Warfarin after mitral valve repair

[Shopgirl]

I'm now 3 months post op and was told that I could stop taking warfarin 3 months after my op by my surgeon. So last week and today when having my inr checked at my surgery I asked the nurses what I should do to come off it as I doubt it's good to just stop taking it. Unfortunately no one knew or did they check after me asking last week so now I'm waiting another week to ask a doctor. Not very reassuring but I wondered if anyone here knows whose come of warfarin??

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Some people can come off warfarin but it must be done under medical guidance. Usually people come off it and get a blood test a few weeks later to see if the original problem has returned. If it has it will probably be a lifetime treatment. Do not just stop it yourself as it might result in a blood clot with serious consequences! If necessary get a referral back to a cardiologist.

[Hidden]

Hello there - sorry to hear there's been some mixed messages about your warfarin. 3 months is a common period of time to take warfarin for following a mitral valve repair, and if your surgeon has said they want you to stop taking it after that time they clearly feel it's safe to do so.

If you'd like some reassurance you can always speak to your surgeon's secretary and arrange a call, but because warfarin actually takes a good 3 days or for your INR to return ti normal it's not a sudden 'shock' to your system when you stop taking it.

Hope this helps, Chris

[Shopgirl in reply to Hidden]

Hi Chris, thanks for your reply. I was definitely told to stop taking it at three months at my discharge appointment. So I don't need to reduce my dose at all and I can just stop taking it without there being any risks for an otherwise healthy person? Julia

[Hidden in reply to Shopgirl]

You're welcome - unless your surgeon instructed your GP to slowly taper the dose down this shouldn't be necessary. Your GP can always double check this with your surgeon if it isn't formally documented anyway in your discharge notes.

[bowler]

Hello

I Have mitral heart leak, and angina, I am waiting for my final test an angiogram, then I assume after that they will decide what next.

So I was interested in your reply above, re taking Warfarin after a mitral valve repair, do you know if it's standard practice to take Warfarin after a mitral valve repair, just curious.

Thanks

[Shopgirl in reply to bowler]

Hi Bowler, yes after a repair I think it's standard to take warfarin for 3 months.

[Ethel13]

Oh dear Shopgirl,

I can’t be much as I am n Warfarin for life with my mechanical replacement.

However, on my letter of admission for my op there was a list of drugs that had to be stopped beforehand. For Warfarin the advice was to stop taking it five days pre op.

I’m sure there will be a heart warrior who has been in your position and will be able to let ou know their experience.

Good Luck, hope you get this sorted soon.

Dory xx💕

[PhilC273]

I was on Warfarin for longer after my Mitral Valve repair (for other reasons), but when I came off it was immediate. No side effects except perhaps fewer strange dreams and disturbed nights. However, I would still think it is worth having a doctor confirm that you can stop. The surgeon's view is only a guide at the time.

[Nanpan]

Hi my cardiologist took me off Warfarin 12 weeks after my op for replacement mitral valve and tricuspid valve repair I was pleased to come off it as I seemed to be spending a lot of time going backwards and forwards to the doctors as they could not get the levels right.