ozziebaby
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Michigan
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Message Posted: Jun 7, 2013 6:40:44 AM
No
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: May 28, 2013 9:33:41 AM
Malcm, that is great!
Hope you have a speedy, bump free recovery.
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: May 28, 2013 5:13:38 AM
Best wishes Malcm.
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BooshMeister
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Utah
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Message Posted: May 28, 2013 4:43:01 AM
Good Job Malcm
Good luck on the the recovery!
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malcm
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Los Angeles
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Message Posted: May 27, 2013 9:24:54 PM
Aortic valve replaced last week - home now & feeling fine - good job!
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malcm
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Los Angeles
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Message Posted: May 20, 2013 11:31:50 AM
Shortly, Olefin, I expect to speak with a "stentorian" tone, to get to the heart of the matter!
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olefin
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Message Posted: May 17, 2013 10:05:43 AM
Malcm, so what will be done to your aorta?
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 6:00:09 PM
Malcm, good luck & a speedy recovery from me too.
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olefin
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 5:51:20 PM
Malcm - Here's wishing you the very best during your upcoming surgery. And a speedy recovery.
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malcm
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Los Angeles
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 1:58:40 PM
Age 92, and going in soon for surgical attention to my aorta. I'll let you all know how it turns out. There's a long article on the procedure from U.S. News & World Report. Interesting & highly encouraging!
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BooshMeister
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Utah
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Message Posted: Apr 2, 2013 4:29:52 AM
Hey. Wondered if I was in a different space time continuum since no one has posted since the New Year.
Happy Easter, St. Patrick's, President's, and any others your can think of.
I've had dry skin this winter also. So dry the skin on my thumb split and stayed that way through December and January. I blame it on the water though. Or maybe lack of wine. I do know it's not age because I'm way to young for that (66) and it's not because of brains because I don't have enough of those.
Happy Spring!
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Apr 1, 2013 3:59:11 PM
Hi Cookie, good to see your post.
Sorry about Mr C's problem. If you search "warfarin and dry skin" you will find lots of folks that 'think' warfarin causes dry skin. But you can probably search warfarin and just about anything and find people that blame it on warfarin.
Has Mr C been to a dermatologist? If not, I would suggest he sees one.
In another 2 months I will have been taking warfarin for 22 years. I know of one gentleman that's been taking warfarin for 52 years!
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Apr 1, 2013 12:07:41 PM
Happy Easter all.
I have a question for you. Mr C's hands & feet are really dry this year. It has always been a problem for him but this year seems to be worse than other years. I'm wondering if that is just him or if everyone who is on blood thinners has that problem. He does lotion two or three times a day and has started piling on the hand lotion & then putting on a pair or rubber gloves to to encourage the lotion to sink in. If anyone has a suggestion for a cure I'd be happy to pass them on.
I hope that everybuddy is well and thanks for your help.
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BooshMeister
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Utah
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Message Posted: Jan 1, 2013 7:57:46 AM
Happy and Healthy New Year to each of you.
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olefin
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Message Posted: Jan 1, 2013 7:52:47 AM
Happy, prosperous, healthy 2013 to all!
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Dec 31, 2012 6:18:43 PM
Happy New Year everybuddy. Stay healthy all.
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BooshMeister
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Utah
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Message Posted: Dec 27, 2012 11:28:54 AM
The excuse I have for being late for the appointment was that is had been rescheduled to an earlier date and time. I changed the date in my scheduler (iPhone) but not the time. When I was rescheduled it was with the NP. My fault for being late, but it was to see the NP anyway.
Before my AVR I was swimming 1 to 3 miles a day, 3 to 5 times a week. Based on times and calory chart, I estimate that would be equivalent to about 3 to 5 miles running per mile of swimming. Just before my AVR I could barely swim a half mile on a good day. I dropped swimming about 2 weeks before the AVR at the suggestion of the surgeon. I have swam a little since then and have to use fins and a snorkel. I can get one length of the pool (25m) before I have to rest. That's why I switched to dry land. (Also the AF changed to pool schedule and my work conflicts with the new times).
