Hi I am due to go for an aortic valve replacement shortly and was wondering if people have a preference in heart valve types .
I am 55 and leaning more towards biprostetic purely because I read about the problems with blood thinners but I'm also aware that I would probably need surgery again if I go for the biprostetic .
Any advice ( especially around the blood thinners )or thoughts would be greatly appreciated .
Thankyou
One issue will be which device will be best suited to your particular circumstances, and I gather that it's usual for a small group of four or so medicos to review these. The frailty or otherwise of the patient will be one factor. When I had a bioprosthetic valve fitted in July 2023, when I was 75, I wasn't greatly impressed when afterwards the surgeon proudly told me that it would last for five years, though I'm now unsure why he told me this, when many estimates are for ten years plus. I'd assumed that I'm on anticoagulants (Clopidogrel) for life, so I was a little surprised when you implied these weren't needed with a bioprosthetic, though Googling confirms this could be the case. (When I had a chat with a cardiologist in November, he didn't hesitate in saying that I needed to stay on Clopidogrel.)
Thanks The surgeon indicated I would only need a daily aspirin with a bioprosthetic, if I need anticoagulants with a bioprosthetic valve , I my aswell opt for a mechanical valve especially if the bioprosthetic only has a life of 5 years .
I go for a pre op on Wednesday so hope to find out more then .
Have you had an issues with clopidogrel?
Thanks
No issues that I can directly attribute to Clopidogrel, but I developed haemolytic anaemia linked to the new valve. Recently an NHS cardiologist said this was unlikely as anaemia usually only relates to a mechanical valve, but the maker of my tissue valve sent me an article that reckoned that 15 per cent of users did become anaemic. Welcome to the confusing and sometimes annoying world of conflicting advice! Likewise my surgeon said that I didn't need an antacid, my GP insisted that I did (and initially prescribed the wrong one); the NHS cardiologist agreed that I was doing the correct thing by taking it only when I had stomach discomfort.
With Clopidogrel and comparable medications, one feels the cold more and one has to take care not to get bruised or cut. In October a nurse clumsily removed a canula, causing watery blood to flow down my hand and the chair on which I was sitting.
I have my initial meeting with the TAVI team on 13th January at Cardiff Heath Hospital. I guess that is a pre op appointment.
I would be very very interested to know how your appointment goes this coming Wednesday.
I am not far off 78.
Have they given any indication when your TAVI is likely to be?
Hope all goes well.
Peter
Hi I had a mechanical valve at age 48 in 2005 absolutely brilliant I have and do live a normal life, both mountain biking and skiing. Don’t believe a word of the stories about blood thinners they present no problem. And of course there’s the added bonus that you should never need the operation again. Most other valves last around ten years so I would now be facing my third operation.
Hi
Thanks for that,do you have to watch what you eat and drink, I read you cant have leafy greens ,which I eat quite a lot of and I do enjoy a pint after a day in the lakes .
Thanks
I eat and drink what I want, I eat all greens and drink most types of alcohol. If you get your self a home monitor you can do your own INR cutting your hospital visits down to two a year, and you can test whenever you want, the hospital will want you to test once a month and ring with your result, they will tell how much thinner to take. I have had my valve for almost twenty years now in recent tests it was found to be working perfectly I don’t even realise I have it.
You just have to be consistent with the amount of vitamin K you eat. My sister (who was a cardiac nurse practitioner) recommended that I make sure to have one large source of vitamin K each day, which will then swamp out the variability in the rest of my diet. It has worked well for me.
Hi, how much vitamin K and where from?
I'm not terribly particular. Leafy greens, pine nuts, avocados, broccoli, asparagus. Okra if we're having a curry.
Hi Hanibil, so you really go skiing. I had a mechanical valve 2 years ago. As I'm on warfarin, advice given to me was skiing was a no no.
