Andrea's Posts

He just turned 50. We really went back and forth with the decision. We had a choice of Ross, tissue or mechanical. Bottom line he doesn't want to have several years of slowly losing his ability to do stuff while a tissue valve degrades like his own did and REALLY doesn't want another surgery in 10 years even if it could be TAVR.

At the beginning he may have to test his INR more often, but then only once a week and eventually once a month. One has to get used to anticoagulants and it can be worrisome at first as INR will go up and down. That's what it does. It's normal. One might need to consult with doctors/nurses at the beginning but eventually one learns to manage ones own anticoagulants and doses. I never changed my diet. I eat everything in moderation and adapt my meds around my basic diet. I have had 2 mechanical valves for 6 years so I have a high target INR. I used to be so worried about it and then I just accepted it. I have had no problems. I've never used a home machine since there are several labs within walking distance from me, but home machines are very popular. Right after OHS all the things you have to do can be overwhelming. You need time to get over the surgery. I never researched INR. It's explained to you in hospital and then you get on with it. Just another med to take. I wish someone had told me that it might take awhile after surgery to get my INR more stable, so that I didn't worry so mch. Wishing you the best.

Thanks Rita. There is a lot to try and understand and which things to worry about and which to just see what happens and deal with. I'm a planner and he is not so I'm trying to get control over the things I can before his surgery. Perhaps the INR is something we'll just wait and see.

Many people who have OHS find that they can hear their hearts more (no matter what kind of valves they get). Having said that, I can only hear my mechanical heart valves (I have 2) if it is very very very quiet. For example if I were reading in a very quiet room. I used to put a pillow over my chest so that I wouldn't feel so vulnerable and I wouldn't hear the noise. But now, I very rarely hear it. It is absolutely NOTHING like a clock and I understand your husband - clock noises drive me crazy as does my own husband's snoring. Those are way worse than mechanical valves. I think there is a place on this site where you can hear an example of a mechanical valve or if you type it into google maybe you can also find an example. The noise of a mechanical valve is the least of one's problems after OHS. But it is common to be be hyper aware of all changes in one's body.... Wishing you the best.

I have the on-x. The ticking doesn't bother me at all, but I can hear it at all times. My kids can also hear it if the room or car is quiet. Sounds like a loud watch. I have heard that the ticking is less prominent in others but that hasn't been my experience.

I do not have a mechanical valve. I have the Evolut Pro Plus implanted from a TAVR procedure. I live in the country with neighbors being about a quarter mile away. When I first came home, I honestly thought that they had their music turned up as loud as it would go. I could hear the drum just beating away. I went to the door to listen and I couldn't hear music of any kind! Much to my surprise, it was the beating of my own heart that I could hear! I had the implant in December 2020. I still hear the beating, but I try not to let it drive me nuts. I just think of it as a sign that I am alive....of which I am very thankful. Sending prayers your way. I know it's very hard for the caregiver as well as the patient. I wish your husband great success on his journey.