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olefin
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Message Posted: Dec 26, 2012 7:38:43 AM
<Do you feel more sensitive to any other condition, perceived or real?>
Yes to both... I don't notice it but wife does.
<And do you feel that an appointment made voluntarily and accepted by a physician should be honored by the physician?>
I do but you were late for the appointment.
Also don't care for NP's, our insurance pays the same, NP or physician. We ask the office staff to not schedule us with a NP's. Once had an appointment with our cardio, he had an emergency at the hospital, said I would be seeing the NP, I asked to be rescheduled with the doc.
I've never had shortness of breath, before or after AVR but my BMI is usually around 24.7. 5 to 6 MPH would be way too fast for me. I would have shortness of breath at that speed but I'm probably older than you. I have been walking 4 MPH since AVR but in the last few months have had to slow down.
Good luck and hope you have a healthy great New Year!
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BooshMeister
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Utah
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Message Posted: Dec 26, 2012 7:05:30 AM
Here's a question for all of you that have any other major issue. In this case, the major issue is a mechanical heart valve and taking warfarin for the rest of your life.
Do you feel more sensitive to any other condition, perceived or real? And do you feel that an appointment made voluntarily and accepted by a physician should be honored by the physician?
Since my AVR operation in 2008, I have been somewhat short of breath when I exercise. I realize my weight (I am overweight but not obese, 27.5 BMI) and age are factors to consider. When I exercised prior to my valve going bad, I could jog (not run) moderately and continuously without a problem. Now I jog on a treadmill. After warm up, I run (at about 5.5 - 6 mph) for about one minute and then walk for one minute. Some days are a little better and some are worse. My daughter works in cardiac rehab (not the hospital that I was in) and recommended a popular pulminologist. I saw him last year and he had an MRI, CAT Scan, and ultimately a biopsy on my right lung for a spot he could see on the X-ray. Nothing. He said let's keep an eye on it and take another look in six months. That was earlier this month. I had the MRI and got the results verbally from the nurse over the phone. We had set up an appointment for early January.
This is where the issue comes in to play.
The results were negative. As we expected there was no change in the spot on my lung. The doctor's office called and changed my appointment (with consulting me) to last week, that is they moved it earlier instead of later as in normal. Oh and by the way, I was originally scheduled with the doctor that had been praised for his capabilities and "bedside" manner. I was rescheduled to see a NP (nurse practioner). I apparently got my times screwed up so I was a half hour late for the appointment. The receptionist said we'll have to reschedule. With the NP!
My response was "Why does the Doctor want me to come in? Is there something he needs to see or go over?". Because of a negative reply, I said to cancel since he hadn't found answer to the original issue and since I wouldn't be seeing him anyway. (I suspect internal fat and age are the primary problems).
Any thoughts on this little scenario? Was I right to blow it off? Was I right to decide I will see who I want to see and not be assigned a doctor or practioner without my consent?
??
P.S.
I have had appointments with PAs (Physician Assistants) and NPs in the past. I find them very capable and generally feel comfortable in most cases.
[Edited by: BooshMeister at 12/26/2012 10:11:28 AM EST]
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BooshMeister
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Utah
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Message Posted: Dec 25, 2012 10:01:46 PM
Merry Christmas back to y'all.
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Dec 24, 2012 12:48:15 PM
MERRY CHRISTMAS Cookie and everyone!
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Dec 24, 2012 8:21:14 AM
Merry Christmas everybuddy!
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Dec 19, 2012 6:03:37 AM
No, "they" haven't given up on mechanical heart valves.
They are still the most popular valve used.
"American Medical Association guidelines indicate that mechanical valves are generally appropriate for a majority of patients 65 years old and younger, or patients already on coumadin."
