Mechanical or Tissue = Pepsi or Coke - May be worth setting up a forum or special section in the Learning Center to address this common debate.
Peter Bergan Kenny, how has your experience been so far with the mechanical valve? What made you choose that over ... Read more
Peter Bergan Kenny, how has your experience been so far with the mechanical valve? What made you choose that over the tissue option? I hear mixed signals on warfarin -- some people seem to say is a huge pain; whereas others say its no big deal.
Kenny Knox Peter - my decision to go with mechanical was steered largely by my surgeon Dr. Svensson at CC. He r ... Read more
Kenny Knox Peter - my decision to go with mechanical was steered largely by my surgeon Dr. Svensson at CC. He recommended the mechanical because of the amount of scar tissue that was in place due to my previous operations and seeing this would be my third OHS, he wanted to reduce the chances of needing a 4th. I had tissue valves put in both the aortic and pulmonic position when I was 15 (Ross Procedure). The valves lasted me 18 years and I was very active during this time.
My experience so far with the mechanical/warfarin is positive. My body seems to be functioning great and my heart function improved tremendously since the operation. My energy level is the highest it has been in about 8 years. I have no issues with fatigue, shortness of breath, or pains. I've adjusted to warfarin pretty easily. Based on my research, the big driver of problems with warfarin is diet. Foods high in vitamin K lower your INR and alcohol increases your INR. I was not a big leafy green eater or alcohol drinker before the surgery so these haven't been off concern. I drink on average 6-10 beers a week and have had no problem keeping my INR range in check. Keeping your INR in check isn't necessarily about eating healthy, it's about being consistent. If you love spinach, try to eat the same amount of it each week.
Peter Bergan This is helpful; with respect to the alcohol consumption (honestly one of my biggest concerns about t ... Read more
Peter Bergan This is helpful; with respect to the alcohol consumption (honestly one of my biggest concerns about the warfarin); are you consuming 1-2 drinks a day; or a larger amount on a single day (i.e., no drinks during the week and 3-5 drinks Friday and Saturday)?
Peter Bergan Great; this is helpful. Sounds like we are pretty similar in that I typically will drink several lig ... Read more
Peter Bergan Great; this is helpful. Sounds like we are pretty similar in that I typically will drink several light beers while watching football on the weekends. More initial worry was that I was going to need to start drinking a drink each day in order to maintain some sort of consistency. Thanks for your help.
If you're curious what a mechanical valve may sound like - check this video out. I don't feel/hear it all the time, but when I do, this is exactly what it ...Read more
If you're curious what a mechanical valve may sound like - check this video out. I don't feel/hear it all the time, but when I do, this is exactly what it sounds like!
https://youtu.be/mDpQzc0AS9w
In 1988 with special thanks to the American Heart Association's research, I received an artificial heart valve. Thank you AHA for helping me continue to THRI...
Whitney Nelson Thank you. I was curious! I have decided to go with a mechanical valve and have heard you can hear it ... Read more
Whitney Nelson Thank you. I was curious! I have decided to go with a mechanical valve and have heard you can hear it, which kind of freaked me out but that's not that bad.
Elaine Cutri Thanks for posting the audio/video. I had the St Jude Aortic valve, but now I have the On-X. It's a l ... Read more
Elaine Cutri Thanks for posting the audio/video. I had the St Jude Aortic valve, but now I have the On-X. It's a little louder than my St Jude, but good to hear just before I go to sleep.
Tammy Pilcher Kenny, thank you for posting this. Great video!!
Jo Rizzo When I had mine done , I could hear it and feel it really good , which was a little over a year . Now ... Read more
Jo Rizzo When I had mine done , I could hear it and feel it really good , which was a little over a year . Now I cant hear it at all !
Liz Burroughs Wow, thanks for the post! I could hardly hear it. I had to play the video again...I thought the sound ... Read more
Liz Burroughs Wow, thanks for the post! I could hardly hear it. I had to play the video again...I thought the sound wasn't working on my iPad!
Meredith Bray Nice! I've had my On-X since March 2014. It's there if I listen for it, but most of the time I'm too ... Read more
Meredith Bray Nice! I've had my On-X since March 2014. It's there if I listen for it, but most of the time I'm too busy living my life to be quiet enough to hear it!
