my legs down. Instead of taking it right before I lay down, I take it about 3 hours before bedtime. ... Read more

Meredith Bray  I take atorvastatin. It took me about 4 months to settle my legs down. Instead of taking it right before I lay down, I take it about 3 hours before bedtime. Also, i don't know how far past surgery you are, but I suffered decreasing bouts of insomnia for almost 6 months post-op. Everyone is different though. I still have a tendency to not sleep if I'm anxious or tense about something. I used to drink sleepy-time tea, but all that did was get me in the middle of the night to go.
Meredith

Sophia Ridley  Nicola and Barbara first connected through Facebook. I remember seeing one of Barbara's relatives post something for Nicola post op which implied that there ... Read more

Sophia Ridley  Nicola and Barbara first connected through Facebook. I remember seeing one of Barbara's relatives post something for Nicola post op which implied that there was news on Facebook.
Barbara/Dave - do you know? I haven't had chance to go back to St Thomas' this week.

Barbara Laurie  Hey folks, Nicola is finally awake and up, walking and eating. She's a tough fighter and before she was extubated they brought a food tray and she fought to ... Read more

Barbara Laurie  Hey folks, Nicola is finally awake and up, walking and eating. She's a tough fighter and before she was extubated they brought a food tray and she fought to make sure no one took it away😄 She's now in a new room with a lovely view of Big Ben , I think that's all the newest news so far!

Kate Watson  I understand insomnia is very common after the surgery. I am having trouble with it now in my second week post op. Do you feel like it's possibly anxiety? ... Read more

Kate Watson  I understand insomnia is very common after the surgery. I am having trouble with it now in my second week post op. Do you feel like it's possibly anxiety? I've been taking a small dose of Xanax to help with anxiety, plus I do a guided meditation before bed which helps. But I'm still not sleeping through the night, and need a nap during the day!

Tracy Simmons  Hi Denise. I have the same thing. I fall asleep just fine and about 3 hours later wake up and cannot go to sleep. I've learned some meditation and relaxation ... Read more

Tracy Simmons  Hi Denise. I have the same thing. I fall asleep just fine and about 3 hours later wake up and cannot go to sleep. I've learned some meditation and relaxation techniques which I've tried, but they don't work either. I'm on metoprolol and was on coumadin for six weeks, just ended it last week. I try to take a nap in the afternoon and sleep evades me then too.

Mike Brill  Hi Denise, I replied to a note from you without reading your post first. I too am on Lipitor, although only for the last 6-8 years or so. I take mine last ... Read more

Mike Brill  Hi Denise, I replied to a note from you without reading your post first. I too am on Lipitor, although only for the last 6-8 years or so. I take mine last thing at night and sometimes find it difficult getting to sleep. I generally find it because of a whirring mind, so meditation might be a good idea, but I generally find reading will settle my mind and tire my eyes sufficiently for me to nod off.

Mike

Meredith Bray  Lipitor can aggravate insomnia, but the biggest culprit is surgery. I watched a LOT of netflix just laying in bed with my cPap mask on for hours. I think it ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Lipitor can aggravate insomnia, but the biggest culprit is surgery. I watched a LOT of netflix just laying in bed with my cPap mask on for hours. I think it was mostly I couldn't/wouldn't relax enough to let go and fall asleep. Try getting a massage? I got much better quality sleep during my naps during the day, I'm not sure why.
Meredith

Enrique K  No problem Denise. Didn't go to cardiac rehab. Developed my own exercises. I had a very fast recovery and very fit at the time of my surgery. It was never ... Read more

Enrique K  No problem Denise. Didn't go to cardiac rehab. Developed my own exercises. I had a very fast recovery and very fit at the time of my surgery. It was never discussed with my surgeon and cardiologist. Others in this support group highly recommend it. Also make sure that your insurance covers it. Good Luck!

Emily Rowley  I'm also a special ed teacher, however I can't go back yet. My Surgeon is concerned with my clicking Sternum bone that hasn't healed yet. So it's when you feel ... Read more

Emily Rowley  I'm also a special ed teacher, however I can't go back yet. My Surgeon is concerned with my clicking Sternum bone that hasn't healed yet. So it's when you feel ready, you will know in yourself how you feel. I would suggest start by having shorter days (hopefully your workplace is flexible and supportive) and build the days up along you go, however we all have good and not so good weeks.

