Has anyone bought or used a home INR monitor Coaguchek INRange System? It has blue tooth capability and I wondering if you like it?
People who use Coaguchek ...Read more
Has anyone bought or used a home INR monitor Coaguchek INRange System? It has blue tooth capability and I wondering if you like it?
People who use Coaguchek Xs System (their older machine without bloue tooth), so you like it? Has it been accurate for you?
Where did you buy it?
Thank you!
Dean Menta I had the old, non-bluetooth version for several years. It worked great and was extremely accurate. I ... Read more
Dean Menta I had the old, non-bluetooth version for several years. It worked great and was extremely accurate. I purchased mine direct with insurance help about 6 years ago. Just recently sold it on eBay. I never had issues with it and would highly recommend getting one. The new Bluetooth seems like a cool feature to have. Good luck Janea!
Janea Christensen Thank you Dean. Why did you end up selling it. Don't you like monitoring yourself? Or have you gone b ... Read more
Janea Christensen Thank you Dean. Why did you end up selling it. Don't you like monitoring yourself? Or have you gone back to the anticoag lab?
Clare Auten Hey, We haven't heard for a while. How are you doing?
I am 7 months post op from my heart surgery and 3 days ago I had to have a second surgery. I had a hysterectomy due to chronic menstrual hemmorhaging courtesy ...Read more
I am 7 months post op from my heart surgery and 3 days ago I had to have a second surgery. I had a hysterectomy due to chronic menstrual hemmorhaging courtesy of Warfarin. Being on blood thinners has been such a challenge for me. Here is hoping it gets easier!!
Wanda Mroz Oh my! I hope it gets better for you very soon. So sorry you are having complications. Hugs and p ... Read more
Wanda Mroz Oh my! I hope it gets better for you very soon. So sorry you are having complications. Hugs and prayers.💞
Clare Auten Sorry to hear that. Hope you ate recovering from the hysterectomy. Hope everything else is going we ... Read more
Clare Auten Sorry to hear that. Hope you ate recovering from the hysterectomy. Hope everything else is going well.
Enrique K Hugs and Prayers Jenea! Hope you recover quickly.
Lynee Casper Janae, you are amazing, in that you have addressed your challenges head on, (I read your story, raisi ... Read more
Lynee Casper Janae, you are amazing, in that you have addressed your challenges head on, (I read your story, raising four kids, while knowing you had heart issues), completed your second challenging heart surgery seven months ago, and now this surgery. The best to you, I send you positive thoughts hoping your recovery goes well.
Tracy Simmons Oh goodness, I hope your recovery is smooth and uneventful and that this will all be behind you soon. ... Read more
Tracy Simmons Oh goodness, I hope your recovery is smooth and uneventful and that this will all be behind you soon. Best of luck to you.
Janea Christensen Thank you for the warm fuzziness everyone! Such a caring group of people here!
I was in the ER again last night for the third time this month for excessive bleeding. INR was 4.2. Not too high. I am now severely anemic and have lost 5 pints ...Read more
I was in the ER again last night for the third time this month for excessive bleeding. INR was 4.2. Not too high. I am now severely anemic and have lost 5 pints of blood in just 4 days. I am almost 6 months post op and can't believe my life is still consumed with DR. appts at this stage in the game. So dissapointed.
Question for EVERYONE! How long did it take you to get stable on Coumiden following your valve replacement?
Emily Rowley I didn't have a valve replacement but I'm on Coumadin. I got stable really quickly within a couple of ... Read more
Emily Rowley I didn't have a valve replacement but I'm on Coumadin. I got stable really quickly within a couple of days, I could see I was stable and each INR level check was the same. I'm getting mine checked tomorrow.
Jim Kelly-Evans It took a couple of weeks...I had to have Lovenox injections until I got in range.
Questions: Do you like using your home INR monitor? What brand do you use?
I noticed you can buy the test strips and monitor on Amazon. Does anyone own ...Read more
Questions: Do you like using your home INR monitor? What brand do you use?
I noticed you can buy the test strips and monitor on Amazon. Does anyone own there own machine? WHo doses you? Do you feel competent to use it? It will cost me $1200 + to pay a company to let me "rent" their machine. I wondered about owning my own. It seems so much cheaper. I would love to learn as much as possible about this. Thank you!!
Robert Osmachenko W. Carter has a good handle on INR uses and abuses. He has posted some great write-ups and comments. ... Read more
Robert Osmachenko W. Carter has a good handle on INR uses and abuses. He has posted some great write-ups and comments.
Jeff V. My 20 year-old daughter has monitored her INR for 1.5 years using ALERE home monitoring eqpt. She te ... Read more
Jeff V. My 20 year-old daughter has monitored her INR for 1.5 years using ALERE home monitoring eqpt. She tests monthly and submits her results either online or over the phone which are in turn provided to her cardiologists office. If there are any issues or questions... her doctors office contacts her directly. She is completely untethered and is VERY happy with the ease and accuracy of use. (This eqpt. allowed her to live in Germany for one year without any problems.) The program was arranged through our insurance provider and all testing supplies are provided by Alere.
