Christa's Journal

Luke Rodriguez  For me, I  chose a mechanical valve that will last longer than me because I didn't want to repeat this.  I'm 57 and I already take a daily statin so what's one more pill.  After 5 weeks I'm either too low or too high on my INR. Doctor is still tweaking the dose and I'm learning dos and don'ts. Don't take antibiotics until whomever monitors you knows what you are taking.  Do eat normally and your doctor will adjust your meds to fit your diet.  I found out I have to steer clear of high vitamin k foods...kale, Brussels sprouts,  asparagus,  greens...darn it. Lol...I  already hate that stuff so nothing in my diet changed.  I'm not drinking any alcohol until I get my INR in range and even after that in very moderate portions.  Say bye to ibuprofen and hello Tylenol.  The only real change I've made is taking a pill at the same time every day.  Oh, can't give blood anymore and no more tattoos...I  have five.  For me, I think I'm going to be ok with this since I see this as a better option to a tissue valve and run a high risk of having to go through this again.  

Rita Savelis  I'm sorry that you have to go through this at your young age. Or at any age. I have 2 mechanical valves that were placed when I was 53 (7 years ago). I'm on anticoagulants and have a high target range because I have 2 valves. I hate taking meds and was freaked at first. INR goes up and down - that is the nature of it so at first you have to have get blood tests fairly often and wait for INR to stabilize. One can get nervous thinking about it. But then you settle in and you only need blood tests once a month or so and you understand that iNR will go up and down. I haven't changed my diet. I eat everything in moderaton. I do the same things I always did. I don't think about it anymore. As a young woman you do have to be aware that anticoagulants can affect your periods. But a tissue valve is not a good option for a patient so young. Take care.

Richard Munson  I read your story and was touched because you are so young. Keep in mind that once they enter your body by whatever means, it all becomes open heart surgery. I had minimally invasive and although i complained about the discomfort , being a baby at heart, as i look back on it, it was not so bad. I had more painful knee surgery. What about repair, not replace. A better option perhaps if feasible. I was severe and they repaired my leak. 

Klara Čičić  Dear Christa, we have similar stories, I am 33, have three young children and severe mitral regurgitation. Back when I thought I will need valve replacement, I found this very informative video and it was helpful because this guy is also young and relatable: https://youtu.be/r4vOu5bzHLkn

After exstensive research I found that my valve can be repaired and I was so happy.  We got a loan from a bank and I am going to Germany for minimally invasive valve repair privatley paid, with one of the best surgeons for valve repair in Europe.  I think it is worth every penny... I see you have mitral stenosis besides regurgitation so I presume your situation is a bit more complex, so maybe replacement really is the only option for you, but I just want you to be 100% sure it cant't ne repaired....that way you wouldn't need anticoagulants for life... I'm sorry for my suggestion without knowing full facts of your story, but I just wish you all the best....

Miriam Alejos  Hello, I am 37 and just had surgery 3 months ago. I now have a mechanical mitral valve but have been on Coumadin since I was 27 due to blood clotting disorders. I had to switch to injections during pregnancy in 2014 . INR will always fluctuate but other than that issue I haven't had any problems with it. My surgeon did raise my INR range due to my history but it hasn't been an issue. I liked the fact that my mechanical valve will last longer and I will most likely not need to repeat surgery anytime soon. The anticoagulant isn't as bad as it sounds.