Denise Campbell  Yes Emily. You're right, good days and days when you're more tired and sore. I guess I'm just worried that's since its been 5 weeks for me I don't want others ... Read more

Denise Campbell  Yes Emily. You're right, good days and days when you're more tired and sore. I guess I'm just worried that's since its been 5 weeks for me I don't want others to think I'm taking advantage. But I am still easily tired and drained.

Mary Wagner  Hi, I teach orchestra at the elementary school. I am 7 weeks post-op. I was supposed to go back on 4/25 but I get too tired after about 3 hours. Last night ... Read more

Mary Wagner  Hi, I teach orchestra at the elementary school. I am 7 weeks post-op. I was supposed to go back on 4/25 but I get too tired after about 3 hours. Last night I judged a festival and was gone for 7 hours. Really tired today but think I will go back on May 2. My rehab doesn't start until 5/19 as I waited too long to call. Can you work half days?

Emily Rowley  You're defiantly not taking advantage of anyone, they should understand you have been through a major operation and your body still needs time to heal and recover ... Read more

Emily Rowley  You're defiantly not taking advantage of anyone, they should understand you have been through a major operation and your body still needs time to heal and recover more. See how you go at rehab, it will help as you progress. I feel heaps tired and worn out after a rehab session so I need more time. Anemia is terrible, have you had a transfusion?

Meredith Bray  pffft, i took the whole 12 weeks through FMLA! (Well, I drive CDL so I kinda HAD to wait that long....but still...) I felt like I could have gone back at 10 ... Read more

Meredith Bray  pffft, i took the whole 12 weeks through FMLA! (Well, I drive CDL so I kinda HAD to wait that long....but still...) I felt like I could have gone back at 10 weeks. My first day back I was right back at work driving & warehousing & working with students. At the end of the day.....oh MAN I hadn't been that tired in years! But it was a completely different kind of tired than before surgery. I still had enough energy to come home, make dinner, clean up, and since I was still arguing with the Sandman about insomnia, I didn't fall asleep until close to midnight. It got a little easier each day. At 5 weeks, you should still be increasing your activity levels and taking lots of naps!

Meredith

Patti Talbot  You are ahead of me - I'm just 12 days - but your day sounds like mine. I was annoyed and frustrated with everything still not being normal and was hard on ... Read more

Patti Talbot  You are ahead of me - I'm just 12 days - but your day sounds like mine. I was annoyed and frustrated with everything still not being normal and was hard on myself all morning for this. I called my sister (who has had same surgery) and she reminded me to listen to my body and slow down. It really helped to hear what i already knew. So relax and go to bed early and wear comfy pajamas and be easy on yourself. This is just so difficult, but tomorrow is a new day.

Barbara Adams  I'm 3 months post op and struggle with back pain. I had some physical therapy and it was helpful however the pain is still there. I also still have aching in ... Read more

Barbara Adams  I'm 3 months post op and struggle with back pain. I had some physical therapy and it was helpful however the pain is still there. I also still have aching in my chest. Some days I feel good and others, very tired. Healing is really an up and down process.

Wanda Mroz  Takes time for the body to fully heal... Up to a year... So be good to yourself and patient with yourself. This is a big surgery. I had back pain, etc. I ... Read more

Wanda Mroz  Takes time for the body to fully heal... Up to a year... So be good to yourself and patient with yourself. This is a big surgery. I had back pain, etc. I still get achy across my rib cage and I'm almost 8 mos post op. Much better than it was though.

Tracy Simmons  I am approaching 5 weeks post op and experience similar aches, but mine is more in my shoulders. Are getting enough sleep? Every night around 2am I wake up ... Read more

Tracy Simmons  I am approaching 5 weeks post op and experience similar aches, but mine is more in my shoulders. Are getting enough sleep? Every night around 2am I wake up and it takes forever to get back to sleep. Be patient with yourself and treat yourself well.