Steven A Husted thanks nice video makes me glad i went with a bovine valve instead of a mechanical or onx i think the ... Read more
Steven A Husted thanks nice video makes me glad i went with a bovine valve instead of a mechanical or onx i think the clicking would have bothered me just knowing i had something mechanical inside of me like a robot but who knows with improvments in mechanical valves where you dont need blood thinners for the rest of your life i might go with a mechanical valve
Jean Knappik Thanks for sharing...I think I would go crazy, especially once I heard it I would obsess on it! I thi ... Read more
Jean Knappik Thanks for sharing...I think I would go crazy, especially once I heard it I would obsess on it! I think I am going with Porcine! By the why someone on this forum mentioned about a freestyle porcine valve...I asked the surgeon and cardiologist about it and they both did not seem to think it outlasted the other porcine valves.
Emily Rowley I'm listening to the audio on my phone and just wondering what volume should the speakers be so I can ... Read more
Emily Rowley I'm listening to the audio on my phone and just wondering what volume should the speakers be so I can gain an indication of how loud or quite they are? Thanks.
Barry Kanick Glad to see your doing quite well Kenny!!! Hey Steve Husted,,,,,I had selected the Bovine tissue valv ... Read more
Barry Kanick Glad to see your doing quite well Kenny!!! Hey Steve Husted,,,,,I had selected the Bovine tissue valve myself due to being a very active person who hikes the Continental Divide in Colorado every September. Just didn't need to deal with the mechanical maintenance for the rest of my life.,,,,,People are getting 12+ years & more out of their replaced aortic tissu valves. So I've calculated that at currently 56 years of age, it's very possible by the time I'm 70 that the TAVR technology is even perfected even moreso. ,,,,,,,,just my 2 cents!!! ,,,,,,,,Barry
Meredith Bray The best volume I can like it to is to imagine you are swimming in a lake with a rocky bottom. About ... Read more
Meredith Bray The best volume I can like it to is to imagine you are swimming in a lake with a rocky bottom. About 100 feet away is a child tapping two rocks together under the water. With no other noise, and being neck-deep in the water is about the volume you could hear at it's loudest. What I can hear is affect by the shirt I wear, my posture, how I'm holding my head/neck, whether the radio is on or the fan or I can hear traffic going by. 90% of the time I don't hear it unless I stop what I'm doing to listen for it. And even then, sometimes it's a challenge to hear it. I'm inside now, with the windows closed, the computer fan is running, and someone in the neighborhood is cutting their grass. I can't hear it. It's an Onx valve, a little over two years old.
This Tuesday will be 10 weeks since my AVR and it will be my first day back to work!
It feels like yesterday I was giving my employer a 3 month notice of ...Read more
This Tuesday will be 10 weeks since my AVR and it will be my first day back to work!
It feels like yesterday I was giving my employer a 3 month notice of my surgery date. For those with surgeries approaching, time flies! Even after a few complications, I feel great and can't wait to get back. Happy Labor Day everyone.
Go Buckeyes!
Great you are doing so well, and returning to work, Kenny! God Bless You..
John Schutte Congratulations Kenny! Glad to hear you're feeling well enough to return to work. What an amazing fe ... Read more
John Schutte Congratulations Kenny! Glad to hear you're feeling well enough to return to work. What an amazing feat after the temporary setback last month--an inspiration to those of us still facing surgery. Keep pushing forward!
Yesterday was 7 weeks post op since my AVR at the CC on June 30th. The first 4 weeks of recovery were going great! At the 4th week mark I went into Aflutter. ...Read more
Yesterday was 7 weeks post op since my AVR at the CC on June 30th. The first 4 weeks of recovery were going great! At the 4th week mark I went into Aflutter. My cardiologist scheduled a cardioversion for two weeks later (time to allow Coumadin to set in and my body maintain a therapeutic INR).
During the two weeks leading up to the cardioversion, I experienced extreme fatigue. My doctor said it was normal due to the Aflutter and increased beta blocker he put me on. I checked into the hospital (my local one in Columbus) the day before my cardioversion because the fatigue was so extreme. Again, doc said all looked normal and we were a Go for the cardioversion. My girlfriend and family had been begging me to go sooner since the fatigue was so extreme but I was content with listening to my doctor over the phone.
