Pregnacy and Aortic Mechanical Valve

[Wendy]

I have a B-jork Shiley mechanical Aortic valve implanted in 1987. I am 29 years old and thinking of having children. Does anyone have any information regarding pregancies while taking Coumadin. Kinda going in blind to many questions regarding adulthood, no one tells you what you might experience and the questions you'll have.
I'd love to hear some positive feedback, I've read a lot of negatives.

Thanks for this site...I just found it and hopefully it helps me....

 

[geebee]

Welcome Wendy,
Definitely go to Al Lodwick's website : http://www.warfarinfo.com
You will find a ton of useful information there.
I think pregancy is a challenge while on coumadin. I wouldn't even begin to guess whether it should even be attempted.
However, modern medicine is pretty good so there may be some way.
I would do your homework like you have never done homework before. Talk to your cardio and find a "high-risk pregnancy" OB to find out if this is possible.
Good luck and Godspeed.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[Karlynn]

Welcome Wendy!
You are venturing into a difficult and emotional area. Most people will tell you not to risk a pregnancy while on Coumadin. The most important time is during the first 3 months when all the organs are being formed. Coumadin is known to cause serious birth defects. There are women that have done it, but usually while using a bridge therapy during that time. Your case would be very high risk.

The other issue is your own physical health. Pregnancy is really tough. Do you feel you are in good physical shape? There are many of us here who's pregnancies were the cause of our valves going bad. So the other thing you need to weigh is what kind of shape you would be in in after having a baby?

Best wishes as you search out your answers. Certainly no one here will presume to tell you what to do, but just tell you what we've heard or know.

Al Lodwick's site that Gina recommended is the best place to start.

 

[Wendy]

Thanks for the responses

Thanks for the responses

Thank you very much Karlynn and Gina for your responses. I have an appointment with my Cardiologist in May05. I have a dozen questions for him and my GP, so I'll begin my quest with my GP and then the Cardiologist.
I guess I'm in the stage of being angry. I was angry with my parents for selecting the mechanical valve as the replacement (being a female and the complications in life, ie, pregnacy), and I was upset with God. I know that's kind of deep but I just don't feel good at the moment. I just wanted some reassurance and to know that I'm not the only one out there that has been through this.....thanks again....it's great to know that I'm not alone!!

 

[geebee]

Wendy,
I feel your frustration. Anger is certainly one of the emotions that visit with serious health issues and I have dealt with it many times.
I am sure your parents were doing what they felt was best and wanted to save your life which is probably all they were considering at the time. If they were only given the options of "do you want her to not have to have OHS again" or "do you want her to have to have repeat OHS in 10-15 years", I think their only thought was to protect you from more surgeries.
I am sure you realize there are many options out there when it comes to children. You sound like a wise person who will consider all your choices.
I will pray that you find the path that is best for you and one that will give you the most peace (hope that didn't sound too "preachy").
Smiles,
Gina

 

[Wendy]

Thanks again!
I am just at the beginning of my search concerning pregnancy...I have thought a lot about adoption, and surrogacy.
I know were all dealt the cards we have and to make the best of it...which I've done for 29 years now. My parents were right at the time, but emotions run wild when you begin on different journies in your life....
This forum is wonderful...thanks!

 

[Karlynn]

Wendy,
It's healthy to get angry over your situation every now and then. I was fortunate enough to have 2 of the 3 children we had planned. It probably seems selfish to you right now, but I was really ticked for a long time that my body let me down and #3 was not an option. People suggested we adopt, but truth be told, I felt crumby for 2 years after my MVR because I was so debilitated before it, that I knew I wasn't up to having another baby, even if adopted. After a while, I was over the desire to have #3 and life moved on. Now, with both kids in college, I'm really glad #3 didn't come along, because we'd still have one at home and I kind of like the empty nest.

You will find the best route to parenthood, I'm sure. It's not the pregnancy and birth experience that make you a parent. Those things fade into a fog with time (thank God!). It's all the stuff that comes after. Rest assured, one day you will look at one of your teenagers and think "This is what I was so sure I wanted?!"

 

[MelissaM]

One more thought to ponder. . .even as recent as 1987, technology wasn't as advanced as it is today. Your parents were probably doing what the surgeon(s) at the time advised - and remember - the Internet (our source to much medical knowledge today) was just a glimmer back then. Your parents may not have had anything to go on but surgical opinion.

My surgery was in 2003, and even sixteen years later, surgeons were split on how to deal with my valve. It took much personal research, a long battle with the insurance company and three surgical opinions to get my mitral valve repaired.

I can certainly understand your anger - I, too, was angry at the thought of never having children. Hopefully, you will find some resources and compassionate medical personnel to help you explore your options.

Melissa