http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/11/03/mechanical-valve-click-clicking-noise/#comment-13490 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:41:39 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/11/03/mechanical-valve-click-clicking-noise/#comment-13490 I have lived with a mechanical aortic valve since November 1988.This was my second valve replacement. The first valve (a tissue valve) was implanted in August 1981 but only lasted seven years. Prior to both operations I contacted bacterial endocarditis from dental work. I have been on coumadin now since 1988 and aside from one episode of a bleeding ulcer from a gastro infection I have had no issues and have led a normal and very active life. I golf, teach skiing as a hobby,teach law part-time at two Universities and work full time as a lawyer for the Department of Justice. The issue of a clicking noise is relevant to all of us with mechanical heart valves. Most of us simply get used to the clicking sound although my wife sometimes complaines about it.I agree completely that we must know our bodies and our health better that the Doctors.I have sometimes found that the mediacal profession can take very conservative stands on many issues for vlave patients,For example, I have had some Doctors suggest that I should not be skiing because I take coumadin. My answer to that is that perhaps I should not drive a car because I might be in an accident. It is far more important to keep active. I know that I will need another replacement in a few years but I am very confident that I will recover and continue to lead an active life. Being positive and living life to the fullest with our families is the best medicine for a long and healthy life. I am so fortunate to have had the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa Canada to take care of me over the years. This is truly a remarkable insitution. I have lived with a mechanical aortic valve since November 1988.This was my second valve replacement. The first valve (a tissue valve) was implanted in August 1981 but only lasted seven years. Prior to both operations I contacted bacterial endocarditis from dental work. I have been on coumadin now since 1988 and aside from one episode of a bleeding ulcer from a gastro infection I have had no issues and have led a normal and very active life. I golf, teach skiing as a hobby,teach law part-time at two Universities and work full time as a lawyer for the Department of Justice. The issue of a clicking noise is relevant to all of us with mechanical heart valves. Most of us simply get used to the clicking sound although my wife sometimes complaines about it.I agree completely that we must know our bodies and our health better that the Doctors.I have sometimes found that the mediacal profession can take very conservative stands on many issues for vlave patients,For example, I have had some Doctors suggest that I should not be skiing because I take coumadin. My answer to that is that perhaps I should not drive a car because I might be in an accident. It is far more important to keep active. I know that I will need another replacement in a few years but I am very confident that I will recover and continue to lead an active life. Being positive and living life to the fullest with our families is the best medicine for a long and healthy life. I am so fortunate to have had the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa Canada to take care of me over the years. This is truly a remarkable insitution.

]]>