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Dec 18, 2012 8:52:11 AM
OceanArcher, I don't understand your post?
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OceanArcher
Champion Author
Mississippi
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Message Posted: Dec 17, 2012 11:34:46 AM
I thought they'd about given up on mechanical heart valves .....
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MikeCapeCoral
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Cape Coral
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Message Posted: Dec 4, 2012 10:13:14 PM
No
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Nov 27, 2012 6:20:16 AM
No Cookie, it was actually 650 miles from where we were in TX. That was a bad pile up!
We're on our way home. Enjoying the new Texas speed limits of 75 and 80 in some places.
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BooshMeister
Champion Author
Utah
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Message Posted: Nov 27, 2012 4:51:29 AM
Thanksgiving day was ok (lower case). My cold hit full bore late evening. Lasted through Sunday and was gone Monday. Screws up a long weekend like it didn't even happen. Happy Holidays anyway!
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BooshMeister
Champion Author
Utah
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Message Posted: Nov 23, 2012 9:51:50 AM
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Hope you all have good holidays ahead
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CookieMB
Champion Author
Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Nov 23, 2012 8:19:32 AM
I know Texas is a big state but are you anywhere near this?
[Edited by: CookieMB at 11/23/2012 11:21:03 AM EST]
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Nov 23, 2012 7:05:08 AM
Thanks olefin.
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Nov 23, 2012 5:50:54 AM
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving Cookie. We did, we are in TX with family.
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Nov 22, 2012 7:06:07 AM
Happy Thanksgiving
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freedom27
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Calgary
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Message Posted: Nov 9, 2012 8:55:46 AM
No I don't but I would love to see the operation where they put one in.
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 11:11:57 AM
Cookie, yes, he will have to want to home test. Some folks try it & don't like. But most think it's great. Some doctors here will not give a prescription for home testing. Others have no problem as long as the individual is capable of doing the test. My cardio likes it, we haven't discussed INR in almost 3 years.
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 6:56:49 AM
No he didn't. That is something that I have to talk to him about until he agrees that it would be a good idea to do. Then he has to realize that the doctor won't talk to him about it until he asks. I'm working on him though. It'll get done, someday.
Any big trips planned oldfin?
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olefin
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Message Posted: Nov 2, 2012 1:33:24 PM
Cookie, glad to hear about the good report. Did he happen to ask his cardio about home testing?
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 12:03:19 PM
Okay, thanks guys. When we asked we were told no. We were also told at that time that they had not been approved in Canada. So we may have been told the wrong information by someone who thought that it was right. Things change and I'll get Mr C to ask again.
He just saw his cardiologist and all is well.
Stay healthy
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 9:01:24 AM
Cookie, Here's an interesting link about self testing.
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2012 7:18:46 AM
Freddie, welcome and thanks for coming over.
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FreddieSK
Rookie Author
Arkansas
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Message Posted: Oct 20, 2012 11:33:00 AM
Okay so I'm new and I apologize for butting in.
Olefin brought this to my attention so I felt it was necessary to reply due to some mis-information from CookieMB.
Home testing units ARE available and LICENSED through Health Canada. Where you found or heard that these INR monitors weren't available in Canada is totally false.
Knowing what MB stands for, I live in SK and got my monitor 4 years ago. You need a prescription from your doctor or cardiologist and of course you need to know who carries the unit in your area. I know London Drugs carries them and they are about $500.00 plus strips and lancets.
The biggest problem is that most insurance companies in Canada don't recognize this unit and won't cover any of the costs. You can always try to phone them and explain that there is little difference between a glucose monitor and a INR monitor supplies, but I wish you luck. I highly recommend you educate yourself first before phoning.
You can search Coagulchek XS from Roche Diagnostics, I believe they are Montreal. You can phone them too and they will send you all the information you need.
