Mechanical aortic valve and coumadin

[Jkm7]

Indeed I am referring to Plavix. Plavix along with 81 mg aspirin is one part of the On-X study.

Yes, plavix and 81 mg aspirin for the On-X study.

But predaxa for ACT in cases of afib but not yet valve replacements. There is lots of chatter among the heart community about drugs to replace coumadin. We'll see. Pradaxa and the other new drugs of that sort cannot be ignored when making valve choices IMO

 

[dick0236]

YET, although I have been able to stay within my INR range since my surgery, my skin has become extremely more sensitive than before ACT...my arms easily burn from the cooking vapor heat, the back of my neck hurts from the softest shirts' labels touching it (I remove the labels as soon as I purchase one), and I keep *discovering* new bumps and new bruises every day!

Anyone else??!!

Fortunately, I have not experienced problems due to heat vapors and have seldom used "sun screen lotion". However, I have a dark complection.

 

[normofthenorth]

I was only on Warfarin for 3 months. I had a narrow target range (2.5-3.0, IIRC), and I spent maybe 2/3 of the time inside it. I didn't find it too bad, no extra bleeding I noticed, though I did have a few "mystery bruises". I was happy to stop taking it, but I don't think the prospect of having to DO the ACT/INR would deter me from getting a mech valve (esp. with home testing). The other side-effects -- like probably giving up on competitive volleyball (with its aggressive floor-diving) and increased risks of this and that -- probably would. Mind you, I still haven't gotten to the point in my cardiac rehab yet where I'm playing competitive volleyball again, 6.5 months post-AVR. . .

 

[Eva]

Fortunately, I have not experienced problems due to heat vapors and have seldom used "sun screen lotion". However, I have a dark complection.

It must be that I am *unique* :wink2:. Thanks and I am happy for you.

 

[djteako]

Hi everyone .
I've been on coumadin for 25 years . There are lots of foods that will "screw " with your INR's , thats for sure !!!! As for trusting them and using them to regulate nyour INR , I sure wouldn't try it .

Now for my big point .

THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO COUMADIN !!!!!!!
But ..........
It is Enoxiparin , or fractionated heparin .
The 2 downsides to it are; 1 it is an injection , which means a needle in the stomach twice a day .
2. it is very expensive , Aprox . $25 per shot
The upside of it , is there is no monitoring required .
Most of you MHV people will end up experiencing enoxiparin at some point , also known by the trade name Lovenox . It is what they will put you on to "bridge" you for any proceedures in which they need to get you off coumadin . The option is there to stay on it permenantly , if you can afford it .