Six month check up

[RunMartin]

I have just been for my six monthly visit to see my cardiologist. All the measurements are the same as last time but there was talk about valve choice and aortic root replacement. Apparently the aorta is dilated between just after the valve and before the coronary arteries. I did not think I would have a choice between mechanical and tissue valves due to my age. The cardiologist did say that due to my physical activities (mountain running, swimming etc) and age (43) that I might also want to consider a tissue valve even though they may only last 10 years. I am now a bit confused as to what to choose when the time comes. I know there are many members on this site who have mechanical valves and are still very active. I was really hoping that by the time I needed my valve replaced a long lasting valve that did not require coudamin.

There was one other problem that has cropped up and that is blood pressure. It was quite high today (160/65) compared with normal. This could be due to the fact that I have a lot of stressful things going on a the moment (work, moving house, worry about visiting the cardiologist etc).

In the meantime I can still run and swim (which is good for me!) and I have another appointment in six months time.


Martin

 

[KimC]

Martin, thanks for the update. I hope your doctor has prescribed a good BP lower med and that your taking good care of yourself.

Blessings,

 

[RunMartin]

Hi Kim,
I have just bought a blood pressure monitor and the average reading over the last two days was 118/75, which is much lower than it was at hospital. I will be going back to the hospital to get a blood pressure monitor which takes readings over a 24 hour period. I feel sure that the high reading at the cardiologists was due the other issues.

 

[Ross]

Martin your suffering white coat syndrome. Your blood pressure is normal so long as your not around a Doctor. Quite normal!

I forget how old you are, but unless your doing something that would really place you in danger of slashing a major artery, I wouldn't hesitate to tell you go with mechanical. Honestly, you only want to do this one time and only one time if it can be helped. Coumadin isn't that bad once it's stabilized.

 

[RunMartin]

Thanks Ross,
To be honest I had already resigned myself to the fact that I would probably have a mechanical valve. I have read many posts on this forum regarding mechanical valves and exercise and I know yourself and many others say coudamin is no big thing. The cardiologist did say if I banged my knee whilst running in the mountains, it could swell up and take a long time to go down. If that is the case then I would run on more even ground e.g road or cross country. She also mentioned that the liver can be affected by alcohol when using Coudamin but I do not drink so it is not a problem!

I have to say I felt at ease talking with the cardiologist about valves and coudamin. This must be due to knowledge I have built up by reading other members posts on how they came to terms with the various issues surrounding valve replacement.

The unfortunate thing is that my cardiologist is moving to another part of the country. It has been good seeing the same cardiologist each time. For the first 16 years I never saw the same cardiologist more than once.

 

[Ross]

The alcohol and coumadin thing is more myth actually. The big thing is stomach ulcers. If you have a bleeding GI while on Coumadin, you could be in big trouble.

If you really want to dispell myths and learn about coumadin, see Al Lodwicks site. It will open your eyes to the real world of coumadin and not that of old time fiction.

http://www.warfarinfo.com/warfarinfo.com2.htm