Long story short, I went into cardiac arrest right after the cardioversion. It took 9 minutes to resuscitate me and I was life flighted to Cleveland!
The first 3 days here were scary for my family bc the CC had no idea why I went into Cardiac Arrest and didn't know if I was going to make it; the CC later discovered the Aflutter weakened my heart so much that my heart could have been too weak for the Cardioversion and the supplemental meds.
I've been back in the great hands of the CC recovering and doing great! Not sure how long I will be here but I am in a step down room and only have 1 IV. They told me that what happened to me is very rare (CA after Cardioversion) but that it can happen.
I'm doing great and everything looks good. They don't believe an aggressive medication or treatment plan for recurring irregular rhythm isnt necessary bc I'm doing so good and afib/a flutter is so common.
2 Lessons Learned - Every recovery is different. I felt I was on top of the world with my recovery and didn't need to address the symptoms or fatigue. Common sense should have alerted me that I was only 4 weeks post OHS and ANY symptom should be taken seriously.
2. Insist on premium care. It's not my doctor's fault I went into Cardiac Arrest but the CC is shocked my doctor didn't insist I come in to be seen or do tests to confirm the need of a cardionversion or condition of my heart. I'm ditching the local cardiologist and switching to one in Cleveland since I live so close.
Hopefully I'm out soon but I have no expectations and following the docs' advice. Take care everyone!
Mary K Kenny, so happy to hear of your recovery, and thank you so much for your report. Your conclusions o ... Read more
Mary K Kenny, so happy to hear of your recovery, and thank you so much for your report. Your conclusions of listening to your common sense and to insisting on premium care are cautions for all of us.
Are you on the sixth floor? They are superlative.
Tammy Pilcher Wow Kenny! I'm so sorry this happened to you, but so thankful you made it through and are recovering ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Wow Kenny! I'm so sorry this happened to you, but so thankful you made it through and are recovering well now. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. This is really important information for all of us to remember. God bless you!
Terrie Syvertsen Kenny- Heck of a time you have been having and very moved by your experience as it is the first I hav ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Kenny- Heck of a time you have been having and very moved by your experience as it is the first I have heard of this happening. Afib is common after surgery but I haven't heard of your experience, hence, all the more importance of sharing with a community that speaks the truth and is here for each other as we are all I am sure feeling a knot in our stomachs while first reading your journey to date. I am enlightened by your honesty, information which is bound to even save the lives of those of us who as you say, think that they can wait when they know (in their hearts, no pun intended) that they should seek help as it doesn't feel right and better to
seek it out!) Thank you for taking the time to post this valuable information and I will say a "big" prayer that from here on out your recovery continues to progress with no hitches but the gathering of strength, back on track you go! Take care Heart Brother.....
John Schutte Kenny, I am really sorry to hear you had to go through this. Glad you're back in the highly capable ... Read more
John Schutte Kenny, I am really sorry to hear you had to go through this. Glad you're back in the highly capable hands of CC. I'll be praying for your full and speedy recovery.
Gerald Schaffer Scarey stuff you went through. I hope they have you back on the right track and you don't have any ot ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer Scarey stuff you went through. I hope they have you back on the right track and you don't have any other complications.
Pat Bluemel WOW, I am glad you are on the mend. That is a scary tale. I hope the rest of your recovery is uneve ... Read more
Pat Bluemel WOW, I am glad you are on the mend. That is a scary tale. I hope the rest of your recovery is uneventful!
Very scary. So glad you made it through all of that. Thank you for sharing this as I am one of thos ... Read more
Very scary. So glad you made it through all of that. Thank you for sharing this as I am one of those people who has not had surgery yet and it's helpful to be reminded of the importance of not waiting to check out anything that doesn't feel right. I'm happy you are back in the hands of qualified medical professionals now and all seems to be moving toward a full recovery. Best wishes for an uneventful recovery from this point forward.