I am feeling soooo discouraged. My INR has been very unstable. It bounces all over the board. One week I am a 1.3 and giving myself Lovenox injections, the ...Read more
I am feeling soooo discouraged. My INR has been very unstable. It bounces all over the board. One week I am a 1.3 and giving myself Lovenox injections, the next week I am a 5.3. I have even been as high as an 8. The last two weeks I have been in the 4's and have had a spontaneous 45 minute nosebleed during a board meeting I was giving a presentation at! So embarrassing! Now my problem is heavy menstrual bleeding. I was in the ER today per my OB/GYN's request thanks to that lovely issue. I need a pep talk! It feels like this will never get better and sometimes I find myself regretting my valve choice. I know it's not good to spend time ruminating over a permenant decision, but honestly I had no idea that I would have this many problems with the drug. Anyone have advice for me? I am feeling extremely discouraged.
Emily Rowley At first my INR was very low at 1.3, it took abit (up the dosage) to rise to 1.5, it finally got up i ... Read more
Emily Rowley At first my INR was very low at 1.3, it took abit (up the dosage) to rise to 1.5, it finally got up in the 2 range and quickly stabilized (quicker than most people), each INR test I've had done lately is the exact same result 😊 Plus no more Heparin Injections. 💉 Reasons why= I've been closely monitoring my Vitamin K intake by recording my daily food in a booklet called 'Eating well with Warfarin' it has measurements, exchange points and great handy information. Also I've been given the same 3mg dosage (only using one brand-Coumadin) everyday constantly. I have a booklet to write down my INR+dosage and a pill box so I don't miss tablets. 💊 I hope this helps, let me know how it goes and if you would like to share things like your dosage+brand I may be able to give you my advice 👍 I was told too high INR can cause nosebleeds, blood in urine. Also try taking your blood thinners at the same time every night like I do. Oh no I was wondering about periods. I normally get a heavy period and after my Op day one I started to have my period 24/7 for over a week-this contribute to my low Iron. How is your Iron and other levels?
Clare Auten Sorry you are having trouble. I know sometimes I mess up and don't read labels as carefully as others ... Read more
Clare Auten Sorry you are having trouble. I know sometimes I mess up and don't read labels as carefully as others. I was drinking a flavored water type beverage one week (they were on sale but not something I normally get) and realized the strawberry lemonade had green tea extract which can impact INR. I also ate a bunch of trail mix one week (a gift from a student) that had soy clusters. It impacted my INR by the end of the week. Any changes in meds? A lot of them can impact it too. Hang in there. I will keep thinking
Jim Kelly-Evans Sorry to read about your difficulties maintaining your INR in range. I found that dietary consistency ... Read more
Jim Kelly-Evans Sorry to read about your difficulties maintaining your INR in range. I found that dietary consistency is the key to INR stability. You can consume foods rich in vitamin K as long as you do it on a consistent basis. For example, have a big green salad every day as I did when I was on Warfarin. The mantra is "dose the diet," rather than eating or not eating various foods in order to try to raise or lower your INR while on any given daily dose. I hope that you can resolve your INR issues quickly.
Shannon Sullivan ok, this may sound dumb but what is "INR" and does it depend on what kind of valve you have?
Sharmin Atker Shannon, it's not a dumb question. It's the time for the bood to clot, when taking s blood thinner, ... Read more
Sharmin Atker Shannon, it's not a dumb question. It's the time for the bood to clot, when taking s blood thinner, it's checked at least weekly. I only know this because after surgery I went into AFib and had to start taking Warafin. The INR should be between 2-3, ideally 2.5,. The higher the INR, the longer it takes your blood to clot.
Shirley Daley My INR Was 10 before I was released from the hospital ....and had it checked 2 times a week. It too ... Read more
Shirley Daley My INR Was 10 before I was released from the hospital ....and had it checked 2 times a week. It took almost 3 months to get mine regulated .....by then my cardiologist took me off of waffarn.
My body was VERY sensitive to it.
Elaine Cutri I'm sorry that it's been so difficult to get to a stable INR level. After many peaks and valleys in m ... Read more
Elaine Cutri I'm sorry that it's been so difficult to get to a stable INR level. After many peaks and valleys in my INR level, my doctor prescribed Coumadin only, not warfrin. Sometimes the inactive ingredients interfere. I also have learned to be very consistent with what I eat. I have my greens or salads, wine, but I try eat and drink in a consistent manner. I use a daily pill container to help me figure out if I've taken my Coumadin for the day - I still screw that up now and then. Every summer, right after tomatoes came into season, my INR would shoot up, they would adjust my meds and it would go too low. It's very frustrating, but it will get better. What is you target INR range? Hang in there, we're here to cheer you on!
Elaine Cutri Hi Janea and Shannon,
Sharmin answered the INR question. The type of valve will dictate the INR rang ... Read more
Elaine Cutri Hi Janea and Shannon,
Sharmin answered the INR question. The type of valve will dictate the INR range. When I had a pig valve to replace my aortic valve I didn't take any Coumadin until the valve was 9 years old, then the INR was 1.8. When I had a St Jude valve the range was 2.5-3.5, I always had a bruise on my forearm. Now I have an On-X and the range is 2.0-3.0, it could be as low as 1.5, but my cardiologist is not comfortable with that low of INR. Now I'm either much more careful or the range is low enough so bruising is significantly reduced.
