Dolly's Posts

My mom was on warfarin for over 30 years. Other than the annoying blood tests, it did not effect her! She was always on the go and never stopped! You'll be fine. My mitral valve repair surgery was 1 month ago, and I have to be on warfarin for 3 months. So far no issues or problems! Wishing you well!

I hear you Dolly! I've been on anticoagulant for the past 7 years since my aortic and mitral valves were replaced and my tricuspid valve repaired. I was very nervous about anticoaguants for a long time, so I understand your anxiety. They get a bad rap. It takes awhile to find the right dose so there can be frequent blood tests for the first weeks/months, and one needs to relax as ones body (liver) gets used to this new med. In fact, INR goes up and down naturally. I haven't changed my diet and now I test about once a month. Nothing in my life has changed because of anticoagulants except for these regular blood tests. I make my own decisions about anticoagulant doses, eat what I want, do what I want, and feel comfortable. I have had several surgical prodecures (biopsies, colonoscopy, etc;) since heart surgery and there are special procedures to be followed if one is on anticoagulants for any invasive surgery or test. But doctors take good care of you because they are aware of this. I wrote a long post a few years ago about anticoagulants on this site (in my journal) if you'd like to read it. Take care Dolly.