Kim's Journal

Patricia Garcia  Hi Kim...I have been on Warfarin for 6 years now. I have a monitor to check my INR but I also go to the lab twice a month to double check. I haven’t had any issues with it. I have a mechanical mitral valve. I had a previous repair that failed after 5 years and a porcine valve that failed after 7 years. Now I have the mechanical valve which I was told should last my entire life. The Warfarin is a small price to pay to never go through another surgery. I never had to have surgery on anything else but there are ways around your Warfarin for surgery if need be. Try not to worry too much about the medication. 

Kim Enfield  Thank you for your kind words of encouragement.  I'm hoping as I settle into my new normal it won't be so bad.

Rita Savelis  I have 2 mechanical valves and have been on anticoagulants for 7 years with no problems. I test about once a month. The period of adaptation and finding the right dose of anticoagulants can be difficult. I was so stressed for about a year. I don't like meds! Then I relaxed into it, got used to it. I eat what I want and I know that INR will go up and down no matter what, so I accept that. I have had surgical procedures since being on anticoagulants and there is always a procedure to follow to lower your level - you are usually bridged with shots or an IV. All doctors are very aware of this and as a heart patient you get extra special care. It was annoying at first to have to deal with my need for anticoagulants and my need for surgery/medical procedures (biopsies, colonoscopy, breast surgery) at the same time. But one moves on. Transition is hard and then you reach a new normal, as you say. Take care.