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I've never been on warfarin so I can't really speak to how it would or wouldn't limit you, there's plenty of people on here that know far more than me about that . I'm more interested in commenting on your depression. I can understand how getting (potentially) life changing news and possibly...

Hi All, Thanks for all the replies. Perhaps I am over reacting, but finding out about the aneurism was just the icing on the cake for me as I've been Ill all my life with chronic asthma as well as having a heart murmur & BAV. I'm scared to death about surgery but I figured if I kept...

Sorry forgot to log in. Richie.

Don't know about anticoagulant, but my cardiologist said my BAV meant I shouldn't have tattoos because of the risk of infection.

Just wondering what the issues are with taking warfarin in later life. My grandfather lived to ninety two and was on it for over twenty years with no issues, perhaps he was lucky. Thanks, Richie.

Hi Marc, Sorry to hear about your loss & diagnosis. I've known about my BAV & valve leak for over 25 years & I have to say that symptoms seem to come & go but are worse when anxious which I often am due to my condition. The fitter I am the better I feel & the less I notice...

Hi Matty, Sounds like you are closer to surgery than me, sorry to hear about your diagnosis but it sounds like you are very fit which gives you the best chance of a full recovery. Everyone has a different theory on valve selection & criteria but my view is the fewer surgeries the...

What's an incision guard?

So am I right in thinking as an NHS patient I can choose my surgeon & hospital, if that's the case who/where is best for an aorta & valve replacment?

Hi Northernlights, Nice to hear from another NHS patient, when are you having your op & where? How long is the NHS waiting list for it? I think mechanical is the best for me at 40 unless my Drs advise me differently. Wishing you all the best for your OP. Regards...

Hi Anne, thanks for all the info & the links which I've found very usefull. It's pretty scarey to have to think about this but my Dr tells me what was once a possibility is now highly likely in the next few years. I'm aware that there is little difference between private & NHS in the UK apart...

Sorry, forgot to log in.

Ola's post is a great read too, I didn't realise people could drink that much alcohol on warfarin without messing up their levels totally. Thanks, Richie.

Pellicle, Thanks for the links, you seem to be an expert on warfarin and it's effects. I'm impressed with your scientific approach at maintaining your INR levels whilst still living a full life with fewer restrictions than I thought possible. I now think mechanical would be the best choice for...

Yes I was kind of thinking mechanical would be best for me especially as I'm terrified of having it done once without the thought of repeat surgeries. The warfarin issues concern me though and am I right in thinking mechanical can make me more prone to endocarditis? Pellicle, I've had a quick...

Is that a mechanical valve, how do you choose? It all seems very confusing.

Thanks Arne, glad to hear you are recovering well, I'm nervously playing the waiting game. What valve did you choose & why?

Thanks guys, I do feel a bit better about things now & after speaking to my Dr I now realise we won't know how this is progressing until my next scan. Out of interest what valves did you guys choose & why?

Hi Rufus, sorry to hear about your problems. I understood that there was no more risk replacing the aorta with the valve than just replacing the valve, but there is more risk with a second or third op. I'd ask for a second opinion before deciding but either way an op gives you the best chance.

I read an article which stated that one third of people with BAV will need surgery and on average it happens in the late 50s. It's possible he will never need surgery but if he does it may well be much later in life, many people don't even realise they have it atall. Knowing about it &...