Choices

[rwsp768]

I am going to have aorta valve replacement on October 19. I am 61 years old and was born with a heart mummer. Last year needed both cartoids cleaned out and it appears that I may need to have it redone in the future. My surgeon, gave me the choice of a mechanical or pig valve, however he threw in that with the pig valve, I would need a replacement within 10 too 15 years. The mechanical of course would require coumidin for the rest of my life. After researching coumidin I got real confused and now worry about what is in store, should I need to have the cartoids recleaned and no statin drugs aren't a choice. Been there done that, had really nasty side effects. Some family history my father lived to 97, however my mother passed away at 79 three months after getting her aorta valve replaced. She had known for fithteen years that she needed it done, however I am not going to wait. So I guess my question is mechanical or pig and yes I will be discussing this with the surgeon prior to surgery now that I have researched the hazards of coumidin.

 

[MarkU]

All I can do is speak from my personal experience, but being on Coumadin for the the past 4-1/2 years has not been a big deal for me at all. I still do everything I did prior to my surgery. Check out the Anti-Coagulation section here and Al Lodwick's web page for tons of info regarding Coumadin/warfarin therapy.

In my case I chose a mechanical valve to hopefully minimize the need for additional surgeries down the road (I was 47 at the time of my surgery).

You are doing the right thing by researching your options before meeting with your surgeon.

Good luck and keep us updated on your situation.

Mark

 

[Ross]

Given your age and being on Coumadin myself, I would choose mechanical in hopes that you do not have to face another surgery for the rest of your life. The unknown question is, what will your health be like at 75 or 80? I really don't think you could get through another surgery without major complications, but that's only guessing. What most people don't realize is that going tissue does not mean that you won't be on Coumadin. So many times, people develop Chronic Afib and are put on Coumadin anyhow, so as I said, given your age, mechanical makes the most sense, but it's you call.

There is so much myth about Coumadin, that I highly advise you follow MarkU's suggestion and see Mr. Lodwicks website to dispell about 95% of the nonsense you've probably heard.

The main site www.warfarinfo.com or if you want to jump right into the topics http://www.warfarinfo.com/warfarinfo.com2.htm He is a certified professional anticoagulation expert and does visit here to answer questions in the Coumadin forum.

 

[Mary]

Would coumadin and having the carotids cleaned out require bridging? I'm just curious; I have no idea what they do during the procedure.

 

[Karlynn]

Would coumadin and having the carotids cleaned out require bridging? I'm just curious; I have no idea what they do during the procedure.

That is my question as well. OH, and welcome! You'll find lots of information and support here.

Congratulations on being proactive. It is best to get this done when you are as healthy as you can be.

I've been on Coumadin for almost 14 years with my mitral valve replacement. The only real down-side to Coumadin is having to stop it and use bridging therapy when getting a procedure done. Although I have not yet had to deal with that, chances are I will. Many of our members have used bridging therapy for procedures without much complaint. But there are issues involved, so you're doing a good thing by researching and getting the most information you can.

 

[Curtsmum]

Welcome, my son doesnt have a choice, he as got to have mechanical.I have been out of my mind with worry about the warfrin/coumadin, i now realise that it might not be that bad and some people havnt changed there life styles at all. Good luck with your decision and all the best.

 

[geebee]

Welcome to our second home. I wish you well with your surgery.

As you will find out, valve selection is very personal. Everyone has their reasons for feeling their choice is the best and that is good because you want to feel you made the right decision after.

At 61, the chances are you will never need another OHS if you go mechanical. Keep in mind that there are never guarantees but the odds are in your favor. A tissue valve would require replacement in 15 years (or so) which would put you facing another OHS at over 75 which you know from your mom's experience can be dangerous.

I have had 3 major and 1 not so minor surgeries in the 25 years I have been on coumadin (2 OHS, hysterectomy & scar infection surgery) and have bridged with the 3 major. It was a little bit of a hassle but not enough of a deal that I would choose another OHS to avoid it.

Hope this helps a little and good luck with your research.

 

[Granbonny]

I was age 62 when I had my surgery....Surgeon told my family..she should never have to have this operation again....and I have a mech. valve..on coumadin..and no problems in 3 years 6 months..now. I purchased a home testing unit (Protime) from QAS.. I do my own testing at home and call in results..now once a month to my Cardio's Office.No doseage change ..Keep on doing and living life. .but, you do have to take a pill everyday..cannot skip..or your range will vary..Most Mech valvers have a weekly pillbox to check and make sure they took that coumadin that day..small price to pay for a re-op.. ..Good luck..any valve you decide will be a good one.Bonnie