Von Willebrand's

[jj3]

I have a meeting with my surgeon today. Hope to get a date for surgery -- the sooner the better. The waiting will be the worse part.

My question relates to a blood disease that I have -- Von Willebrand's. Does anyone have any knowledge of issues related to taking coumadin and having a preexisting blood disease issue? I know that the bio valve typically calls for one to take aspirin and that may be just as much a concern.

Obviously, my surgeon and hematologist will be talking directly to make the best decision. I was just curious if there has been anyone with any experience similar to this?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Guest]

VWD involves platelets, so warfarin has very little effect on this. Yours will be a complicated case. Your surgeon and hematologist will have to work closely on this.

 

[tobagotwo]

Actually, long-term aspirin use for biologicals is generally optional. The cardiologists seem most concerned about clot formation in biological valves during the initial healing process, when the unhealed epithelium is exposed. This span lasts up to three months.

The continuation of aspirin after that time varies from cardiologist to cardiologist, and is frequently more related to your age than your valve. Of course, in a situation like yours, you'll want extra opinions, perhaps a hematologist.

Generally, if you are over forty or so, they'll suggest or recommend you keep it going as general good practice (nonvalvers usually start at fifty). I suspect some view it as a cardiological rabbit's foot.

I take aspirin, but it is in response to a suggestion, not a prescription.

Best wishes,