valve replacement and libido

[McCranky]

I'm 63 years young and am new to this site and have recently discovered that I have a bicuspid aorta and moderate to severe aortic stenosis. This came as a big surprise as it is totally asymptomatic. I have always been considered to be very fit, active and virile for my age.
I should have an angiogram within the next couple of months and the consultant was talking a replacement aortic valve within 6 months.
What I would like to know is. What are the effects on the libido of this operation? If I have a metal valve and have to take warfarin, what are the effects of warfarin on the libido? If I have a tissue valve, how long do they last and generally what are the long term effects?
I hope that someone in this forum has personal experience that is relevant to my situation.

 

[JimL]

Welcome! There have been several rather lengthy threads on your question in the recent past; as you read around in the forum, you should find them. Apparently nearly everyone has experience with your question, and the consistent answer is: No difference. I have never noticed any impact of warfarin on any part of my life, other than the dietary changes I have made.

 

[tobagotwo]

As far as the libido, there may be some effect - to the postitive side.

While you feel you are asymptomatic, you may well find that you have been putting up with fatigue or other factors that you didn't realize. Particularly, some of the general deterioration you may have accepted as a part of "growing older" may well reverse or disappear.

You will have more general stamina, which would be reflected in specific capabilities. Also, you will have greatly improved blood flow, which should reduce or eliminate "pelvic steal" or similar issues that some people face.

There are many excellent threads regarding the differences between the valve types in the Valve Selection Forum. Use the Search function at the top of the page, go to Advanced Search, specify the Valve Selection Forum, and increase the time to six months.


Best wishes.

 

[Karlynn]

Here we go again gang.

If you have children, you will find that they had much more of an impact on your libido when they were young, then your new valve will have on you now.

My husband always assumed it was my valve that slowed us down. Then our kids went off to college.

 

[Ross]

Here we go again gang.

If you have children, you will find that they had much more of an impact on your libido when they were young, then your new valve will have on you now.

My husband always assumed it was my valve that slowed us down. Then our kids went off to college.

You have now heard from the peanut gallery!

 

[Guest]

My husband always assumed it was my valve that slowed us down. Then our kids went off to college.

*raises eyebrow*

Good night shirt tail. Too much info, my dear .

*pauses*

Yeah...no effect on the libido, although, I have not been able to utilize that libido in a while. Aye.

*shakes head*


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 31swm/pig valve/pacemaker
'72/'6/'9/'81/'7, train/models = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
MC Guide = http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html

 

[Harpoon]

I was gonna post something "smart" about cardiac rehab but figured I'd better leave that one alone as I seem to be getting into enough trouble talking politics in the Small Talk forum....



You know, just about every aspect of your life improves after having valve surgery. You really don't notice some of the more subtle impacts your "bad" valve has on your day to day life until after you've been in recovery for a while. It's an amazing change that many people who are post-surgery can relate to.

Warafin requires a little more attention be paid to your diet. Exercise in any shape or form is always going to be beneficial to you and your heart as long as everything checks out OK with the docs. You should be back to a normal routine within two months of your surgery and you may find you can add more to that routine than you had been doing before valve repair/replacement.

 

[Rich]

I was 58 when my valve was replaced.
My surgeon said I was too young for a tissue valve.
At your age I would highly recomend going mechanical.
Incidently they are made out of carbon, not metal.
You are 63 and in fit condition and that's good.
If a tissue valve lasts even 20 years, which could be a big stretch for some of them, then what would you do.
You could be looking at surgery well into your 80's, and perhaps by then(hopefully not) you might not be in the great condition you now enjoy.
The risk could be much higher at that advanced age.
Coumadin is an inconvenience but really no big deal.
It has not changed my life(nor my libido) over the last eight+ years.
The only time it can be a little difficult is when other invasive procedures or surgeries are needed.
People are living much longer these days, 63 is still considered relatively young.
Some of our younger members may not be able to relate to people your age and mine.
Well that's my two cents worth, the best of luck whatever your choice is and welcome to this great forum.