I joined in 2001 about six months after my AVR.
The site was a great help to me for the first few years, helping me get through my recovery and other adjustments in my life. Made some good friends here, and unfortunately lost many of them over the years.
Over time I eventually drifted away for a variety of reasons, and just drop in here on rare occasions now.
Quite frankly, I haven't made a real effort to keep up on the medical developments over the past 17 years, and don't know how helpful or relevant my comments would be any more.
Being on Coumadin/Warfarin for 17 years has been a pretty much a non-issue. One of my fears was the long-term effect on my liver function, but my doc monitors it regularly and so far, so good. I've gotten pretty good at giving myself Lovenox injections when I had to go off Warfarin for any invasive procedures. The biggest challenge/hassle has been dealing with uneducated/ignorant healthcare professionals who don't know squat about anti-coagulation therapy.
As a bit of an update, over the past couple of years I had developed an AV block, which eventually developed into Bradycardia early last year. I ended up getting a pacemaker this past April. After going through AVR, it wasn't really a big deal getting the pacemaker: One night in the hospital and then home.
At 64, I'm blessed to have no medical limitations on my activities. Had to give up triathlons a couple of years ago due to chronic knee problems, but have transitioned into a full-time Masters swimmer. I get up and swim 5-6 days per week and compete regularly.
Thanks to Hank and God bless you all.
Mark
