Wanda's Heart Valve Journal

So I'm 6 weeks post ohs to replace my aortic valve. 3 days after I came home my son and his family's house burnt down. Thank the Lord they all made it out safe. 3 weeks after surgery I received a letter informing me I was terminated from my job. My insurance ended yesterday. Thank the Lord it was still in effect to cover pre-surgery, surgery and post-surgery. All I'm having to pay for is INR tests and 3 cheap medicines. My grandson was born premature at 2 lbs 11ozs. He's a healthy 3 lb 9 oz's now and doing well, thank the Lord. I'll admit there's been some bumps along the way, but I honestly have to say that God has been so good to me and my family. When I look at all that could have happened, I realize it was His grace and mercy that took care of us all. I thank Jesus for bringing me through it all. I'd like to thank all of you who have posted on this blog because your stories have encouraged me along the way. Knowing I wasn't alone in this journey of ohs was very helpful. To the others who are facing this surgery I'd like to say it's doable. Sure they'll be good days and bad days, but you can make it through it. Just take one day at a time. I use to think my condition was a death sentence, but I realize now- it's not. It just gives new meaning to my life. Through it all I've learned to trust the Lord and to lean on Him. I AM BLESSED!!!!!

Does anyone here monitor their INR at home? If so what INR machine do you have and how well does it work? Thanks for Information in advance?

Having problems getting my INR to the needed area of 2.0 to 3.0. Shots in the morning and shots at night, plus upped my Coumadin to 6 mg. Still just at 1.9 today. Very discouraged.... Going through some depression and anxiety attacks. Go to surgeon tomorrow for post-op check up.

So something happened last night that has freeked me out. I woke up and I had forgotten I had valve surgery. This in turn caused a panic attack which I've not had since 2003. Has anybody else experienced something like this? It's really shook me up.

So has any one else had problems sleeping? Still in hospital due to fluid in lung and INR. I fell asleep around 9:30 was back up by 10:30. Fell asleep again about 1:30. When I woke up felt like I'd been asleep for hours, figured it would be about 6 or 7. Looked at clock and it wasn't even 2:30😕. Anybody else have this problem?

So I've ended up with fluid around one lung that they've had to drain. Then I'm on lasix for the fluid around the other lung that we're hoping won't have to be drained. Potassium to counter act the lasix. On a heparin drip to bring my INR to lol level it needs to be. And having bowel issues. Any advice would be appreciated. Went into this with a good attitude, but really getting discouraged at this point.

Mom's doing well. Keep her in your prayers.

Surgery day!! Whoohoo!! Looking forward to being on the recovery side😁

I've heard the On-X valve ticking isn't as loud as other mechanical valves. Can anyone tell me if this is true or not?

I just wanted to say thanks to the people in this heart community. I've really reaped some great advice. I appreciate all the encouragement and support I've gotten from others here. The stories and journals I've been reading have truly been a blessing and help in my own journey. So to all my heart family I just want to say "THANKS!!!"

All went well with the surgeon. Surgery is scheduled for March 15. Anyone heard of aberrant right subclavian artery? And would it affect valve replacement surgery?

At the Dr's office waiting to meet Dr. Frederick. Gonna discuss tests results and surgery. Pretty nervous right now. Still not for sure about which valve to use. Trying to decide between bovine or on-x. Don't like the thoughts of blood thinner for the rest of my life 😕.

My first picture. Had my hair cut so it'll make it easier to take care of after surgery.

Just wondering if anyone has had aortic valve replacement and bypass surgery at the same time