Meredith Bray  Make sure you are standing up straight! Very straight! And that you are supporting your upper body weight when resting/reclining. Resist the urge to curl inward ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Make sure you are standing up straight! Very straight! And that you are supporting your upper body weight when resting/reclining. Resist the urge to curl inward to "protect" your incision site. Head up, shoulders back!

Meredith

Sophia Ridley  Hi Denise, I had my mitral valve repair in mid Nov. I have a connective tissue disorder (EDS Hypermobility) which means everything's more stretchy and my muscle ... Read more

Sophia Ridley  Hi Denise, I had my mitral valve repair in mid Nov. I have a connective tissue disorder (EDS Hypermobility) which means everything's more stretchy and my muscle form weakens from lack of exercise.
I've had pains between my shoulder blade and spine, which prevented me sleeping flat. It spasmed recently and hurt a lot. I was using a hot water bottle and when spasmed a Physio had to sort it out (fabulous!) I was having trouble changing gear! I have had pain between sternum and ribs, which is/was Costochondritis, from trying to sleep on side and everything was still moving (meds and heat again).
I've also had muscle pain where my skull meets my neck, which was very tight. When loosened, my aura migraines have gotten a lot less frequent. When manipulating this area I had funny sensations under my scalp where I had felt tenderness.
All in all, I recommend that you see a Physio when 3 months (need to be skeletally healed) post surgery to put you back together!!!

Meredith Bray  Try standing up straight, and using your back muscles again. I had a LOT of back pain once I got home, until my Physical Therapist told me I really need to ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Try standing up straight, and using your back muscles again. I had a LOT of back pain once I got home, until my Physical Therapist told me I really need to use those core muscles that hold my upright. In addition, make sure your head, shoulders, neck, and arms are ALL supported when you are resting. It'll get better!
-Meredith

Linda Wiebe  Hi Denise, I had a mitral valve replacement 4/15/15. You asked what the EF is, it is the ejection fraction, the amount of blood pumped out of the heart to ... Read more

Linda Wiebe  Hi Denise, I had a mitral valve replacement 4/15/15. You asked what the EF is, it is the ejection fraction, the amount of blood pumped out of the heart to the rest of the body with each pump. Normal is 55-70% Mine was 40-45 prior surgery, after surgery it was 25 and then I had my right lung drained and the EF went down to 15%. They do not know why it is still so low yet. My throat has to heal before we can try the TEE again. They think the TEE will help them to determine why the EF is not higher. I sure hope so.
Denise, I hope things get better for you soon. I am thinking it took several months for me to be able to no use the pain pills.

Autumn Griffin  Yes, I had surgery on March 4 and I have a lot of upper back pain. It is actually worse than the chest pain at times. They are both getting better. I have ... Read more

Autumn Griffin  Yes, I had surgery on March 4 and I have a lot of upper back pain. It is actually worse than the chest pain at times. They are both getting better. I have found if I put pillows behind my back when I am in bed it gives me extra support and it is very helpful.

Kate Watson  Do you have a home testing kit or do you actually have to go to the lab every day? Starting on coumadin and all that goes with it is one of the things I'm ... Read more

Kate Watson  Do you have a home testing kit or do you actually have to go to the lab every day? Starting on coumadin and all that goes with it is one of the things I'm dreading the most! Glad you are home, hope you can get some rest.

Denise Campbell  I have to go to the clinic everyday. I'm on the fence about getting the at home kit. They are expensive plus my Coumadin manager is concerned the patient ... Read more

Denise Campbell  I have to go to the clinic everyday. I'm on the fence about getting the at home kit. They are expensive plus my Coumadin manager is concerned the patient can become obsessed with checking and since it takes a few days to change your INR level it is anxiety causing. So I don't know. Any opinions?

Erin Hannum  It can take a while to get the INR level where it should be and stay there. I know this from experience. I'm seven weeks post surgery and my INR is extremely ... Read more

Erin Hannum  It can take a while to get the INR level where it should be and stay there. I know this from experience. I'm seven weeks post surgery and my INR is extremely low and has been for a week. Yes, the clinic visits are very annoying, but I figure it that I'd rather do that than wait for a pig or heart valve to fail on me in ten years. I have a mechanical valve, that's why I'm on Coumadin. My clinic does not recommend a home test until I'm regular for quite some time. Doesn't look like that will happen soon. Best of luck with your decision, however, please know that my nurse said today that it can take a week after changing doses to actually see a difference in the INR so we don't want to get obsessed with this.

