Arnold's Journal

Feeling great and enjoy each day more than I did prior to 'the nightmare' of an unexpected need of AVR due to stenosis/endocarditis. No more edema and no shortness of breath. Cardiologist says normal sinus rhythm and valve nice and tight. Taking meds and warfarin with a maintained INR of 2.5. Doc says he may take me off warfarin the future but I have no side effects and it's inexpensive. Once in a blue moon I feel my heart flutter so afib is still on the back of my mind. Work out at a gym 3 times a week. Metoprolol 200 mg. per day. Resting heart rate in low 60s. Chest scar virtually invisible. Just turned 65. A very happy birthday with wife and adult kids. Be kind to each other, never take a second for granted, and say yes if you're asked if you want nuts on that hot fudge sundae. Thank you Adam, for this site! Arnie

I'm 2 and a half months post AVR. Feeling well. Walk a mile each day and just started cardiac rehab last week. I'm still bothered a bit by edema in calves. OK first thing in the morning but swelling begins after walking around. Taking HCTZ 25 mg. per day but edema persists. How long does it usually take for this to resolve itself?