Heidi's Posts

Hello Heidi I decided on the mechanical valve since they last a long time. I am 39 and would have needed another surgery to replace the tissue valve in 10 years. I know I have to be on medicine for the rest of my life but I am glad I chose the mechanical as I had lots of problems in the hospital. If you are young I suggest going mechanical.

Hi Heidi, I'm 51, and picked bovine (tissue) valve. I'm pretty active, and enjoy various sports, such as hang gliding and skiing. I didn't want to deal with the breading issues every time I have injuries. I also love eating vegetables, and I didn't want to worry about the food and meds doses all the time. I'm also a light sleeper, and I didn't want to deal with the possible noise from the mechanical valve that some patients mention. I'm hoping for TAVR for the next replacement.

Hi Heidi, I decided whilst have a chat to my surgeon on the operating table before lights out. I was in ICU for a week before the surgery so it did not play on mind as to much going on till the reality of being wheeled to theatre. Like Naomi I chose a bovine (tissue) valve as I have a 19mth old daughter and want to be able to be a fun dad and teach her to ride a horse etc without the hassles that being on Warfrin can bring. I am currently on that drug for most of this year due to complications and a clot in my leg. I’m working on the fact that when it is due to be replaced I will still be relatively healthy enough and fit to take on the surgery again, and who knows what technology will exist in ten years. I don’t envy your position as it is a big decision, but either way you go, it comes down to how well you work on your recovery. Best of luck and prayers to you !

Thank you everyone for explaining your reasoning on your valve choices. I am 54 but leaning toward the tissue: I am rather klutzy and usually have a bandaid somewhere on my body; the diet change and lack of leafy greens would be especially hard for me. the tissue valve my surgeon uses is designed to avoid calcification. Does anyone have the inspiris valve and do you have to watch your calcium intake now?

Hi Heidi! Just thought I’d put in my two cents, since it’s 4:00 am and sleep is eluding me tonight. It’s Andrea posting for Mike, who’s had an artificial valve for the past 17 years. His choice was mostly driven by age, he got it at 38, and the idea was to eliminate or minimize the chance of multiple replacements of a tissue valve during his lifetime. He’s been on Coumadin (Warfarin) since, and I can honestly tell you it has not been an issue for daily activities or diet. He figured early on the as long as he maintained a reasonably even intake of leafy greens, beans and other foods containing vitamin K, his medication dose would also stay at a constant level, once it was dialed in to the INR that was best for him. He tests at home now, which is easy and convenient. It has only been an issue when he had an accident with a woodworking machine, so the bleeding was hard to stop, and we ended up having to go to the hospital where his cardiologist is located, instead of our local hospital, since the local ER doctors were not comfortable working around the blood thinners. But the outcome was good, even if that one incident did require some extra attention. And that valve is still going strong now, and the upcoming surgery is for an entirely different issue. Good luck with your choice and your recovery!