Barbara Laurie  So, Denise, that last line sounds like a comedy routine❣ Gee, says the Doctor.. I don't know of anyone getting headaches fron Lovanox, oh, by the way, your ... Read more

Barbara Laurie  So, Denise, that last line sounds like a comedy routine❣ Gee, says the Doctor.. I don't know of anyone getting headaches fron Lovanox, oh, by the way, your brain is asymetrical! Have a great day! Hope you're feeling better soon Denise and can rest at home❣🐥

Denise Campbell  Well lol. He asked me if I've ever had a crush scan. I said yes. He then asked if they had ever discussed findings. I don't remember them ever saying ... Read more

Denise Campbell  Well lol. He asked me if I've ever had a crush scan. I said yes. He then asked if they had ever discussed findings. I don't remember them ever saying anything So he then proceeded. He did say radiologist said it was probably from inutero , so I guess I'll trudge along with my weird brain. It's got me this far with no issues.

Barbara Laurie  I was like, hey, Ive never heard of a crush scan!! 😄 Glad it was just that darn auto correct! Well, an asymetrical brain will be a great family joke for ... Read more

Barbara Laurie  I was like, hey, Ive never heard of a crush scan!! 😄 Glad it was just that darn auto correct! Well, an asymetrical brain will be a great family joke for years to come, you're a gem, hang in there Denise, let us know how things go. Best Regards❤️

Jan McClain  Well your post sent me to Google for far too long this morning, such that I didn't clean the house or start food preparations, and was actually in the shower ... Read more

Jan McClain  Well your post sent me to Google for far too long this morning, such that I didn't clean the house or start food preparations, and was actually in the shower when two groups of family members were arriving for Easter brunch and ringing the doorbell. I blamed this and now blame all bad behavior on pumphead brain and plan to continue to do so for the rest of my life. Anyway I was fascinated by your asymmetrical brain and HAD to research it. Rejoice, Denise! Your brain asymmetry may mean you are more adaptable and also more able to multitask, though unfortunately you may be more vulnerable to attack by predators. There was a fair amount of information on "paw preference" and lots of other interesting stuff. Look it up!

Emily Rowley  Sorry you have been going through all this pain. I too had iron transfusions as we all lose blood during our Op causing our Hemoglobin level to drop leading ... Read more

Emily Rowley  Sorry you have been going through all this pain. I too had iron transfusions as we all lose blood during our Op causing our Hemoglobin level to drop leading to side effects like dizziness, I hope you feel better after yours too 💛 Look forward to hearing how you are and how your new ON-X Valve goes 😊

Denise Campbell  No Emily. I hear it so far when the room is really quiet and small. I did notice when I went to sleep but when I was in the bathroom, home and at the ... Read more

Denise Campbell  No Emily. I hear it so far when the room is really quiet and small. I did notice when I went to sleep but when I was in the bathroom, home and at the hospital, I hear it loud then. Of course, as I sit here typing, I can here it. So strange.

Emily Rowley  How come they need to start drip early? They told me to stop any blood thinners 1 month prior to surgery. Post-Op on Coumadin, plus combined Heparin injections ... Read more

Emily Rowley  How come they need to start drip early? They told me to stop any blood thinners 1 month prior to surgery. Post-Op on Coumadin, plus combined Heparin injections whilist in Hospital until my INR level became stable.

Clare Auten  I am not a medical professional. But, I learned though a hospital stay for low INR that heparin is a fast acting blood thinner and also leaves your body as ... Read more

Clare Auten  I am not a medical professional. But, I learned though a hospital stay for low INR that heparin is a fast acting blood thinner and also leaves your body as quickly. The tests they do to check your levels are different than the one for coumadin and once the IV stops the effects go away. If that is the case it may make sense.