Christine Oliva I can concur with most people that eating a low vitamin K diet every meal is key in maintain a stable ... Read more
Christine Oliva I can concur with most people that eating a low vitamin K diet every meal is key in maintain a stable INR readings. Avoid any fast foods and most restaurants since many spices are also high in vitamin K. I only ate iceberg lettuce and that was very small servings and only once or twice a week. They say you can eat iceberg, but I noticed mine with up considerably with it. I stuck to low vitamin K foods only and had 2.4-2.5 almost all the time. Also, able to get off it a week earlier too. Yea, my meals were a little boring but it was 12 weeks of boring verses additional weeks or months of boring eating. Now I'm 4 months post and I'm hungry again and don't need to deal with Coumadin. Just a daily aspirin now. Good luck and ask your doctor or the physician assistant what they recommend too.
Janea Christensen Thank you so much for everyones responses. Emily, I did find a pdf of the booklet you talked about an ... Read more
Janea Christensen Thank you so much for everyones responses. Emily, I did find a pdf of the booklet you talked about and I am going to print it off and start tracking my diet. Up to this point I have just been trying to stay consistent in my head but it is such a struggle to stay stable. The booklet looks great. Thank you so much for telling me about that!
The other day I tried walking up a hill for the first time. I picked a hill I have walked up a hundred times. There are two places on this hill I always have ...Read more
The other day I tried walking up a hill for the first time. I picked a hill I have walked up a hundred times. There are two places on this hill I always have to stop to catch my breath before making it to the top. I'm 6 weeks post surgery. I climbed up the hill for the first time in my life with no stops! I was hardly breathing hard when I reached the top. It was EASY!!! I burst into tears at the top. I couldn't believe I did it! This means my symptoms were caused by my valve and my new valve let's more blood through so I can charge up a hill with ease. Yahoooo! My life is going to be drastically different in a good way!
Mary K Fabulous. What a miracle. Isn't it wonderful to have a concrete indicator of your progress?
Gerald Schaffer That's wonderful. To actually accomplish something that you couldn't before really lets you know how ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer That's wonderful. To actually accomplish something that you couldn't before really lets you know how much better you are.
Betsey Osgood That is so GREAT! I'm out walking everyday and have my eye on a hill that used to really challenge me ... Read more
Betsey Osgood That is so GREAT! I'm out walking everyday and have my eye on a hill that used to really challenge me! I'm 3 1/2 weeks post op so I think I'll give it a couple more weeks to try! Thanks for sharing your accomplishment with us!!!
Kelly Weisgarber Awesome! I cannot wait to be on the other side of "the recovery hill" and can't wait to feel like I c ... Read more
Kelly Weisgarber Awesome! I cannot wait to be on the other side of "the recovery hill" and can't wait to feel like I can tackle those long walks that include the hills in my neighborhood. Good for you
Nancy D Keep on climbing new heights and wonderful views await you!!!
Eddie Patton I had the same experience and ended up pouring tears at the top of a ramp at a football game. That w ... Read more
Eddie Patton I had the same experience and ended up pouring tears at the top of a ramp at a football game. That was the day I knew I could do everything that I could do before and more. How amazing it is what this surgery can do for you.
Congrats!
So I finally reached 2.3 INR in the hospital and they let me go home. Yes!! The next day my INR was 1.9 and today it is 4.2. Goodness it is hard to regulate!! ...Read more
So I finally reached 2.3 INR in the hospital and they let me go home. Yes!! The next day my INR was 1.9 and today it is 4.2. Goodness it is hard to regulate!!
Tammy Pilcher I'm glad you're home Janea! Yay!! I hope you get your INR regulated soon. Keeping you in my prayer ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher I'm glad you're home Janea! Yay!! I hope you get your INR regulated soon. Keeping you in my prayers, heart sister! God bless!
Bob M Home is where your fixed heart is. God bless and rise up!
Elaine Cutri So glad to hear that you're home. The INR will settle down.
Shirley Turner Thinking of you take it easy. Hugs Shirley
Rita Savelis I wish someone had told me how long it takes for INR to stabilise and for ones body (liver) to get us ... Read more
Rita Savelis I wish someone had told me how long it takes for INR to stabilise and for ones body (liver) to get used to the meds. It took me at least 3-4 months. Now, at 6 months I am allowing 3 wks between blood test for the very first time. I am finally more relaxed about it. Hang in there Janea.
W. Carter It took me about 7 mo. for my body to get used to it. Now after 10 mo. it seems to be pretty stable. ... Read more
W. Carter It took me about 7 mo. for my body to get used to it. Now after 10 mo. it seems to be pretty stable. I wouldn't worry about the 1.9, that is actually good enough for most valves. What you need to worry about is the high spikes of 5.0 and higher. I had a spike of 7.0 and had a life threatening brain bleed (subdural hematoma) that required an operation to drain it. I was in the hospital for 2 wks. on that one. I also had numerous nose bleeds that wouldn't quit and had to go to er. At the pro time clinic later the doc said the spikes "just happen" no explanation. Now my inr seems to stay between 3.0 and 3.5 in range. I take 42.5 mg weekly. Stay with it, it will all work out in time.