Nancy D Scary time that I hope is now passed!! I know you are in great hands, and glad you felt well enough ... Read more
Nancy D Scary time that I hope is now passed!! I know you are in great hands, and glad you felt well enough to let us know, so we can add to your family's prayers for a complete strengthening of your heart and resolution of A flutter ! It is nothing to fool around with, and we need to stay vigilant with our care. Take good care and keep in touch!
Cheryl Batzing Kenny...wow! So sorry to hear about your "bumps" in the road of recovery! I had afib issues that were ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Kenny...wow! So sorry to hear about your "bumps" in the road of recovery! I had afib issues that were tough and had cardio-conversion, so do understand a part of what you've gone through. You are in my prayers for continued recovery!
Kimberly Biddick Oh my goodness! I am so glad to hear that you are doing well and are on the mend. I hope things cont ... Read more
Kimberly Biddick Oh my goodness! I am so glad to hear that you are doing well and are on the mend. I hope things continue to get better from here on out!!
Elie Rocha Rose i'm sorry this happen to you but Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This is what happen ... Read more
Elie Rocha Rose i'm sorry this happen to you but Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This is what happen to my dad thank god he was only 2 days post op and still in the hospital. Did you get sent home with a defibrillator vest?
It's still hard to believe all of this is behind me. It's been 3.5 weeks since surgery and I feel great! Dr. Svensson and the CC team, alongside my girlfriend ...Read more
It's still hard to believe all of this is behind me. It's been 3.5 weeks since surgery and I feel great! Dr. Svensson and the CC team, alongside my girlfriend and family, have been amazing!
I went in for a double valve replacement and ended up only needing an AVR. I hear the St. Jude tick all the time but it doesn't bother me. I'm walking 5 miles a day and outside of not driving or lifting heavy items, I feel like I'm back to normal.
My pre-op symptoms (fatigue, purple ankles, shortness of breath) are all gone! It's really remarkable. I ended up with two additional incisions/scars that I wasn'the planning on but at the end of the day the trade off is well worth it. I had some edema (swelling) in my legs but that is practically gone now too. Even after 3.5 weeks, I feel like I have more energy and feel better than I did before!
I hardly take pain pills and I'm sleeping fine. I take Tylenol when I need it. I've been able to sleep on my side for the past 2 weeks. The thing that has helped me the most is doing the stretches and walking program that the CC outlined for me before I was discharged. I have been pushing myself a little but for the most part, I've been sticking to the plan. They gave me a really nice home activity book. I'd encourage everyone to ask their hospital for one.
I can't thank my girlfriend and family enough for all their support and help- this has definitely been a team effort. All I've done is walk and stretch, they've done everything else for me. I hope everyone facing surgery has a smooth recovery and that everyone recovering right now, gets back to normal soon.
Mary K Congratulations Kenny! Dr. Svensson is wonderful, isn't he? And the nurses and staff on the cardiac f ... Read more
Mary K Congratulations Kenny! Dr. Svensson is wonderful, isn't he? And the nurses and staff on the cardiac floor? Top notch.
So happy that you are doing sooo well. Proud of you. Keep up the good work, and be kind to yourself!
John Jones I was doing real good to, Till they took my appendex yesterday. I'm home now. I'll be completely rebu ... Read more
John Jones I was doing real good to, Till they took my appendex yesterday. I'm home now. I'll be completely rebuilt before to long. Haha
Bonnie Washel Hi Kenny! Thanks for posting on my guestbook. Just saw the post. Congrats on your recovery. Sounds ... Read more
Bonnie Washel Hi Kenny! Thanks for posting on my guestbook. Just saw the post. Congrats on your recovery. Sounds like you have a great support system. I'm in prep for my surgery in September. Have already had aortic aneurysm in '06., so I kind of know what to expect. I'm also thinking of Not having it done. Really depressed about this whole thing and I'm very frightened because I basically have no one. So not sure how to handle this again. Sorry. Didn't mean to go on. Take care and hope you are making a great recovery.
Wow, just seems like yesterday I found this site and began preparing for my AVR. Now, after an 8 day stay, I'm heading home!
Honestly, the hospital recovery ...Read more
Wow, just seems like yesterday I found this site and began preparing for my AVR. Now, after an 8 day stay, I'm heading home!
