Mechanical valve

[Dimelza66]

Thanks for your replies! You are correct, I think I got my terminology wrong, sorry. I will have a mechanical valve not a biological valve, thus the need for warfarin. I was also hoping to use the self testing kit for warfarin, as we spend much time in Africa, which could be rather tricky.

Good to hear for some people the valve replacement has been extremely successful. I'm hoping to have minimally invasive surgery but don't know if it will be possible. Apparently, they can try minimally invasive, but have a team ready to "crack" the ribs if necessary. Any experience?

[Rosie1066]

Warfarin can be a problem. In my case I have to test every two-three weeks and some times once a week depending on the results. My Warfarin levels have never stabilised in the 15 years since I had my aortic valve replacement. In my case I have a very small margin that my Warfarin levels have to be kept at, but most people don’t have the same problem with Warfarin that I have. Mine is managed by my local anticoagulant clinic at my local hospital. I’ve heard that the cost of the strips for home machines is expensive.

[NotAGolfer]

I take Warfarin and have a home testing kit - I don’t have to pay for that. My levels are pretty stable without much concern. Alcohol is the issue, I still drink but much less and in moderation, holidays are the only time where my INR might creep up. I take 10mg each day since the surgery in 2020. I had to have open heart, wasn’t given a choice on that. There was only 10 days between diagnosis and surgery. Not going to lie, it was tough. But trust the doctors, you make rapid progress. Warfarin doesn’t impact me that much, but I only found myself on here as I wanted to know if it interacted with ibuprofen gel.. so I do have to occasionally look into it.

[wodehouse123]

Hi, I’m nearly 9 weeks post OHS for AVR , mechanical valve. I had never taken anticoagulants before . So far I haven’t encountered a problem with warfarin but as I said I’m only 9 weeks in. Having said that my late mother was on it for last 25 years of her life and apart from bruising easily and taking that extra bit of care with knocks and bumps she had no problems .

I would like to purchase my own home INR testing machine eventually but my GP does not prescribe the strips which are expensive , my local pharmacist says she does not know of any local GPS who do prescribe the strips.

I think my biggest challenge at the moment is building the taking of the warfarin into my daily routine . It is recommended to take it at about 6pm and take at same time every day.

I have bought myself a small dosette box and a pocket diary in which I write my daily dose and cross it through whff wen I have taken it. I also have an alarm for 6pm on my phone every day

I intend to review my situation in about 6 to 8 months when I may be in a better position to decide whether or not a home resting unit would be of benefit to me

At discharge from hospital you will be referred to your local anticoagulant clinic , at my first appointment I was seen by the anticoagulation nurse who took a full history and explained to me how my care would be delivered . I strongly recommend that you start now to think of questions to ask at this appointment . Consider your lifestyle and talk about how that might impact your routine of medication and blood testing . The more information you can give the more easily a plan of care can be made tailored for you.

Also beforehand a chat with your local pharmacist may be useful because you will need to consider your warfarin supply.

Best of luck to you. I hope all goes well.

[Dimelza66 in reply to wodehouse123]

Thank you very much for those very practical suggestions. Also, thank you for thinking of others when you're so soon out of surgery yourself. As I understood it self testing INR machines are available on the NHS as it saves them so much time and work, but maybe it depends on your local health authority. I feel like I've got a whole bunch of people who know exactly what I'm going through and who are prepared to share great advice. It makes me so positive about going forward😊

[Cyprus12]

Hi,

I am 7 years post surgery. I have a mechanical valve. It lasts a lifetime, unlike the animal valve that lasts around 12/15 years. I didn't want to be opened up again as I become more fragile. I was opened up and in theatre for 8 hours. I had a new valve and a new aorta sleeve. They break your sternum and that is the worst part of your recovery. It takes longer. I am on warfarin and I have my own machine (Roche). I do get strips off the NHS on prescription, but you can buy them on Amazon. I am fairly stable, but it goes haywire when I have illness or covid! I reduced my alcohol intake and have the odd drink now and then. It was the best thing that I did. I was born with this condition, but lived with asthma for 45 years, until I was properly diagnosed. My life has changed for the best and I have never used an inhaler since.