I'd love to go skiing again, but will avoid challenging black runs. What about insurance? As much as i would like to skiing again, I'm not comfortable going against professional medical advice with concern of injury on thin blood.
I’m taking this year off to allow my breastbone to fully heal, but I plan on skiing next year. Life carries risk; you have to decide for you personally what is worth it and what isn’t.
My private medical insurance covers me abroad, so I don’t have to deal with travel insurance, so I can’t speak to that.
Not one doctor has told me not to ski, they have said be careful.I have been on warfarin for nearly 20 years and skiing longer with out any problems, you may however need to reduce your blood thinner intake at altitude
Interesting; our place in Colorado is at 9,600', but last time I was there was 2 weeks before my op. I haven't yet worked out how INR testing works in the States either; I suppose it would be easier to have a Coagucheck machine by the time we go next....
A quick google turned this up: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/165...
Definitely
As well as "conflicting advice" (mentioned in my previous reply), there's the challenge of working out what to take together and separately, and when. I've been taking Vit C at the same time as one vitamin, as often recommended, but today discovered I shouldn't do so with another.
I maintain an A4 page listing the supplements and prescribed medications that I'm taking, with notes on when, and in what combination, and possible side-effects including after prolonged use.
Hi, Having dabbled with both types of valves I like to think I've a balanced and pragmatic view. In my opinion there is no right or wrong choice, there are pros and cons for both, just never second guess your decision later on down the line.
Thirty years ago I had just been discharged from hospital, having been fitted with a new Aortic Valve, I opted for Tissue which at the time was the right valve for me. Being 33 years old I knew this would just be my first surgery, which I was fine with. Best decision I could have made, it lasted for nigh on 19 years before it needed replacing, most importantly to me is that I was virtually hospital free which was a biggie. My only medication was daily aspirin which became a bit haphazard in the later years.
Eventually, the time came for the redo as they call it. My plan had been tissue again, but, I changed tact and went Mechanical, basically I felt that it was unfair on my family to have to go through a third op. Unfortunately, redo's carry a greater risk and the surgery became complicated and I came out with a Mechanical Aortic valve along with the added bonus of a new Mitral valve, again mech. Being cut-open brings other risks of infection and I contracted Endocarditis resulting in further surgery three months later.
My view on Warfarin after 11 years is simple in that I eat and drink what I want, it doesn't control my life. I go out of range regularly, but, I don't see that as a problem. Tinkering with dosage puts me back in range easily enough. I also have Haemolytic Anaemia caused by the valves killing off red blood cells too early, which is a bigger issue for me and has other knock-on effects.
Either way, as I say never second guess your choice.
Best wishes
Thanks for that , which valve killed your red blood cells if you don't mind me asking .Warfarin is made out to be so problematic but I suppose that's precaution on the part of the makers .
Thanks again
It's not something I've asked about, so I don't know the answer to that, it could be either Aortic or Mitral.
Too many myths about Mechanical valves especially around Warfarin, likewise, with the life span of tissue valves. I was told many years ago, that its very much pot-luck how long they last. My first surgeon told me 10 years, but, also not to be surprised if it went on to at least 15 or more.
reading your answers , you’ve answered all my worries I’ve just had aortic valve and pulmonary archery fitted. I wasn’t given an option work up with a tissue valve, as they didn’t know how bad it was, the results kept showing moderate, they was more concerned with the twisted pulmonary archery. so fingers crossed I’ve got 15 years .
Hi Heed06: I suspect that this reply will get lost among the many others, but as you'll see from my previous post,following a TAVI I too have cardiac haemolytic anaemia and, as I've bleated in other threads, am having some problems with treatment for it. The diagnosis, which I'd suspected for some months, was by an NHS haematologist; only a cardiologist in the same hospital thought this was unlikely and implied it was a problem mainly with mechanical valves. (Sigh!) Yet the makers of my tissue valve in Germany had acknowledged there might be a connection and sent me several articles, one of which cited anaemia being experienced by 15% of patients.