Janea Christensen The brain bleed you had, was it spontaneous or did you bump your head? That sounds so dangerous!
Hi Friends,
I cannot believe I am writing my almost 4 week update from the hospital! My thoracentisis was a big success. They pulled over a liter of ...Read more
Hi Friends,
I cannot believe I am writing my almost 4 week update from the hospital! My thoracentisis was a big success. They pulled over a liter of fluid from the space around my lungs! Now I am just waiting for the INR to go up so I can go home. My INR is 1.4 right now. It has budged only slightly. I can't tell you how happy it will be to be back home. My kids are so ready for things to go back to normal. ....just got word. This morning my INR is 1.5. It only moves up by a tenth of a point. Looks like I may be here a while longer.
Ruth Reshad It sounds like you are very patient with the delay in getting home. Sorry to hear you are going throu ... Read more
Ruth Reshad It sounds like you are very patient with the delay in getting home. Sorry to hear you are going through this but get well all the way before going home.
Elaine Cutri Thanks for the update. I don't know if multiple surgeries are the cause, but the same thing happened ... Read more
Elaine Cutri Thanks for the update. I don't know if multiple surgeries are the cause, but the same thing happened to me. It took 2 taps to get rid of all the fluid. Once it was gone it didn't come back. I hope one is enough for your body to realize it's safe from the surgery and finish healing. Waiting for the INR to come into range is the pits. Everyone at the hospital looks at you and says "are you still here? You look so good." The good news, once the fluid is gone you should see some real improvement in your energy level and start to feel stronger. Prayers and hugs!
Gerald Schaffer I hope your inr gets to where they want it so you can go home and continue with your recovery.
Tammy Pilcher Janea, I'm glad your thoracentisis was a success! Prayers for the INR to improve too. God bless you ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Janea, I'm glad your thoracentisis was a success! Prayers for the INR to improve too. God bless you!
Rita Savelis I had 4 of those procedures and it took a long time to get my INR correct - I was on IV's for awhile. ... Read more
Rita Savelis I had 4 of those procedures and it took a long time to get my INR correct - I was on IV's for awhile. Developing fluid in the lung area is a common and natural reaction of the body to the trauma the lungs have been through. Sometimes the body absorbs that liquid on its own, but other times it keeps producing liquid that has to be drained. I was in hospital for 7 weeks and then after a week at home went back for 2 more weeks with more fluid to drain....
Shirley Turner Healing thoughts coming your way Hugs Shirley
Hi Friends,
I cannot believe I am writing my almost 4 week update from the hospital! My thoracentisis was a big success. They pulled over a liter of ...Read more
Hi Friends,
I cannot believe I am writing my almost 4 week update from the hospital! My thoracentisis was a big success. They pulled over a liter of fluid from the space around my lungs! Now I am just waiting for the INR to go up so I can go home. My INR is 1.4 right now. It has budged only slightly. I can't tell you how happy it will be to be back home. My kids are so ready for things to go back to normal. ....just got word. This morning my INR is 1.5. It only moves up by a tenth of a point. Looks like I may be here a while longer.
I went in to see my heart surgeon for my two week check up. To my utter surprise, he told me he was readmitting me to the hospital. My small pleural effusion ...Read more
I went in to see my heart surgeon for my two week check up. To my utter surprise, he told me he was readmitting me to the hospital. My small pleural effusion has grown into a moderate one and I have fever, coughing, shortness of breath ect... so now I am in the hospital waiting for my INR to go down (3.8) so they can do a thoracentethis on me. I really, really hope they can pull the fluid out that way because plan B is a chest tube and I know from first hand experience how badly chest tubes hurt when they are placed between ribs.
Tammy Pilcher Praying for you Janea. God bless you, heart sister.
Janea, I pray they can get all the fluids out with minimal discomfort so you can start feeling well s ... Read more
Janea, I pray they can get all the fluids out with minimal discomfort so you can start feeling well soon. Best Wishes
John Schutte Janea, Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy and relatively pain free solution to this ... Read more
John Schutte Janea, Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy and relatively pain free solution to this hiccup in your recovery. May God give you strength.
Terrie Syvertsen Janea, I am sorry you have to end your two week check up like this BUT...if undetected it would have ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Janea, I am sorry you have to end your two week check up like this BUT...if undetected it would have probably been harder on your body and longer to correct so know we are thinking of you and happy that you are in the right place to correct this and hopefully get you back home soon. Saying a prayer and get well wishes.
Terry Shermeister Prayers and healing thoughts Jeana. I know this will be just a small bump in the road.
Alma Mater Janea, I am praying that the doctor gets all the fluid out easily with the thoracentethis, so that yo ... Read more
Alma Mater Janea, I am praying that the doctor gets all the fluid out easily with the thoracentethis, so that you can continue on your recovery. I pray for God's peace and comfort as you wait in the hospital, and for the rest of your recovery to go without any more events. May His hand guide your doctor's hands.
Janea Christensen Such kind and comforting words. Thank you everybody!
Elaine Cutri Bummer. It happens frequently. I had the same issue and ended up being readmitted too. I had to wait ... Read more
Elaine Cutri Bummer. It happens frequently. I had the same issue and ended up being readmitted too. I had to wait serveral days to get the INR down, tap, get the INR back up. I had to go through this process twice. I hope they get it all in one shot!