Clare Auten  Yes. I can hear the valve. Not all the tune but sometimes. You get used to it. Diet consistency is important but has not been a major issue for me (except ... Read more

Clare Auten  Yes. I can hear the valve. Not all the tune but sometimes. You get used to it. Diet consistency is important but has not been a major issue for me (except one time). I get my blood checked every 4 weeks. I have been on the same dosage for over a year. I still eat pasta con broccoli and beef and broccoli. I have salad with lunch but mix in iceberg and don't eat the salad as lunch. Iceberg is no big deal so lettuce on a burger or sandwich isn't either. The ladies at my coumadin clinic are good about explaining things, asking questions and answering questions. I will try to keep following this thread but you can also email me at autenclare @gmail.com

Denise Campbell  Just had my pre op. I will have to go into the hospital Saturday 3 days before my surgery so they can put me on a heparin drip. I'm taking Coumadin for ... Read more

Denise Campbell  Just had my pre op. I will have to go into the hospital Saturday 3 days before my surgery so they can put me on a heparin drip. I'm taking Coumadin for afib but need to be Coumadin free for surgery. So heparin is the way to go. Getting anxious.

Nancy D  Hi Denise!
First of all you are in a great forum for support from others and information from others and the details that Adam has provided here! It is a ... Read more

Nancy D  Hi Denise!
First of all you are in a great forum for support from others and information from others and the details that Adam has provided here! It is a great site!
I had Mitral valve replacement over a year ago, at the age of 57. I was overwhelmed, and found that I could read here only in small amounts at first, until I could get my mind around the fact that what was supposed to "never bother me" was indeed bothering me to the point of surgery. My journal is sketchy, as I have never journaled before this experience, but you are welcome to read it, of course. Ask any questions you have, I am fine with that!
I will say that knowledge is power and as I researched the process I could ask intelligent questions with the providers that surrounded me. I am an RN but have never worked in cardiac or cardiovascular so it was foreign to me. So, I did some studying, and worked up some questions.
My advice would be is to learn more, find a surgeon you can talk with and feel good about, and also a cardiologist who fits with your needs as well. Bring some written questions with you, so you can remember them and ask them.
Stay positive, and know that you can get through this, it isn't a picnic, but it is do-able!
You are in a good place with good people here- not all have had Mitral valve surgery but there are some of us that have.
Take good care of you!!!
Prayers for you for peace and calming!
Nancy

Wanda Mroz  This is a wonderful group of people who've been through what you will be going through. Ask any questions and someone will know the answer. I had mitral valve ... Read more

Wanda Mroz  This is a wonderful group of people who've been through what you will be going through. Ask any questions and someone will know the answer. I had mitral valve repair, tricuspid repair and a maze procedure on Aug 12 and I'm doing well. Keep us posted! Best wishes!💕

Wanda Mroz  Did your surgeon tell you that your valve has to be replaced because mine really couldn't tell till he saw it. I had a repair that took longer but he fixed ... Read more

Wanda Mroz  Did your surgeon tell you that your valve has to be replaced because mine really couldn't tell till he saw it. I had a repair that took longer but he fixed it. I also had a tricuspid repair and a maze procedure.

Jacqueline Cook  Hi Denise. Welcome to the community! I am a Navy spouse! My husband was stationed at Naval Station Norfolk 2003-2006. We lived in Kempsville. I was diagnosed ... Read more

Jacqueline Cook  Hi Denise. Welcome to the community! I am a Navy spouse! My husband was stationed at Naval Station Norfolk 2003-2006. We lived in Kempsville. I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse with moderate/severe regurgitation in 2014. I was followed for a year while we were stationed in WA. Just before we transferred to PA I was told that I needed surgery. I too am 50 and in good health. I had mitral valve repair on November 11, 2015. I am curious about your condition? Do you have mitral valve prolapse?

Denise Campbell  Hi Jacqueline. I just figured out how to get back in here. I'm 50. And have known I have mitral stenosis and regurgitation for a number of years. It's ... Read more

Denise Campbell  Hi Jacqueline. I just figured out how to get back in here. I'm 50. And have known I have mitral stenosis and regurgitation for a number of years. It's now moderate to severe so it's time for surgery I'll have a mechanical valve. My surgery is naval hospital Portsmouth. I live a little north of Norfolk. How are you? How was your experience? I'm starting to get a little nervous. But so far I'm ok