I had a mechanical valve fitted 15 years ago. I choose the mechanical one as I didn’t want to go through OHS twice. My mechanical valve has just been checked and it’s still performing perfectly. Yes, I’m on Warfarin and I do have to have very frequent blood tests but that’s just because my INR levels are hard to keep within range. But I don’t really find it too much of a problem and I am happy that I also have the protection from blood clots as well.
80% of patients chose bioprosthetic heart valve surgery for the reasons you are aware of the other option is blood thinner for the rest of your life although the valve replacement may last a couple of years longer. By the time you need a replacement a synthetic valve which could last twenty years or more will be available out doing the two present choices.
You are doing a disservice to mechanical valves! they last much longer than just "a couple of years"! They last decades!
From BHF Website:
How do I decide which type of replacement heart valve to have?
The final choice is reached differently for each patient as many factors (including your physical condition, any other medical conditions you may have and your age) are considered with the guidance of your doctor.
Tissue valves tend to be the preferred choice of:
older people (older than 70) as they may not need another valve operation in their lifetime
people who have a risk of bleeding and don’t want to take warfarin
people who have other major surgery planned and don’t want to have blood-thinning drugs
people who are planning to have children and avoid the risk of warfarin in pregnancy
Tissue valves have the same risk of infection as mechanical valves.
Mechanical valves tend to be the preferred choice of:
younger people (younger than 65) as this will lessen the chance of needing another valve operation because the valve will last for a lifetime
people at risk of a replacement tissue valve deteriorating quickly
people who are already taking warfarin for other reasons
people who would be at risk if another valve operation were needed
What I don't understand is why we are given a choice of type of aortic valve. All through the procedures and appointments leading up to the TAVI we follow the instructions of the experts.I have my initial pre op appointment with TAVI team in Cardiff on 13th January.
I am 78 in a few weeks.
I would rather they make the decision on type of aortic valve as I would have no idea what to choose.
At present I take furosemide, apixaban, bisoprolol and rampril and simvestatin.
Will any of these be stopped after TAVI?
Conversation to be had with your Consultant if uncertain about your choices.In the meantime check out heartvalvevoices.com website they also have Helpline on which you can contact them.
Regards
To be honest I don't want to bog myself down with more reading about valves.My pre op appointment is on 13th January. I'll wait and see what they consider best for me.
Thank you nevertheless.
A tissue valve is collapsed in order to be inserted through TAVI, and then expanded in place.
Mechanical valves can't be collapsed/expanded, so they can't be done through TAVI. They require open heart surgery.
Hi I was in the same situation has you it's what you feel is best for you first I thought bip OPP but then last min went for mechanical just because it didn't look that good I'd survive surgery and don't want to go through it again I am 55 in Apr so similar age to you. Only thing that I would say to anyone after heart surgery is that in general you heath is never going to be the same again .lve stopped smoking and recently drinking we all have to face facts no one is getting younger and another thing we have to take care of ourselves has we get older the choice is yours
My partner had his third mechanical aortic valve replacement a month ago in Barts Hospital. The first valve lasted 4 years before it developed a leak, the second 13 years - he got endocarditis caused by a chest infection not adequately treated by the GP in April 2024. He has been on warfarin since 2007. He generally eats what he wants, although we do limit the dark green veg, drinks alcohol in moderation and has to go for regular blood tests which have become a way of life. I think you need to make your own decision on valve type, everyone is different, my partner is just one of the unlucky ones that the mechanical valve did not do "what it says on the tin". Good luck with your surgery.
I would just like to add to what others have said, but on a slightly longer timescale. When I was discussing valve options with the surgery, he advised that non mechanical valves (which in those days were pig valves) not only did not last that long but they also weren't so well suited to an active life. I chose a mechanical valve, and it is still working well after 36 years. Warfarin is not a problem at all, admittedly I rarely drink alcohol but I eat whatever I want and on the rare occasions my INR has gone out of range (once because I tried a new health supplement) it was easily brought back to the desired results with no side effects. In the end, you have to do what you think is best, but I would strongly recommend a mechanical valve.
