Julie Dugan - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1096 days ago

Hi everyone! I've been on Warfarin since my artificial aortic valve replacement 10 years ago. Has anyone on here been able to get off Warfarin and use the ...Read more

Hi everyone! I've been on Warfarin since my artificial aortic valve replacement 10 years ago. Has anyone on here been able to get off Warfarin and use the 2nd generation blood thinners? I absolutely hate the Warfarin because of its side-effects. Thanks!

Marie Myers I don’t think any of the newer anticoagulants have been approved yet for use with mechanical valves ... Read more

Marie Myers I don’t think any of the newer anticoagulants have been approved yet for use with mechanical valves. Having said that, There are probably trials going on now with that very question in mind. But the good news is, you won’t wear out your mechanical valve as can happen with a tissue valve.

Brian Palmer The PROACT Xa study is looking at using a newer blood thinner for the ON-X valve. Similar to running ... Read more

Brian Palmer The PROACT Xa study is looking at using a newer blood thinner for the ON-X valve. Similar to running a lower INR with the same valve.

Baby steps. It takes a long time for known working treatments to change.

Brady Busch Hi Julie,Is your valve,mechanical or tissue?I didn't see it in your writing or profile page.My tissue ... Read more

Brady Busch Hi Julie,Is your valve,mechanical or tissue?I didn't see it in your writing or profile page.My tissue aortic valve was installed last November and I'm still on Warfarin,because of afib after the surgery.My cardiologist said I could use Eliquis instead,but really,the only main difference that I can see,is the distance between visits,to get the INR checked.What are the side effects of Warfarin that are troubling?

Linda Stephenson I have a mechanical mitral valve that was implanted almost 41 years ago. That’s how long I’ve bee ... Read more

Linda Stephenson I have a mechanical mitral valve that was implanted almost 41 years ago. That’s how long I’ve been on Coumadin. No other anticoagulant has been approved for use for mechanical heart valves that I have been told about.

Ann Barber Ann Barber here.
I am participating in the PROACT XA study to determine if Eliquis can replace Warfarin for folks with an Onyx mechanical valve, which I have. It is in its 2nd year of a three year study. I, too, would love to get off of Watfarin. There are so many dietary restrictions with it. It seems like all the super healthy vegetables do not work with Warfarin. That is not the case for Eluquis. Nor is blood testing necessary with Eliquis. I have been able to simplify my life with home blood testing. No more trips to the blood lab for me! But I wish I could eliminate that.

I do wish there was a support / education group for folks who take Watfarin. I have never been able to fine one.

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Brady Busch Hi Ann,The people who monitor my INR,said I could eat vegetables,like broccoli,spinach and kale but n ... Read more

Brady Busch Hi Ann,The people who monitor my INR,said I could eat vegetables,like broccoli,spinach and kale but need to be consistent with the amounts and not eat a whole bunch one day and then not any,the next day or two,each week.

Rita Savelis It's okay to eat any food or any veg you want and be on coumadin. I have 2 mechanical valves. Your a ... Read more

Rita Savelis It's okay to eat any food or any veg you want and be on coumadin. I have 2 mechanical valves. Your anticoagulant dose will be based on what you generally eat. I test once a month. Sorry to hear about yr side effects. Being on any meds is a drag i know. Take care.

Rita Savelis You can find anticoagulant support groups on facebook and elsewhere. Just google it.