Honestly, the hospital recovery wasn't bad at all, except having the catheter and chest tubes pulled- which I remembered from last time. For all those having surges today or tomorrow, the following week will fly!
Bob M Great news. Home is where your fixed heart is! God bless and rise up!
Paul Rose Great news Kenny, you'll be looking back in no time and wondering just how did I get so fit so quickl ... Read more
Paul Rose Great news Kenny, you'll be looking back in no time and wondering just how did I get so fit so quickly 😎. take it easy and don't get rushing 👍🏿
All.. quick update that surgery went well. Dr. Svensson is the real deal and had me taken care of in about 5 hours. I spent surgery day and another in ICU. ...Read more
All.. quick update that surgery went well. Dr. Svensson is the real deal and had me taken care of in about 5 hours. I spent surgery day and another in ICU.
I'm in the step down room now. Only major issue is nausea to pin killers. Will post again soon!
AVR complete!
Kelly Weisgarber Such great news Kenny! Also great to hear the praise for Dr Svensson who will someday do my surgery a ... Read more
Kelly Weisgarber Such great news Kenny! Also great to hear the praise for Dr Svensson who will someday do my surgery also. Hope you feel better every day.
Lewis Garlisi Great news Kenny. Feel better and let us know about your progress when you are able.
The time has come, Stephanie and I are heading to Cleveland this morning for pre-op clearance and tomorrow is the big day!
I look forward to sharing my experiences ...Read more
The time has come, Stephanie and I are heading to Cleveland this morning for pre-op clearance and tomorrow is the big day!
I look forward to sharing my experiences as soon as I am able to. I want to thank everyone for sharing all the information they have up to this point- it's been very helpful! Talk to you all very soon!
Keeping you in prayer for comfort and quick recovery.
Jennifer Pyles You will ROCK this! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Kenny! You'll do great! God bless!
Jeanette Davidson I am sending you lots of positive thoughts and loving energy! I always pray for no complications, smo ... Read more
Jeanette Davidson I am sending you lots of positive thoughts and loving energy! I always pray for no complications, smooth sailing and a steady recovery !
God bless and stay in touch heart brother!❤️
Robyn Tatu Prayers coming your way. You'll do well.
Kyle Väth Good luck! Welcome to the Buckeye State! You got this!
John Jones Praying for you and your family Kenny. Look forward to hearing from you in a few days.
Mary Myers Praying for a smoothe surgery, You will do well. Before you know it you will be on your way to a long ... Read more
Mary Myers Praying for a smoothe surgery, You will do well. Before you know it you will be on your way to a long life with a healthier heart! God Bless!
Paige Baitinger Paige Baitinger praying for you Kenny :-) you will be just great - stronger and healthier than ever ... Read more
Paige Baitinger Paige Baitinger praying for you Kenny :-) you will be just great - stronger and healthier than ever before !!!! Keep up posted. Blessings to you and your family
Alright! My name is on board and I'm on deck! I'm definitely looking forward to being on the other side of all of this. At first, I was overly optimistic ...Read more
Alright! My name is on board and I'm on deck! I'm definitely looking forward to being on the other side of all of this. At first, I was overly optimistic about this whole thing. As time has gone on, I've realized it can be more difficult to go through this as an adult than as a child or teenager.
My last surgery was over 15 years ago, when I was in high school. My parents took care of everything. Going through this as an adult and seeing (as an adult) the impact this has had on those that love me has given me a different perspective. As I'm getting things ready this last week, I feel very grateful not only for what my family did for me in the past but for what my girlfriend and family are doing for me now.
My girlfriend, Stephanie, is the very attractive girl in the picture with me :)
I know I haven't posted much, but I log in 3-4 times a day to read everyone's updates and stories. I've found them to be very reassuring and comforting, and for that I'm grateful too.
I look forward to sharing more soon.
Tammy Pilcher Hi Kenny, I read your story and you've certainly been through alot! I know God has watched over you ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Hi Kenny, I read your story and you've certainly been through alot! I know God has watched over you through all of this and He will continue to do so. I'll be praying for your surgery and recovery. You will do great! You're already a pro at this stuff! God bless you!