36 years! Well done!
Hi..l went to get a mitral valve replacement in March 2024 and when l came round after surgery was told my valve was repaired not replaced as surgeon's always prefer to do. So you may not have the delema of choosing a valve in the end anyway. I am 69 and chose a mechanical valve but was delighted when told repair would last lifetime without any medication.
That’s mostly just true for mitral valves. The aortic is a different structure and is not easily repaired. (My mitral valve was repaired and my aortic replaced.)
Ah ok..they did tell me before op that all surgeons will do their upmost to repair a valve rather than replacing but my aortic had no issues so probably were specifically talking about mitral valves.
HiYou are really in the middle of the road Mechanicle or Tissue and are hearing the best to worse scenario.
The blood thinners scenario really come down to your health now and later in life will you need more surgery's not just Cardiac and no-one knows this unless you have a magic ball .
I was 59 that was 7 yers ago and i chose the Tissue and only take a Asprin daily I was fit and still playing 5 - aside football when I was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis however I now require a operation for a Kidney stone removal so I am glad I went Tissue
I was advised Mechanical but then my surgeon said do you really want to take blood thinners for the rest of your life Decision made
I was 56 when I had my mechanical valve fitted and now 64. The valve is only licensed for warfarin which worries some people but had no issues, have regular finger prick tests with an INR range of 2 - 3. Run regularly and had no issues even with a cut with clotting time. If I had the non mechanical valve it's very likely I would have to have surgery again!! It is very much dependent on your age for the type of valve and at 55 a mechanical valve is a no brainer! All the best.
I’m 61 and have been told that I will need surgery in the near future. When first diagnosed with mild stenosis 3 years ago, my cardiologist said open heart surgery and mechanical valve was the good standard . Three years in and now with moderate stenosis, he’s indicating TAVI and tissue valve might now be almost as long-lasting . I am still a little way off needing surgery, so don’t have to make the decision yet. Wishing you all the best for your surgery.
I have had my mechanical mitral valve 22 years now. I am almost 77 years old. I drink 30 units per week ( because I want to) and I eat anything I want within a stable diet. I take warfarin (which you will need), and my INR is in range 95% of the time. I have a Coaguchek machine and basically adjust my own readings with vitamin K mostly, and a six weekly call from the INR nurse at my GP practice. I rarely need to adjust my dosage, but if I do, I know I'll be stable again for a year or so. I eat a balanced diet and do weight training three times a week. I have other health issues, muskuloskeletal issues, hypothyroidism, CKD stage 3 as well.
As others have pointed out, please do not be afraid of the myths surrounding warfarin! With a mechanical valve there are NO alternatives!
What you can't do without problems is go on a crash diet or go vegetarian or stop being vegetarian etc. You can't binge drink or stop and start drinking. That is not to say you cannot do these things at all, but to expect INR fluctuations.
Contact sports are not recommended and care is needed with head injuries and bleeding incidents. I promise you won't bleed to death from a cut, it just takes a little longer to stop the bleeding! The other very slight draw back with warfarin is interaction with other drugs, herbs and food but once you have your diet sorted....no problem!
Good luck my friend.
Hi, I have just recently end of Oct received my aortic valve replacement. It was a little bit of emergency so I didn't have a great deal of time to debate my choice but I chose not to have mechanical valve my reasoning was during a previous surgery I haemorrhaged. Also I was told some people can hear the mechanical valves. I did not want to take blood thinners.Hearing the valve would freak me out. Also my surgeon told me when my valve starts to reach it's expiry in 10yrs or so replacement can be done by keyhole not open heart. I forgot to mention I am 60 years old. My valve is working perfectly.