Elaine Cutri I reread your story. You are in my prayers for the fluid to go away and stay away!
Enrique K Janea! I wish you the best and hope everything goes smooth with the procedure! Stay strong.
Well I have been home from the hospital for a week. I still have no energy and spend much of the day lying down and resting. Today I went on two twenty five ...Read more
Well I have been home from the hospital for a week. I still have no energy and spend much of the day lying down and resting. Today I went on two twenty five minute walks. I still have a small plueral effusion in both lungs and breathing takes a lot of work. I have also come down with a coughing sickness and it's soooo painful. I cough and cough and cough each day. Robitusssin is my friend. I have been pretty miserable but trying to keep in mind that this is all temporary and my old life will come back to me soon, but probably in very small pieces. Today was a hard day, but tomorrow always holds the chance that it will be better than today. Eating is hard for me. Everything tastes TERRIBLE! It's like someone has altered my taste buds. Has anyone had this problem. I have to force myself to eat. There is no pleasure in it.
Jackie Owens I'm 8 days out and nothing tastes good at all. Things I loved to eat/drink I can't stand to taste. ... Read more
Jackie Owens I'm 8 days out and nothing tastes good at all. Things I loved to eat/drink I can't stand to taste. You're not alone on that. I also have a terrible cough from some ongoing damage to my throat from the tubes... Not fun at all! Feel better !
Tammy Pilcher Janea, it will get better. It takes time, but before you know it you will realize you feel alot bett ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Janea, it will get better. It takes time, but before you know it you will realize you feel alot better. Keeping you in my prayers for a smooth recovery. God bless!
Elaine Cutri Hang in there, both Janea and Jackie. It will get better soon, it just may take a while. I thought it ... Read more
Elaine Cutri Hang in there, both Janea and Jackie. It will get better soon, it just may take a while. I thought it was a major test of patience. The cough and fluid will go away and the taste buds come back. Really.
Rita Savelis To see any improvements, one has to compare from one week to the next, not from day to day. Liquid i ... Read more
Rita Savelis To see any improvements, one has to compare from one week to the next, not from day to day. Liquid in the lung linings makes one really tired as there is less room for air/oxygen in there. Hang in there. It's still so very very early for you.
Shirley Turner Sending healing hugs your way... Just take it one day at a time.
Jeanette Davidson Janea~
I completely lost my appetite. It was so unusual for me because I have a healthy appetite. It ... Read more
Jeanette Davidson Janea~
I completely lost my appetite. It was so unusual for me because I have a healthy appetite. It took about three weeks I think. Sorry about your car. Keep up your great attitude sounds like you and positive place .💕
Gerald Schaffer 25 minute walks are great. I get tired out after about 10 minutes. My recent blood test showed I'm an ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer 25 minute walks are great. I get tired out after about 10 minutes. My recent blood test showed I'm anemic, we're starting to work on that and I hope to be up around where you are soon. Congrats on how well you're doing.
Sorry you haven't heard from me. I guess my husband was too overwhelmed to post my updates during surgery. My surgery was 8 days ago and I was thrilled to learn ...Read more
Sorry you haven't heard from me. I guess my husband was too overwhelmed to post my updates during surgery. My surgery was 8 days ago and I was thrilled to learn they were able to fit a same size/ slightly larger mechanical valve in place of my tissue mitral valve. I was told because of scar tissue, it is only possible to place a same size (if your lucky!) or smaller valve in place of the old valve. To think that I have an even bigger valve than the one I had before, and knowing that mechanical has better flow characteristics, I feel I can dare to dream of increased activity level, someday in the future. My dream is to run again and hike up a mountain with my family. I can't believe how good I feel and how different this surgery was from the last! Wow!
Last surgery at this point I was still extremely miserable in the hospital. This time I got out on post op day 6. Last time I came out of surgery with and ejection fraction of 20 (Bad! It eventuially went higher over time). This time I came out with a higher ejection fraction than when I went in! (from a 55 to a 65). I am tired and sore and of course dealing with the normal ailments, but I am also going upstairs frequently, walking like a champ, napping occasionally but mostly around my family interacting and doing normal things. All heart valve surgeries and recoveries really are not created equal. I was ten years younger during the last surgery and it was ten times harder than my experience now.
I will post some pictures soon!
Mary K EF 55 to 65!!! From 20???. Praise God. I am so happy for you. May you continue to recuperate smoothly ... Read more
Mary K EF 55 to 65!!! From 20???. Praise God. I am so happy for you. May you continue to recuperate smoothly.
Eleanor R I know what the 20 EK means, dire heart failure, and 65 is even better than normal (generally around ... Read more
Eleanor R I know what the 20 EK means, dire heart failure, and 65 is even better than normal (generally around 60), so you are doing very well, and I wish the same good recovery for you so that you are soon back to better than normal with your family hikes. Best wishes, Eleanor
Tammy Pilcher I'm so happy to hear your great news, Janea! Prayers for continued recovery! God is good!
