Mechanical Valves

jdiane

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2003

Posts : 1177

Posted 12/20/2018 10:57 AM (GMT -5)

I'm interested to hear from any of you out there that have a mechanical valve. How do you like it, what is the blood thinner management like, how active are you?

I have a prosthetic tissue valve (bovine) and after 7 years, it's crashing (had to have a smaller valve due to complications at time of 1st replacement = endocarditis). I'll be up for a replacement here in the next 12 months I think. Figured I'd start my planning again now.

I'm super active, powerlifter, crossfit, mountain climbing. I want to maintain that same level of activity and can with another tissue valve, but am wondering if anyone is that active with a mechanical valve?

Thanks for any input and for sharing your experience!

straydog

Forum Moderator

Joined : Feb 2003

Posts : 20004

Posted 12/20/2018 12:12 PM (GMT -5)

Hi Jdiane, I have no personal experience with valve replacement, however my father & brother both had mechanical aortic valves. My father of course was elderly when his was put in. My brother on the other hand, he was young & very active when his was put in. Neither were a fit for a pig valve. You could hear a clicking from the valve but in time he became use to it. My brother had labs done every 2 weeks to check his INR to make sure he kept his numbers within range. He had surgeries after the replacement & would need to go off the warfarin in advance. His cardiologist told him the valve would probably out live him, lol. He had no adverse reactions.

Take care.

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