I have my first pre op appointment with TAVI team soon.May I ask about what happens after the TAVI? The aftercare etc.
Thanks
Has your surgeon given you any advice regarding valve choice? I needed an AV replacement 2 yrs ago at age 69 & saw 2 separate cardiac surgeons, both of whom (independently) recommended going for an Edwards Inspiris Resilia biological valve, so this made my choice easier! This valve is relatively new, so may well have a longer lifespan than earlier biological valves. It is also a good substrate for a TAVI replacement valve if needed later in life.
I’m pleased not to have the risks & restrictions associated with Warfarin & 3 months post Op I was completely meds free.
Some patients also report that the ticking noise of mechanical valves is a bit disturbing. However, equally many patients manage warfarin perfectly easily & prefer the reassurance that their mechanical valves should last a lifetime.
There’s probably pluses & minuses both ways! Good luck
The Edwards Inspiris Resilla valve is one I am going to ask about, I have spoken briefly to him in a telephone consultation but he is away on holiday until the 20th, my pre op is the 8th and he said I needn"t make my mind up until the day before, But I am going to try to meet him before im called in .
Thanks
Hi. I had the Edwards Inspiris Resilia fitted in 2019 when 61yrs old for similar reasons to yourself and others. I wrote a couple of blogs shortly afterwards regarding my experience, which may be helpful. I have been fine since although do now take Edoxaban (a blood thinner) as my cardiologist recommended it mainly to reduce my risk of stroke. Good luck with whatever you decide and your operation. 👍
hi
I’ve had both and if I’m honest I don’t think you have a choice as they will give you which will suit or fit you better in the operation
If your a light sleeper the mechanical valve has a tick to it that will take a bit of time to get use to
You will also have to go on warfarin which sometimes takes a long time to level off
Also a lot of people think mechanical last for ever they don’t unfortunately as I said I’ve had this operation I think 6 times now and I’m only 45
I had the Ross procedure last and thankfully I’m not on thinners anymore
Which ever you have I wish you good luck I’m happy to give you my number or email and if I can help with anything your worried about or anymore information you would like I’m happy to help
HiI had a mechanical valve fitted at the same time as a bypass operation in October 2024.
I had a leaky valve diagnosed a few years ago but it was something I could live with, with no major issues, however upon having a heart attack and needing a bypass it was decided to also take the opportunity to replace the valve.
I'm 53, and I was never given the choice of the type of valve, I just ended up with a mechanical one.
The most surprising thing after the operation was being able to hear the valve, it's like the ticking of a watch, I don't hear it all the time, but when I do I find it quite comforting.
My journey with warfarin has been a bumpy start. I've generally had weekly blood tests while getting my levels in target. I dropped below target for a week and needed to have blood thinning injections to correct this, but I realise now that my diet changes that week (attempting to get healthier) had been too drastic. I'm about to start home monitoring as with working full time it's less disruptive than having to attend clinic appointments. I'm going to be on warfarin for life, so I see the purchase of my own testing machine as an investment in my health, and my GP is supportive and has added the testing strips to my repeat prescription.
Hi I gave read comments My valve is tissue a Edwards Insira. I was told life time of 15 to 20 years before replacement and then it would be replaced via TAVI rather than open heart surgery
Unfortunately I didn't have much time to think about, less than a minute as I was being prepared for surgery. I was told mechanical I might hear it especially as I'm "skinny" and haven't got much insulation and would have to have constant blood tests and warfarin or tissue valve and probably have to have another one in 10 years. I went for tissue and haven't given it any thought since.
I have major depressive disorder, which while reasonably well controlled with medication, statistically still has a negative impact on surgical outcomes. I think this was one of the reasons my surgeon recommended mechanical (though at 60 I was also in the age range where mechanical is often recommended).
for what it’s worth. I had a mechanical aortic valve 8 years ago at age 62 after researching that they are likely to last me out. I have a home monitor for my warfarin, two trips a year to hospital for calibration and I eat what I want. The operation put me in itu for a month after a lacuna stroke, now fully recovered and very glad I never have to go through that surgery again.
