Thanks Thomas. I think I am in almost the identical situation. I am 38 also. I just cannot decise on mechanical or tissue. I appreciate your thoughts on this. ...Read more
Thanks Thomas. I think I am in almost the identical situation. I am 38 also. I just cannot decise on mechanical or tissue. I appreciate your thoughts on this. I ask myself if I would be better off trying the mechanical and getting on with my life or tissue and hope to have perc procedures better in the future. I am glad to hear that you have not had a tuff time with Coumadin, does it stay reqular? Does the St jude valve have a chance of requiring a lower INR level? Again thanks, getting nervous about this as time is coming closer to doing the procedure.
Alex Vigil
Thomas Deakins Alex- My INR has to be right near 3.0 with the St. Jude valve so that is 3X thinner than the average ... Read more
Thomas Deakins Alex- My INR has to be right near 3.0 with the St. Jude valve so that is 3X thinner than the average person. I normally take between 5-10mg each day depending on the Vitamin K in foods I eat. I just did not want to go back through getting a full zipper again as they could not do a mini on me due to the Aorta issue. You will make the right call either way and I would suggest you discuss with your doc. All the best! There is a new mechanical valve that does not require Coumadin and they are using it in kids. It is being used in Africa for kids as well as they do not have access to Coumadin clinics. Ask your Doc.
Thomas,
Awesome to read how good you are doing. I am set for surgery on 01/22/13 at DUKE MC,I go back and forth on which valve to get. How did you decide and ...Read more
Thomas,
Awesome to read how good you are doing. I am set for surgery on 01/22/13 at DUKE MC,I go back and forth on which valve to get. How did you decide and is the Coumadin dosing going good,how long did it take to control? Thank you.
Alex Vigil
Thomas Deakins Hi Alex - You are in good hands at DUKE for sure. I was 38 when I had my AVR and choosing a pig or t ... Read more
Thomas Deakins Hi Alex - You are in good hands at DUKE for sure. I was 38 when I had my AVR and choosing a pig or tissue valve would have meant going through this again in 10-12 years. I chose the St. Jude valve as I went with the recommendation of my surgeon and others in the medical field as well as my own research. The fact that my lower ascending Aorta was enlarged and the possibility that it may need replaced was also a factor. The Coumadin is not a big deal as you get used to it. I do eat green veggies and just have to maintain or take them in moderation. I check my blood every week as I have my own INR machine (no Coumadin clinics) and my PCP helps me with the dosage. I like to think I am a walking chemistry experiment :-) Good Luck on your surgery and remember to take it easy for a while. You will feel like a new person as soon as the tubes and wires are out. I promise!
Thomas:
What a great anniversary entry--and so much covered in so short a time. Thanks for letting me know on my guestbook that after a year you still have ...Read more
Thomas:
What a great anniversary entry--and so much covered in so short a time. Thanks for letting me know on my guestbook that after a year you still have a pink area at the bottom of the incision. I do remember when my kidney was removed 29 years ago that the incision stayed purple for so long I thought it would never fade, and now, despite the fact that it goes around half my body, it\'s so faint it\'s hard to see.
Let us know how you do with the marathon. I must confess, I\'m not as eager to sweat as I was before I hit 70--artificial knees and repaired feet don\'t help! And, my cardio said I absolutely must NOT return to my routine with the personal trainer of the heavy weight lifting. Oh, well, the local Y has a good program for septegenarians!
Again, best of luck in your future, and may your valve beat all the odds and last 60 years! Either that or miraculous new procedures get developed.
Terry C
Congratulations from one of the new kids!!!!
I am almost 3 weeks post op & I can\'t wait to see what 1 year feels like!!
Enjoy your beautiful life.
Warm Regards, ...Read more
Congratulations from one of the new kids!!!!
I am almost 3 weeks post op & I can\'t wait to see what 1 year feels like!!
Enjoy your beautiful life.
Warm Regards,
Nancy H.