Larry's Posts

Any severe illness like the flu can really cause a lot of serious havoc, especially as we get older. Flu can kill about 30,000+ people per year, many of them older, like me and you. So it is best to be taken seriously, and see a doctor early for the best treatment. For those of us post heart surgery, we have extra issues. So I wouldn't try to push through it without a medical consult. Walk-in clinics are great for this if you cant easily get in with your regular doc. Hope you get better soon!

I would say "it's just the flu". It can drag you down. However, I would check your blood pressure at least a couple of time per day. Inflammation can also lead to plaque breaking off. I am not trying to scare you. I believe the risk is low but if you have a really sever flu, I probably would shoot the cardiologist a message.

I have had 2 mechanical valves for 8 years and have been on warfarin for that time. I don't have any suggestions for other anticoagulants. I understand that they are usually not for those with mechanical valves. But ask your doctor. Also, I eat whatever I like (in moderation). I haven't given up any foods during the past 8 years (on doctor's recommendations) - no problem with green vegetables or tomatoes. I try not to have too much alcohol. I hear you though because anticoagulants take a LONG time to get used to. I worried for several years. Now, I've stopped worrying and am just carrying on. My INR goes up and down but tends to come back to the same level (my target is 3 to 4.5 because I have 2 mechanical valves). I test about once a month. Wishing you the best.

Like Rita says, anticoagulants other than warfarin are not used with mechanical valves. There have been some recent studies using the newer anticoagulants, but I don't think these are as yet recommended as safe with mechanical valves. Your cardiologist is the best one to let you know if there are any other possibilities for you.

My INR pharmacist says no to kale and mango. Everything else is OK except for overdoing the amounts. I did some research and there are more patients on warfarin than on type 2 diabetes medications so why is everyone having a meltdown about diabetes and ignores us Warfarin users? Having to be on Warfarin for the rest of my life is frustrating, but I guess it beats the alternative.