Patrick Dowd Good to hear, Janea. I'm nine weeks out and feeling like my old self. Exercise every day,bicycle ri ... Read more
Patrick Dowd Good to hear, Janea. I'm nine weeks out and feeling like my old self. Exercise every day,bicycle riding and more energetic walks. You are I your way to that hike with the family.
Terrie Syvertsen Very happy to read your update and happier to feel the sense of optimism and relief in your post! You ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Very happy to read your update and happier to feel the sense of optimism and relief in your post! Your great attitude will take you far in your recovery and I wish you and your family well! Take care and be well!
Clare Auten I followed the care page site. ;)
Glad everything is going well.
Janea Christensen Thank you everybody. This hopeful news was a long time coming and it just thrills me! It tempers and ... Read more
Janea Christensen Thank you everybody. This hopeful news was a long time coming and it just thrills me! It tempers and puts into perspective whatever aches and pains I have now.
I heard from the anethesiologist yesterday and surgery is a "go" for this Friday. Phew! Who would ever think I would be celebrating that, but I am because my ...Read more
I heard from the anethesiologist yesterday and surgery is a "go" for this Friday. Phew! Who would ever think I would be celebrating that, but I am because my surgery has been set three different times!! Ironically, someone from my surgeons office called me yesterday afternoon and said they have had some emergencies comes up and would it be okay if I had surgery tomorrow? WHAT THE?!! Um, ya....that is a problem. So glad it was optional because that would have been a crazy-big problem. That is like asking someone if it's okay to move their wedding day up a couple days. There are so many parts and pieces in place for my surgery and recovery (like for example, I have 4 kids and their first day of school is today the day she wanted my surgery!!) Nuts!! While I am not excited for the healing process I am definitely tired of being on this side of things. So bring it on. Let's do this!!
Jacqueline Cook Glad to hear that things are working out for you, Janea. Sending positive thoughts your way and praye ... Read more
Jacqueline Cook Glad to hear that things are working out for you, Janea. Sending positive thoughts your way and prayers.
Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Janea, for Friday. I'm so happy for you to almost have this behind you! Go ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Janea, for Friday. I'm so happy for you to almost have this behind you! God bless you!
Jean Raber Glad the scheduling is going your way. Hope that's a good omen for the rest of your surgery! Take car ... Read more
Jean Raber Glad the scheduling is going your way. Hope that's a good omen for the rest of your surgery! Take care.
John Schutte Great attitude:-) I'll be praying for you! Best of luck!
Autumn Griffin Thank goodness, I am so glad you got your date and it isn't the first day of school. Best wishes Frid ... Read more
Autumn Griffin Thank goodness, I am so glad you got your date and it isn't the first day of school. Best wishes Friday! Before you know it you will be giving post op advice here. And you will be feeling much better by Christmas. You and your family will be so glad.
Elaine Cutri That sounds like good news. It sounds like you're in good shape to tolerate the surgery. I've had a m ... Read more
Elaine Cutri That sounds like good news. It sounds like you're in good shape to tolerate the surgery. I've had a mechanical valve since 1993, but on Coumadin since 1990 when my porcine aortic valve started to calcify. I miss the days of no Coumadin, but I lead a pretty active life and have learned how to be consistant with my diet so I can enjoy wine and greens with my friends and family. Best wishes on a successful surgery!
Terry Shermeister It will be a great relief for you to have this in the rear view mirror and full speed ahead toward yo ... Read more
Terry Shermeister It will be a great relief for you to have this in the rear view mirror and full speed ahead toward your recovery and healing. Prayers and healing!!
Gloria Savannah-Austin You are cleared for take-off and soon will be on your way to healing. Be gentle with yourself this we ... Read more
Gloria Savannah-Austin You are cleared for take-off and soon will be on your way to healing. Be gentle with yourself this week and treat yourself to a massage or something you can line up post surgery that you will enjoy. All will be well and you'll be posting updates here in no time at all.
Naomi Ivker Good deal! I'm glad you will be able to be there for the first day of school. I was one week out of ... Read more
Naomi Ivker Good deal! I'm glad you will be able to be there for the first day of school. I was one week out of surgery so at least home when they needed to tell me about it. Good luck, I know you will be glad to be on the other side.
Terrie Syvertsen Janea- I am very glad to see the day is here for you to get on the other side of this surgery and bac ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Janea- I am very glad to see the day is here for you to get on the other side of this surgery and back to your home and children......and a fuller, healthier life. You have the good wishes and prayers of many in our community with you and you will be very surprised at the mental weight removed from all of this waiting and scheduling and to know you are on the other side of it! I wish you the best outcome and smoothest of surgeries and that you find yourself home soon! You are going to do exceptionally Heart Sister! Take care and God Bless.
Lynne Ladd Glad you were able to enjoy first day of school with your children. It's a special day! You will hav ... Read more
Lynne Ladd Glad you were able to enjoy first day of school with your children. It's a special day! You will have many more.
Loved your analogy of 'changing your wedding day'.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you start your recovery journey.
Gloria Savannah-Austin Good Luck tomorrow- will be thinking about you all day and hoping for the best.
Terry Shermeister Will be thinking about you and prayers for a non-eventful procedure and a fast recovery.
Patrick Dowd Prayers for a very successful surgery and easy recovery.
