On ending

[Craig53]

Just over 2 months ago I had 2value.replacements mechanical op went very well unfortunately my after care didn't go all that well .Iam having to go to doctors 2 times a week.for blood tests to get warfine dose right and this week alone 2 hospital appointments.which is far way don't have car and patent transport is a nightmare . So this is aftercare seems bit off because how do I recover when iam having to run backwards and forwards to make all these appointments it's real stupid I live in Newhaven my hospital is in Brighton think theirs been real neglect since surgery beginning to wonder was it worth it when one listens to my concerns or seems to think because I look ok Iam still out of breath most of the time my name is Craig Hancock IAM 54 years of age don't feel that doctors nurses have been that helpful in my recovery and because I get on with things because I do have a life and have better things to do.Iam going to listen to my instincts regardless of the medication I been told to take and everyone apart my surgeon at the royal Sussex country hospital can fly a kite many thanks

[Mitchum]

You need to buy your own INR machine. I have a Roche CoAguchek which cost about £300.

I get the strips on free prescription. It will alleviate your need to visit the hospital or GP and pay for itself. I am (almost) in total control of my INR and rarely need to change dosages. The art is to basically eat and drink a similar diet ie; don't suddenly go vegetarian or stop/start eating more of a particular food, or drink more/less alcohol. Foods with vitamin K are a GREAT way to control and tweak your levels if need be rather than change your dosage BUT, it takes time and learning so be patient. If you have any specific questions answer me or PM me. Good luck!

[Mitchum]

I meant to add, two months is not very long for a full recovery. My mitral valve replacement took four months plus and I still needed to be careful after that. I started light weight training after six months to gradually build up strength and fitness. I too was 54 and am now 76.

[Hanibil]

I totally agree with Mitchum mine has cut my hospital visits to two a year.

[Happyrosie]

if you are unhappy with a hospital then it could be a good idea to contact their Patient Advisory Liaison Service (PALS).

[Gillph]

Warfarin takes ages to settle and I'm sorry to hear you're not getting the support you need. With every medication there is benefit and there is side effect and sometimes it's the balancing act that takes time. I found that broccoli and sprouts in particular could upset my husband's INR but maybe not for you. Fingers crossed some helpful soul comes out of the woodwork soon.

[Mitchum in reply to Gillph]

Broccoli and sprouts will affect everyone's INR as they contain high quantities of vitamin K Warfarin is a fairly simple vitamin K (blood clotting agent) antagonist. If you eat these regularly it is not a problem as you can adjust your dosage accordingly which will compensate. What you can't then do is to stop eating them without it affecting the INR.

[Jedi14]

My only advice to you is the breathlessness will get better as your bodys become more adjusted to your new meds etc.