Lewis Garlisi Interesting perspective. At least as an adult with your background you will know more about the do's ... Read more
Lewis Garlisi Interesting perspective. At least as an adult with your background you will know more about the do's and don'ts of recovery this time. You're in good hands with your surgeon and clinic. Wishing you the very best.
Bob M I pray that your third OHS will be your last. I pray that next time, it will be the TAVR procedure .. ... Read more
Bob M I pray that your third OHS will be your last. I pray that next time, it will be the TAVR procedure ... For me too.
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Kenny, I am glad you joined up prior to your surgery as it is nice having a big heart communit ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Kenny, I am glad you joined up prior to your surgery as it is nice having a big heart community of people to cheer you on, be supportive and help you on your journey to surgery and on to your recovery too! I think that you sound like you'll have plenty of support and I am sure that your beautiful girlfriend Stephanie will be a great comfort as you make your way this time around as well as the continued support and love from your Family! Keep positive and think in not too long a time you will be out recovering and maybe giving some advice to someone else just beginning their heart journey. Like many others here on site you will have the well wishes and prayers of us.
It seems like June is a busy surgery month! You all are in my thoughts as you prepare for your surgeries. Your posts and comments have been very helpful as ...Read more
It seems like June is a busy surgery month! You all are in my thoughts as you prepare for your surgeries. Your posts and comments have been very helpful as I've been preparing too.
For the third time in 33 years, it's go time! To many, 3 heart surgeries seem like a lot, but for a CHD patient, it can be pretty routine stuff. To me, surgery ...Read more
For the third time in 33 years, it's go time! To many, 3 heart surgeries seem like a lot, but for a CHD patient, it can be pretty routine stuff. To me, surgery is one of those things that doesn't happen often, but happens enough where I'm comfortable with it. It's like traveling out of the country. The first time, you are nervous. You think "Am I ready? Is everything taken care of? What will it be like?" The second time is more of "OK, this looks familiar. I've done this before." Any time after that is "Pshh, I'll be back in no time."
I had the Ross procedure in 1998 (I was 16yo). I was able to stretch those valves out for over 15 years! Now it's time to replace them again. This time I'm going mechanical. The way it looks, I'll be having a St. Jude's valve put in my aortic position and a tissue valve put in my pulmonic position. I had pre-op testing done at the Cleveland Clinic this past week and all looks good to cut. I'm looking at June 2015 as surgery month.
I'm sure I'll have more questions for the mechanical valve users as we get closer, but top of my mind is what is like to be on Coumadin? Any input is great, specifically input addressing sports participation, biking/running, and adult beverage consumption.
Thanks in advance!
Meredith Bray I talked with my surgeon about anti-coagulation, especially regarding my kayaking around oyster shoal ... Read more
Meredith Bray I talked with my surgeon about anti-coagulation, especially regarding my kayaking around oyster shoals. He said to make sure I wear good water shoes. I take my pills at the same time every day, eat a consistent diet, drink in moderation. I get tested about every 5 weeks. My dose hasn't changed in 8 months. I've recently started exercising again, mostly swimming and walking. If I'm inconsistent with my green vegetables, I notice that I bruise easier. I took about 4 months to get the right mix of warfarin in my system, and that seems pretty common. I have just added the warfarin to my nightly dose of atorvistatin and low-dose aspirin. I really had no change in routine because of anti-coagulation.
Duane Beeman Kenny: "Go Time" is a great way to approach it. I love that attitude.
Tim Goff Your outlook is admirable and just some of the inspiration I need. Thank you and all my best wishes f ... Read more
Tim Goff Your outlook is admirable and just some of the inspiration I need. Thank you and all my best wishes for a successful procedure.
Wiliam Height Kenny, I can't help answer your question regarding mechanical and thinners, but thanks for posting an ... Read more
Wiliam Height Kenny, I can't help answer your question regarding mechanical and thinners, but thanks for posting and sharing your experience and attitude towards OHS.
The Buckeyes are 6-1 and the Browns are 4-3. With both teams looking to expand on their winning seasons, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the ...Read more
The Buckeyes are 6-1 and the Browns are 4-3. With both teams looking to expand on their winning seasons, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the action this weekend!
As a fan, I want to be at the center of the tailgate, enjoying it all from hot sausage to tall, cold beers! As a heart patient, I know I have to adjust my intake. I can still take in all the football action, just not all the junk food. I found this great article worth sharing.
