Mark's Journal

Herb Greenberg  Mark, I do not hear a woosh but now I often feel the thump, thump, thump of my valve (bovine, Edwards perimount). I consider that a good sign!

Mike Czaplewski  Had my aortic valve replaced by a bovine valve 1-9-17 and never experienced that. There have been other things I have brought up to my cardiologist over the years where I did not get an explanation for them though.

Pat Bluemel  I had this woosh in my ear back when, your heart and arteries are ticked off from all they have been through and are trying to figure out the new way of being. I had it in my throat as well, as well as feeling my heart beat thunderously in my throat and neck, specifically when I laid down and night and in the wee hours of the morning llasted about 6 months.I wouldn't be alarmed.

Catie B  Oh, yikes--I'm so sorry, Mark! Haven't experienced this, but I hope the warfarin will quickly take care of the issue!

Marie Myers  Yes, I have heard of this. With clotting disorders, it can happen. One article stated that 15% of tissue valve patients may develop a clot. The warfarin will keep that in check. Wishing you no further surprises!

Deepak Khanka  Hi Marie , does Aspirin becomes a life long thing after the valve replacement ? Mechanical or tissue valve ?

Marie Myers  I have been on a baby aspirin since surgery (2017). I had a bovine tissue valve.
Mechanical valves usually require lifelong Coumadin, though I understand there are trials in the works for some of the newer oral anticoagulants.

Mark Abbotoy  Thanks Marie. I'm on Coumadin now with a target INR of 3 to 4 in hopes of stopping the blood clot from growing. I'm also on aspirin. I'm also scared but keeping busy at work and trusting God for the outcome.

Ana Brusso  Hi Mark, checking in on you. How are you feeling? Hope you are getting better. Praying for your recovery, God bless you

Mark Abbotoy  Well I just had a clean TEE which means the warfarin and aspirin are working. Was cleared to start training for a 5k. Still have some dizzy spells and a new symptom of pulsating tinnitus. Cardiologist doesn't seem too concerned. Thankful to God.

Kim Owen  Hi I hope it isn’t heart related. What heart condition do you have? I have mitro valve regurgitation and have periodic dizzy spells too. My doctors don’t seem too concerned. I do know for me anxiety seems to bring them on. Best wishes.

Karen ShirIey  Hi Mark. Like you I have a clotting factor. Mine is antiphospolipid. Like you had clotting issues prior to surgery. Do you ever get your blood checked for INR or PTT? I noticed that you were on one of the newer thinners (I think this was the drug you mentioned). The issue with those from what I understand is that you can get over thin and you might not realize it. That can make you dizzy. Is your heart rate in that range when you exercise normally? Were you sweating lots. Two more minor things could be low fluids or blood sugar? I have been on warfarin for 22 years with no issues with it. My understanding is that warfarin is more correctable if your blood gets too thin with a vitamin K injection. It's for that reason I have always stuck to using it. Hopefully this is just a minor glitch for you and not your heart.

Mark Abbotoy  I've had so many blood tests I am sure I have had these tests. Checked blood sugar and it is fine. I was a little low on fluids. Concerned that something flaked off my bad aortic valve prior to surgery (it had a blood clot on it) and maybe I'm still dealing with that. I'm hoping its not valve related.

Mark Abbotoy  Kim, my heart condition is simply I had an aortic valve replacement. Mine had a blood clot on one of the leaflets and it couldn't be repaired. Very strange. Even Cleveland Clinic was a bit baffled by it.

Raryel Souza  I have dizzy spells coming usually when I stand or walk for long or other triggers... the heart doctor did a tilt table test and found that I have autonomic dysfunction... when I had those spells the heart rate would go high and blood pressure would drop because of blood pooling on the legs. Making sure you keep well hydrated and enough electrolytes seems to help.

Raryel Souza  When I do get very dizzy I was recommended to lie down untill it passes... because if you end up falling or fainting you could hurt your head badly. I also use compression socks/stockings to prevent the blood pressure drop because of blood pooling on legs. Better check with your doctor and maybe ask for a tilt table test...

Karen ShirIey  Mark hopefully as you are on a thinner it is not any clot issue. I think an ultrasound might be able to determine that? Tilt table sounds useful too. Wishing you luck to come up with an answer.

Mark Abbotoy  Turns out it was a blood clot on my new valve. Bad news. TEE found it. Changing to warfarin in hopes of keeping it from getting larger.

Mark Abbotoy  Well I just had a clean TEE which means the warfarin and aspirin are working. Was cleared to start training for a 5k. Still have some dizzy spells and a new symptom of pulsating tinnitus. Cardiologist doesn't seem too concerned. Thankful to God.