Which type of valve?

[Vee4]

Hi ,Thank you for letting me join this forum. Out of the blue I was diagnosed with needing mitral valve replacement surgery. It has been a shock. I have been told it is up to me which type of valve I choose, metal or not. Just wondered if anyone has any advice on this? I am 64. If I have the metal valve I will have to be on Warfarin for life but possibly won't need Warfarin if I choose the other valve. But the non metal one may need replacing later. I am struggling to decide. All advice appreciated! Thanks.

[SmileySunshine]

morning. I’m having my aortic valve replaced in a few weeks. I’m having the mechanical valve. I’m 53 years old and took the advice from the surgeon. I’m already on Warfarin and have no issues with it. I self test and send in my results. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Vee4 in reply to SmileySunshine]

Thank you so much for your reply!

[SmileySunshine in reply to Vee4]

I also joined aortic valve replacement group on Facebook. So much knowledge and experience there. I feel so much better hearing from others.

[Nickibmibile]

HiIn 1984 I had a metal mitral valve fitted and took it Warfarin for 19 years. In 2003 I had that valve replaced with a bio one and was prescribed asparin. Six years ago I developed AF and was again put on on Warfarin, I also have a pacemaker. My cardiologist apologised because he said I'd not need Warfarin again! It's 2022 and I'm still on it and actually it's not been a problem. Its your choice but honestly I've grown to like Warfarin with all its checks, it gives me a sort of peace of mind x

[rubyred5051sew]

i had a metal valve in 2003 i was told if i had pigs valve it would only last 8 years so that means i would have had to have 2 more since then and your heart can only take so much in terms of operations being on warfarin as its problems but nothing by comparason to more than one heart operation i was 52 at the time and was back at work in 3 months and now 72

[Caramilk]

Hi. I see this question was posted 9 months ago so I'm hoping you've had the surgery and feel you made the right choice. My surgery is next week and I have the same predicament. Can I ask what helped you make the choice and which was it? Thank you