May i ask do you have a bicuspid. Aorta value ?
Hi,
I had a mitral valve Replacement at 50, I made the decision to go mechanical as my thought process was at 70-75 years of age could I make a full recovery a second time round. Yes I’m on warfarin and 18 months on things still sometimes go a bit wonky needing a few extra blood tests, and still learning what I can and can’t eat. Also learning that coping with colds, flu and belly bugs can really throw things out. But would I do things differently, for me no. But everyone has to make their own choice, but my surgeon did agree with my decision.
Go with your gut, do what’s best for you. Good luck on your journey. Xx
Hi , I’m 65 now , had aortic valve replaced last January . Surgeon offered me choice bio prosthetic or mechanical , he said if I had been younger he would have recommended mechanical . I did loads of research before arriving at my decision .
Edward’s offer a bio prosthetic valve which is predicted to last longer , it is treated to prevent/slow down stenosis some of the valves ( dependant upon size) can then have a new valve inserted by tavi , but these valves have only been in use for 7 to 8 years.
I did all my research , spoke to my GP about what I could expect warfarin then had a telephone consultation with surgeon to discuss what I had found and asked any questions my research had thrown up.
My main reason for deciding mechanical was likelihood of having surgery again with bio prosthetic . .
I have not found warfarin to be a problem at all . Warfarin does not thin the blood it affects the length of time it takes the blood to clot. I eat and drink as I always have , the clinic doses me accordingly . Attendance at clinic takes about 10 to 15 minutes if all straightforward , if I need to discuss result then it takes a little longer .
I was going to buy my own testing machine but my gp will not prescribe the testing strips. Here in the uk it’s a bit of a lottery . I’m retired , attending my local clinic once every four to six weeks is not a problem , if I still worked then I may feel differently .
I feel completely confident that I made the absolutely right decision for me .
Just keep asking questions and hopefully you will arrive at the right conclusion for you.
Good luck
Thanks my main concern with having mechanical was the Warfarin but as yourself and a few others have said it gives you no problems as long as your diet is fairly constant.
Thanks for your help
Hi there, I have not been so up date about heart valve replacement. What is the difference bewtween biprosthetic and a mehnical valve?
Bioprosthetic valves are made of tissue, usually bovine pericardium, porcine tissue, or human tissue.
Mechanical valves are made of synthetic materials. (Mine's pyrolytic carbon and titanium, which I think is pretty common.)
Hi I had my Edwards inspiris tissue valve in August 2022, I was 51 at the time. I wanted to live a normal life plus I do travel globally with my job. I did lots of research on valves and Edwards inspiris tissue is the one that’s the most chances of lasting longer and the option to have a tavi in the future without OHS again. It’s an individual choice that is very hard to make. Good luck at your pre op.
Hi
that"s basically what I want and had read about the Edwards valve so hopefully that option is available to me.Have you had any problems since ?
Did you have to ask for the Edwards inspiris type valve especially?
Hi I did it was a bit of a fight as it had just come out in the U.K. at that time and the NHS did not like the price. I suffer with horrendous nose bleeds so being on warfarin could have been an issue and my job being in some wild places in the world. I almost had to go private but my surgeon was on my side and she did a great job to get me the valve I wanted.
