Six Month Check Up & WARFARIN ~ ~

Thanks to all who responded to my post with all your helpful advice. This would be the first time I actually have seen the cardio/EP who did my implant. Dreaded his attitude ~

I went yesterday, everyone was really nice. The PA for my cardio. sat for a long time and just chatted about any feelings, questions, etc. I mentioned to her I had a "black out", for lack of a better word, not knowing what I did. Was not sleepy at all. Anyway, that is when I drove about 170+ miles one month post PM & had a complete "black out" for about 10 seconds, twice. She asked about my sleeping habits. She said I had every symptom of sleep apnea. She asked if I would consider a "sleep study" and I told her, no way. I love to be at home.
I told her I wanted a copy of my PM computer printout. She did that, gave it to me with a smile. I could not read it though.

THE cardio. Dr. came in and looked over the PA notes, etc. and said everything looked good, my heart muscles were great, the PM was doing its job, etc. and to see him in a year. This is the same Dr. I said had no bedside manners. I even did a "double take" (LOL) to make sure it was my same Dr.! !

I walked out in shock due to the sincere, warm, accomodating nature of the whole visit; about 1 1/2 hours long total after talking to the PA, having an INR check (2.5) and seeing the Dr.

Due to a weight gain since my implant, I was told to exercise, swim and walk. "Arthur" (arthritis~sp?) & I did not want this.

COUMADIN/WARFARIN patients: In the Fall, maybe early, there is a new drug to replace our "rat poison" we now take. It will not require INR testing. I has been approved in Canada already and will be for the US in the Fall: Dabigatran

Again, thanx to all for all your advice when asking of my six month check up questions, ablations, etc. Inga, thanks.

Bear Hugs to All,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ~ BIG mosquitoes in TEXAS ( :

3 Comments

Heartu ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-04-17 01:04:52

Thanks for your comment. I am only 65 in birth age, clearly only 40 in "gitty up & go age", but I have been told by many Dr's. I have inherited anything my German Grandma who raised me ever had. Arthur, HBP, cholesterol, etc.

My Arthur is bone to bone in the knees, but, as all advice is to have surgery, I am not ready to slow down & have this done yet, plus the rehab time. I do not think I started feeling the effects until I reached about 60, joints started slightly "gnarling" in my fingers, my ring jewelry could not be worn, knees, etc. started aching/hurting. NOW, I am a real cereal in the morns ~ "snap, crackle & pop"!

I do plan to start exercising. I have 5 lb. weights, a swimming pool and a ranch to walk, if not only for just 5 minutes before I "wear out".

Sleep study? Personal situation, question.

Thanks heartu, as usual for your comments.

My comments

by janetinak - 2010-04-17 02:04:42

Hi Carolyn,

I agree with Renee about the sleep apnea study. But when I did it I only stayed one night & as I was found to have a mild case, I was told & it happened that they woke me up 1/2 way thru the night & put the mask on for the rest of the night. I was suprised that I was able to go back to sleep without any problems. Since then (about 1.5 years) I have used the CPAP machine every night & sleep most nights all the way thru. For several years before that I was waking up every 2-3 hrs. Try it you might like it.

As to exercise & Arthur, I have that too. I have been able to find a warmer pool (90-92 degrees) & go for at least a 1/2 hr 5 days a wk. & it is great. I have a lot less pain & stiffness. My knees which have both been
replaces are very happy even 7 yrs later.

Hope all continues well,

Janet

Glad you had a good check up

by heartu - 2010-04-17 12:04:31

Carolyn,

Glad to hear your check up went well. My mom suffers terribly from arthritis and she is 88 yrs old. I have been told that I have arthritis in my joints and my doc said that I must have known that. I said that I have absolutely no pain or stiffness (I'm 53) and attribute it to exercise. It doesn't have to be strenous, but you have to stay with it.

Walking and swimming are great exercises, but one very important thing is to spend the time and do stretches for every part of your body. (think yoga - doesn't have to be advanced stuff to get results).

Wishing you well!

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