Flavio's Journal

Marie Myers  I wish there was some proven ways of preventing or slowing stenosis, but I don’t think any protocol exists. The things you are doing sound like a healthy way to eat and live, so I would say go for it! I chose a tissue valve at age 63, so I am right there with you in hoping to keep this cow valve going as long as possible before it needs replacing. The choice of mechanical verses tissue valve was the hardest decision I have ever made. Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery and recovery.

rich monoson  Hi Flavio. Thank you for posting this finding with warfarin utilization. I had no idea that utilization of warfarin can lead to increased arterial calcification. Like you, pre-surgery, my cardiac catheterization revealed that my coronary arteries were completely clear and patent. This was joyful to find out. My understanding about coronary calcification and atheromatous plaque is triggered by inflammation predominantly. Diet, comorbidities (diabetes) and stress may result in increased inflammation. Your post is going to lead me to do some intensive research (thank you! It's not what I wanted to read but it is quite necessary. I'm going to research this thoroughly as I want to live a long and healthy life. I have a mechanical valve and warfarin is with me for a lifetime. I think you are on the right track with a modified diet. I have a sense that exercise will minimize osteoporosis and keep a healthy calcium balance the blood. Hopefully there is a new anticoagulant in the pipeline that does not affect calcium and it's deposition in the arteries. Since you asked for a recommendation I would respectfully offer up resistance exercise and having gravity weights, walking strengthen the muscle and skeletal system. Buenos Suerte Flavio and keep us posted. Rich

Rita Savelis  Alas, every med has a side effect or late effect. You take each thing as it arises. I had radiation and chemo to save my life when I had cancer. That gave me heart disease and lung scarring years later and I had to have 2 valves replaced. One can live a healthy life, and that's a good thing to do, but stenoisis goes on. And things happen to the people who do all the right things. I hear your worries. But sometimes we don't have a lot of choices. Wishing you the best. Take care.

Patsy Stewart  Flavio, I know that it is very frustrating having to wait to get your valve replaced. Diet and exercise are very important, but my cardiologist told me that there was nothing I could do as far as diet and exercise that would help repair or slow down the damage of my valve. He said the only fix was to have it replaced. My story is much like Rita’s. I had radiation years ago to save my life, but in the process, the damage that it brought was devastating. Don’t get me wrong: I would do it again. Hopefully, you won’t have to wait much longer for your surgery. Wishing you all the best. ~❤️