hi Cleato there are some interesting statistics about valve choice in the NICOR adult cardiac surgery report. Under NICE and European guidelines the recommendation would be for mechanical if you are under 60. However if you look at the statistics in the report many 50-60 year olds still choose tissue presumably because of warfarin issues despite the NICE recommendation Also there is a huge variation in approach in different uk hospitals . In the USA the recommendations are different and valve choice between 50 and 65 is a matter for discussion between doctors and patients. And either tissue and mechanical can be appropriate There seems to be a move to tissue due to better surgery results and better valve lifespan in tissue valves. As I understand broadly there is a trade off between warfarin management(and bleed risk) with greater and reoperation risk with tissue. It is very much an individual choice having regard to your age and personal circumstances and views on having to be operated on again having taken advice from your cardiologist and surgeon . Lexi
My valve is cow tissue, which I gather is expected to last at least a decade and may last longer. Had my op at age 70, including a replacement ascending aorta (made of dacron) and a bypass. I've recently stopped taking aspirin, which had given me multiple, very small, stomach ulcers. Now resolved with high dose esomeprazole. I do, occasionally take low dose esomemrazole if I have, plan to have, rich food. Otherwise,I take adaily 8mg doxasozin and 2.5mg bisoprolol and a statin. I eat a fairly careful, lowish fat diet, with little alcohol, sadly. I cycle a fair bit and do pilates...i mostly forget i have the replacement valve. I wear a Garmin to monitor heart rate on bike rides, so I can manage heart rates, just in case...and I ride an ebike! Good luck.
Hi Cleato. I am just starting my journey like you, just waiting for test and results, will be reading the advice and following your journey, hope you don't mind?
Hi Cleato,
I have a mechanical valve which was implanted in 1982, when I was 29. In those days there wasn’t a choice. I take Warfarin and can honestly say that it has caused me very few problems and those have been around bruising when I did something silly like slipping when climbing into the loft I was very colourful for a few days, as was my language when it happened!
Best wishes
Thanks
Hi Cleato
I have a Mitral and Aortic mechanical valve Mitral fitted in 1998 and Aortic 2015 so have been on blood thinners quite awhile. At first it was a pain having to go perhaps every two weeks but once your body has settled to Warfarin you get to know what foods affect your INR as long as you are consistent in what you eat i.e. green veg you should be okay. I never think I cannot have something because of the Warfarin I just have a little more of something which will take it the opposite way if you get my meaning!!
Almost nothing is off the table with warfarin. If my INR is a little high I have more greens for a couple of days and if low, less greens. Works everytime!
What does INR mean? and how do you know if its low or high ?Do you get any symptoms if it's high or low ..Sorry for asking but Thanks for the reply
International Normalised Ratio. This is to ensure that it is exactly the same measure anywhere in the world. 2.5 in the UK is the same as 2.5 in every other country.
I personally have never heard of symptoms high or low. In most parts of the UK the testing is done by finger prick but in some cases (not so much nowadays) still by taking venal blood. I use a machine at home which can be bought for about £300.00. I get the strips on prescription. I use it about every five or six weeks when the INR nurse calls me for a reading. I also take a test when I am ill as illness can affect INR. The home tester is a fantastic purchase and eliminates visits to the surgery, although once a year I go in with my machine to "calibrate" it to the one at the practice.
I have few problems and am in range 95% of the time. I am happy to answer any more questions you may have. Regards.
Hi Cleato
I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced 2.5 years ago at age 55. I chose an Inspiris Resilia cow tissue valve because I was worried about my ability to take the Warfarin at the regular intervals needed. Good job because even now I forget to take my drugs on a fairly regular basis.
I also chose it on the basis that it would last 10-15 years and that I’d probably need a replacement but that it would not be the full invasive operation but would be the TAVI procedure where the new valve is inserted through your leg and put in place remotely. All other things being equal of course.
I was quite fit going into the op I’m a cycling instructor and I run regularly. I’ve had no trouble getting back to running I run parkrun every week, a lot slower of course!
I took aspirin for a while, with Lanzoprazole to settle the stomach but after a year I asked if I needed to and they took me off them I think there has been a policy change on regular aspirin usage.
Help!! Severe aortic valve regurgitation
Mechanical valve thudding
Mechanical Heart Valve
Tissue v mechanical valve?
Mechanical or tissue valve
