Two weeks post AVR surgery

Two weeks post AVR surgery
Time does fly when you are having fun or when you are on the other side of surgery.  I do remember how slow the days went by in preparation for surgery.
My health seems to be improving just as expected.  I am now having many more great hours than just okay or bad hours.
I am now able to take two walks a day for a total of 2 miles and my pain as it were is under complete control by just two doses of Tylenol, regular strength, a day.  I am still unable to sleep all night and require only one nap during the day.  That desire for a nap hits me like a ton of bricks.  On minute I can be wide awake and the next I can't keep my eyes open.  Still can't sleep on my side or stomach as before.
My INR took a dip yesterday to 1.7 so they have upped the amount of Coumadin to 10mg for yesterday and Sunday with another finger prick scheduled for Monday.  I was able to talk to the nurse and also received information in the mail about a portable testing unit so after 90 days I will be able to do it myself at home or on the road.
I must admit the blood thinning situation is a bit worrisome but I am sure we will get the number steady in the 2.5-3.5 range in awhile.  In an effort to help move the number in the right direction I will cut out all salads for the time being.  It does seem counter intuitive but I can simple replace those veggies for others.  I also noticed that my Centrum Silver over 50 men formula has Vitamin K, 200% of vitamin C and and E.  The B-Complex that I have been taking also has 500% of C.  CoQ10 is also on the do not take list even though the hospital had it on their approved list of vitamins for me.  I will have to go back to the drawing board on my vitamin selections and be more careful as I move forward.
My numerous entry and exit points including the MZ, mini zipper are all healing nicely and only have an occasional cracking sensation of the chest wall during my daily activities.  I was happy while in the hospital not to actually hear the clicking noise of the valve but now that I am home while I am trying to sleep I can hear it.  I guess the noise of the AC system while in the hospital was able to drown it out.  No big deal, I will now just put some music on while going to sleep and understand after awhile I will adjust.  It is much better than the sound of the murmur just prior to surgery and I was able to get use to it.
Going to try to go some extra distance on the walking this weekend.  On Saturday going to try a two mile walk with a 20 minute a mile of faster pace.  Sunday up the distance to 3 miles but at the same pace.  Along the route I will make sure there will be somewhere I can cop a squat if necessary half way thru.  I was able to get 1.75 in during my morning walk in 30 minutes so all is well on the exercise front.  It still stings a bit when I see someone run by me but I will wait until I get clearance from my Cardiologist when I go see him on the 18th of July.
My weight is coming back at a rate of 1/2 pound a day.  Have to be careful since one sign of heart problems is putting on 3-5 pounds in a short period of time.  That is a sign that ones heart is in trouble and starting to take on water.  So much to do and remember.  Good thing I don't have to go back to work for awhile.  Actually I could not imagine trying to do my job in my current condition.  I guess I will get a good idea when that might be when I go see my Cardiologist.  The only other question to answer is what hoops I will have to jump through to get my FAA Medical back so that I can continue flying once I get back to work.
Tony