My surgery was postponed a month because of low hematocrit. I have spent the last month getting iron transfusions and eating read meat and spinach but my levels ...Read more
My surgery was postponed a month because of low hematocrit. I have spent the last month getting iron transfusions and eating read meat and spinach but my levels still aren't up as high as we want. Has anyone had a similar problem?
Clare Auten Sorry to hear of your difficulty. What is the next step?
Jean Raber Jeez, that must be hard Janea. So your surgery will be early October now? Yes, please let us know wha ... Read more
Jean Raber Jeez, that must be hard Janea. So your surgery will be early October now? Yes, please let us know what the doc wants to do next.
Autumn Griffin That is unfortunate. Do they know what the problem is?
Steven A Husted yes my iron was low but not that bad to postpone my surgery but after my surgery they put me on iron ... Read more
Steven A Husted yes my iron was low but not that bad to postpone my surgery but after my surgery they put me on iron pills and one year out i am still on iron pills i guess some have more iron than others
Rita Savelis Spinach doesn't have iron, that's a myth! Eat lentils, rare red meat, liver... Good luck. Most patien ... Read more
Rita Savelis Spinach doesn't have iron, that's a myth! Eat lentils, rare red meat, liver... Good luck. Most patients seem to have low iron post-surgery so I'm sure they are doing the right thing by getting yr levels up pre-surgery.... Enjoy your time before surgery. Think good thoughts.
Christine Oliva I hope your surgery went well and you are on the road to recovery. Be strong we are all cheering for ... Read more
Christine Oliva I hope your surgery went well and you are on the road to recovery. Be strong we are all cheering for you!!!
Janea Christensen Care Pages is a website that is free where you can easily post updates to friends and family about yo ... Read more
Janea Christensen Care Pages is a website that is free where you can easily post updates to friends and family about your recovery or surgery. It was easier for me to use that than long lists of emails.
Rosemary Resler Just looked at it on Care Pages, very interesting. I'm going with a tissue valve, just don't want to ... Read more
Rosemary Resler Just looked at it on Care Pages, very interesting. I'm going with a tissue valve, just don't want to do the Coumadin route, but I hate the thought that I may have to go through this again in 10-20 years....
Dan D. Good luck on your upcoming surgery! I'm hoping that all goes perfectly and that you're quickly makin ... Read more
Dan D. Good luck on your upcoming surgery! I'm hoping that all goes perfectly and that you're quickly making a recovery makes you feel better than ever.
Wow, I had just adjusted to having my surgery earlier, out of state family members changed their travel plans, hubbie got the time off work and rearranged ...Read more
Wow, I had just adjusted to having my surgery earlier, out of state family members changed their travel plans, hubbie got the time off work and rearranged all his projects, family members cleared their schedules, friends allowed me to change child care dates, and ironically I got a call this morning from the hospital saying my hematocrit is too low to do surgery and I have to wait a month and work on getting those numbers up. This is a great exercise for learning to be flexible! My hematocrit is in the low 30's. They normally want it in the low 40's but since I am a redo surgery, and they tend to bleed more they want it even higher than that. I have been taking iron but it hasn't really helped. Oh well. Here we go re adjusting everything again. But at least my surgeon is setting me up for success and the best possible recovery. That is the good news!
Susan Wozniak Sorry to hear that. Mine was postponed too and you don't realize how many people are affected! The p ... Read more
Susan Wozniak Sorry to hear that. Mine was postponed too and you don't realize how many people are affected! The plus side was once your surgery date comes by again you will know you are ready! I wasn't sure the first time but after waiting was happy the date arrived! Use this time to get organized and enjoy your family!
Jeanette Davidson You want the most optimal situation for the best outcome! Stay patient and strong❤️
Bob M Yes, success and the best recovery possible. God bless and rise up!
Tammy Pilcher So sorry, Janea. Prayers for the next date to be the right one. God bless you!
Sharon Madden My got postponed though for entirely different reasons. I made a point to use that time for as much ... Read more
Sharon Madden My got postponed though for entirely different reasons. I made a point to use that time for as much love and positivity as possible. And I totally agree with Jeanette you want the most optimal circumstances. Good luck to you and keep your chin up.
Just finished my Pre-op appointments today. They moved up my surgery a week which was really dissapointing. I don't have the time I had hoped to get things ...Read more
Just finished my Pre-op appointments today. They moved up my surgery a week which was really dissapointing. I don't have the time I had hoped to get things ready. I have four kids at home so lots of planning and prep to do. I did decide on a valve today after months of research and serious pondering. I will have a mech. valve because it has the best flow characteristics and I sooooo badly want a shot at living a more active lifestyle. I am quite handicapped with severe exercise intolerance. I hope it works. Only time will tell.
Nancy D praying you get all your planning done, and your surgery is a complete success! One less week to worr ... Read more
Nancy D praying you get all your planning done, and your surgery is a complete success! One less week to worry, one week ahead in healing! You can do this!!! Prayers for you!
Jacqueline Cook Sending positive thoughts and prayers for you Janea!
W. Carter Mechanical is a good selection if you are young (under 65 yrs.). I have met folks at the V.A. going o ... Read more
W. Carter Mechanical is a good selection if you are young (under 65 yrs.). I have met folks at the V.A. going on 25 years with mech. valves. Gives me hope. God bless you on your upcoming surgery!