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olefin
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Message Posted: Oct 20, 2012 6:49:34 AM
Cookie, have you asked your doctor? I see several Canadian people posting on heart valve forums that self-test and self-dose. From what I read it's easier for them to get a prescription for home testing than in the USA.
You might want to check out this.
Wife wanted me to buy a meter right after AVR but I was too tight. Never realized how handy it would have been. For back then for we traveled cross country in a motorhome. I had a a prescription from my doctor to get PT, good in any hospital out patient lab in the USA. With instructions for them to give me the results. I would call my cardiologist if out of control. Then in 2002 Medicare and most insurance started paying for it. But I never found out until 2008. Started home testing in Feb. 2009. Haven't had a lab test since I started. Since then I test weekly, control is much better and so handy. Before tested monthly, wasn't comfortable going that long.
Vandriver, sorry about hubby losing his job.
The last 4 years have been terrible. I feel a new president will turn things around for the better.
[Edited by: olefin at 10/20/2012 9:56:08 AM EST]
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vandriver2008
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Pittsburgh
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Message Posted: Oct 19, 2012 10:58:52 AM
Glad to see that most of you are doing well. Hubby lost his health insurance when they let him go from his job after being off from work due to back surgery last September. I have medicare but it doesn't cover some stuff.
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Oct 19, 2012 10:40:58 AM
The self test units are not approved for use in Canada. It would sure be nice for us if they were. Save Mr C a lot of rushed trips to the clinic after work.
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BooshMeister
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Utah
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Message Posted: Oct 19, 2012 9:02:39 AM
Nope - no problems with gall bladder. My clinic seems to have problems with my INR levels sometimes for months. Although I don't self test, I have noticed over the last couple years that in the morning when I clear my sinuses, there is some blood flecks if my INR is normal if there aren't any then I'm low and if there are lot's or even some blood then I'm high. I know I'm not supposed too (according to Mrs Boosh and if I asked the clinic same answer) but if I am low I add a half tab in the middle of the week. Amazingly my INR has been "normal" for the last 6 months.
I have been thinking of buying a INR meter but they are expensive and my insurance pays all the costs of INR checks. Does Medicare pay the costs?
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Oct 18, 2012 9:37:09 AM
Hi Cookie,
Hadn't been checking in, we took a trip to Branson, Mo.
No, I've never had a problem with gall bladder nor has wife. Hospitals and clinics sometimes have problems controlling warfarin. That's one reason I self test.
Glad he's got the surgery behind him and INR is back to normal.
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 5:09:11 AM
Hi everybuddy.
I have a question for you. Have any of you had trouble with your gall bladder since the valve replacement? My husband had his out Oct 8. The hospital messed with his INR real bad. He came home having to give himself shots. He wasn't happy about that. But on Monday he went for a blood test and it is 2.9. Higher than where he normally is but no more needles.
But back to the question, has this happened to anyone else? Or do we just have no luck.
Hope everybuddy is doing well.
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BooshMeister
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Utah
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Message Posted: Sep 20, 2012 5:14:20 AM
sounds like everyone is doing as well as to be expected. I generally forget my valve except when I take my morning reminder.
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CookieMB
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Winnipeg
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Message Posted: Sep 18, 2012 2:10:11 PM
Hi,
I'm going to go with all is well with your wife and no more cancer for her.
Our daughter was in grade nine when she had a lump removed from her breast. It wasn't cancer, but with the history on her dad's side we don't take any chances.
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olefin
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Sep 18, 2012 2:02:48 PM
I started jogging 3 miles a day in 1976. Then on the advice of my cardiologist in 1990 (the year before valve surgery) switched to fast walking. Still walk 3 miles a day in 45 minutes. Walking is easier on the joints than jogging.
Cookie, my wife had breast cancer in 2010. She had lumpectomy surgery and radiation but refused the 5 years of medication. It can cause blood clots, she almost died from blood clots when she was a young woman. Then later in 2010 had surgery on her nose to remove basal cell carcinoma skin cancer.
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