Mike's Posts

I have an on-x valve. It's not really noticeable to others unless it's very quiet and I point it out to them. I have definitely gotten used to it over the past 2 years. Doesn't bother me at all. I drink regularly on the weekends and haven't had any issues with INR. My diet affects it more than anything. When I eat healthy (usually a lot of salads), I dose up a bit bc I know my INR will be slightly lower than usual. I have my own testing kit so it's pretty easy to monitor. Highly recommend getting one. Insurance usually covers it.

Occasionally my spouse will hear my mechanical valves (I have 2), but rarely. I rarely notice it myself, except when it is VERY VERY quiet in the room. It is fine to eat everything in moderation when you are on anticoagulants. I've never changed my diet. It's also okay to have a drink or two. Again in moderation. INR will go up and down no matter what you do. That's the nature of it. Heavy drinking is not really advisable. It's been 6 years since my surgery and I test about once a month. It took awhile to stabilise and it's takes getting used to. It made me so nervous at first. Now I never think about it.

Mike, mine is very noticeable. I'm just so glad it's working well. Sometimes it feels like a more forceful heartbeat. The end result has been miraculous. I can tolerate a little clicking and it goes along with my knees and shoulders popping and cracking all the time. I sound like a bowl of rice crispies!