Mary K Praying for a perfect outcome for you, Janea.
Linda Whitney My friend had a mechanical valve about 25 years ago and reports "haven't had a bit of trouble since!" ... Read more
Linda Whitney My friend had a mechanical valve about 25 years ago and reports "haven't had a bit of trouble since!" He's about 92. What a testimonial!
Terry Shermeister Good job at choosing your valve. It must be a challenge. My Mitral Valve was repaired, but my frien ... Read more
Terry Shermeister Good job at choosing your valve. It must be a challenge. My Mitral Valve was repaired, but my friend had the mechanical and he plays and exercises a lot. Plus you are young and will not have to deal with the worry of having another operation in your future. Good to get the surgery in your rear view mirror so you can get the healing and recovery going and your kids will be glad as well.
Kristin Heusser Janea, Not to sound like Im trivializing but although it might not be good that your surgery was bum ... Read more
Kristin Heusser Janea, Not to sound like Im trivializing but although it might not be good that your surgery was bumped up.. it will be even sooner its over with. One less week of the ahead of time stressing it out. Wishing up huge success.
Kris
Janea Christensen Thanks everyone for your kind words and well wishes!
What apps are people using to help them track their vitamin K intake? Do you have a favorite food journal app you use? I would love to learn of any app that ...Read more
What apps are people using to help them track their vitamin K intake? Do you have a favorite food journal app you use? I would love to learn of any app that you find helpful managing your coumiden diet. Thank you!
Clare Auten I would love to hear some ideas as well. I have been stable on same dosage for six months now so I gu ... Read more
Clare Auten I would love to hear some ideas as well. I have been stable on same dosage for six months now so I guess it can be done without an app.
Meredith Bray I don't track my Vit K intake. I eat what I ate before, and let the coumidin nurse figure out the ri ... Read more
Meredith Bray I don't track my Vit K intake. I eat what I ate before, and let the coumidin nurse figure out the right dose. I know if I'm going to have a few glasses of wine then I should also have a spinach salad to balance everything out. My INR didn't settle and balance for about 6 months post op. I've been on the same dose since then. If I notice I'm bruising easily, I have brussels sprouts for breakfast. Your diet and lifestyle shouldn't change because of anti-coagulation.
David Stumpf I have been on coumiden for a year and a half. I haven't changed my diet. I just change my dosage bas ... Read more
David Stumpf I have been on coumiden for a year and a half. I haven't changed my diet. I just change my dosage based on what I eat and drink and let my coumiden nurse know the dosage. I also home test weekly.
W. Carter I have been on Warfarin for 8 mo. now and I can tell you if you are hard headed and want to do it you ... Read more
W. Carter I have been on Warfarin for 8 mo. now and I can tell you if you are hard headed and want to do it your way you will have hell to pay. This up and down on your weekly doses because you just couldn't do without this or that is just plain stupid in the end. I have been in ER 3 times due to my hard head. 2 times for uncontrollable nose bleeds and 10 days in ICU for a blood clot and brain bleed (hemorrhage) that I had to have head surgery over. Now that I have finally got smart and listen to the doctors and nurses I take less Warfarin (which should be everyones goal), my weekly dose doesn't fluctuate, and my INR is steady and on track. There is alot of sacrifice to get it that way. I joke that you have to live like a saint, but it is worth it. :-)
Kristin Heusser Wow never even thought of there being apps out there. Ive just been doing it the old fashion way ... ... Read more
Kristin Heusser Wow never even thought of there being apps out there. Ive just been doing it the old fashion way ....guesstimating..... and not doing a particularly good job at it.
I LOVE my greenstuff, I mean Ive read the lists and basically know the food that will effect it, but still find it hard to regulate So far post surgery Ive been fortunate that my heart rate has stabilized. YAYYYY. Sometimes that does happen. ... Thank goodness. Might down the line be able to get off warfarin if it holds. Ill have to check out the app thing anyway.
I wish I knew of some to tell you but I dont. Thanks for the idea though.
Kris
Rita Savelis Janea, I would really recommend you carry on eating as normal (vitamin K included). Then your anticoa ... Read more
Rita Savelis Janea, I would really recommend you carry on eating as normal (vitamin K included). Then your anticoagulants will eventually adjust (it took me about 4 months to be stabilised) to the regular levels of vitamin K in your body. With anticoagulants it's more important to be careful of any other meds you take (and alcohol). Eating normally is the best route. (with lots of iron-rich foods when you get out of surgery like lentils and red meat and liver...)
I Just scheduled my surgery - Aug 19th. Is there a way to see who else has the same surgery date? I know there is always a list of upcoming surgeries on the ...Read more
I Just scheduled my surgery - Aug 19th. Is there a way to see who else has the same surgery date? I know there is always a list of upcoming surgeries on the right hand side of this page, but can you see farther back then the dates listed there?
Rosemary Resler I was wondering the same thing, I haven't figured that out yet, but would love to know. Also if there ... Read more
Rosemary Resler I was wondering the same thing, I haven't figured that out yet, but would love to know. Also if there is anyone going to the same hospital and maybe someone in my home community.