Erin's Guestbook

Hi Erin. I just saw your question about choosing a valve. I'm 59 now and had a aortic valve replacement almost a year ago when I was 58 (I'm doing great and celebrating my one-year heart anniversary next week by hiking the Inca Trail in Peru :-)) I had to make the same choice between mechanical and biologic and I chose the mechanical On-x and am SO glad I did. Going through that surgery again in 8-12 years was NOT something I wanted to do, and my cardiologist said I'd 100% have to have another surgery in 8-12 years with a biologic. The valve is not that loud. I can hear it sometimes when I'm lying in bed at night and everything is quiet, but never hear it during the day. I actually find it kind of soothing and gives me a chance to appreciate this incredible technology that gave me and my heart new life. As for the blood thinner (coumadin), yes, it's a life long commitment and it's a bit of a nuisance to monitor that the dosage is correct, but you probably know that the On-x has a lower INR range than other mechanical valves so your blood doesn't have to be as thin as with others. I think it's made me more mindful of my diet which is a good thing and I haven't had any side effects with the medication except that it takes a little longer for a cut to stop bleeding and MAYBE bruise a little easier but that's all very minor. All in all, it's no big deal, and seriously, having done and recovered from open heart surgery once, I don't ever want to do it again. One and done with the mechanical. Of course everyone needs to make the best decision for themselves, and either option is good. But just thought I'd share my experiences. Feel free to message me back if you have any more questions. Wishing you all the best with your decision and surgery! Life is good on the other side of surgery.