Go Bucks! Go Browns!
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyEating/Have-a-Heart-Healthy-Football-Season_UCM_430990_Article.jsp
Trip to Cleveland this weekend! I know in the heart patient community we associate Cleveland with the Cleveland Clinic, but I'm checking out a few other hot ...Read more
Trip to Cleveland this weekend! I know in the heart patient community we associate Cleveland with the Cleveland Clinic, but I'm checking out a few other hot spots! The Cleveland Browns host the Baltimore Ravens tomorrow and then I'm participating in a charity event sponsored by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday! Big weekend of sports! I hope everybody enjoys the nice weather and finds some time to get outside! Go Browns!
Erica Eberl We all know the Browns are not going to win ;)
I've been looking for a forum of some sorts for heart surgery patients for a long time now. This site is amazing! Thanks, Adam!
I don't have a surgery ...Read more
I've been looking for a forum of some sorts for heart surgery patients for a long time now. This site is amazing! Thanks, Adam!
I don't have a surgery scheduled by I know I need my third surgery within the next 3-5 years. You can check out my story for details on the first 2 and my journey along the way. Above all, having heart surgery has taught me two things: 1. It's a blessing and privilege to have had the experience of open heart surgery and 2. Girl's dig scars! :)
I look forward to talking and learning from all of you and hopefully I can provide some comforting advice to you.
Adam Pick Kenny, You just made my day, my week, my year. Thanks so much for the kind words about this website. ... Read more
Adam Pick Kenny, You just made my day, my week, my year. Thanks so much for the kind words about this website. We have a lot more to do. Next week, I'm hopeful that several new features will be ready to go live. Again, thanks for the encouraging words.
As you are a 2X heart surgery patient, I imagine many of our patients will be able to learn from your prior experiences. In advance, thanks for sharing your thoughts and supporting our community!
Keep on tickin!
Adam (patient & website founder)
Mary Myers Welcome Kenny, This community of heart brothers and sisters isd amazing! Everyone is friendly support ... Read more
Mary Myers Welcome Kenny, This community of heart brothers and sisters isd amazing! Everyone is friendly supportive, caring and go out of their way to help each other before surgery, post op.
Look forward to your posts. Have a great weekend! By the way I had a mitral valve replacement seven weeks ago. I am doing fantastic and happy to be healing!
Mia ,(Mary)
Mary Myers Adam, your book and website are so awesome. What a wonderful heart community you created by writing ... Read more
Mary Myers Adam, your book and website are so awesome. What a wonderful heart community you created by writing your book and then starting the website. It sure has helped me on this journey. Thanks again, Mia (Mary)
Adam Pick Awe, thanks Mary! I'm so glad to hear these resources have been helpful to you. It is a tremendous ho ... Read more
Adam Pick Awe, thanks Mary! I'm so glad to hear these resources have been helpful to you. It is a tremendous honor to be part of this community. I never, ever, ever imagined that the book and the website would take off the way they have. This is the greatest fluke of my life. I feel so blessed. Keep on tickin! Adam
Lillian Mark Hi Kenny, Adam and this heart community....i agree, I was in awe and so very blessed to find this sit ... Read more
Lillian Mark Hi Kenny, Adam and this heart community....i agree, I was in awe and so very blessed to find this site. I don't even remember how I did it. But, this site is active, informational, real time managed, full of kind and gentle hearts.This is a top notch site, Thank you Adam! And welcome Kenny!
My experience so far with the mechanical/warfarin is positive. My body seems to be functioning great and my heart function improved tremendously since the operation. My energy level is the highest it has been in about 8 years. I have no issues with fatigue, shortness of breath, or pains. I've adjusted to warfarin pretty easily. Based on my research, the big driver of problems with warfarin is diet. Foods high in vitamin K lower your INR and alcohol increases your INR. I was not a big leafy green eater or alcohol drinker before the surgery so these haven't been off concern. I drink on average 6-10 beers a week and have had no problem keeping my INR range in check. Keeping your INR in check isn't necessarily about eating healthy, it's about being consistent. If you love spinach, try to eat the same amount of it each week.