Rhonda's Journal

Jeff Williams  I'm not in the group you are asking specifically, but I do have a mechanical valve.  The clicking is different for everyone, but I have almost tuned mine out completely.  It hasn't impacted my sleep or anything like that, it's just a neat feature I have now.

So far the warfarin (blood thinner) hasn't been an issue either.  It's become part of my daily routine and I haven't had bleeding issues yet.  I have an On-X valve so my target INR range is 1.5-2 now.

I know there are some others on here that fit your demographic more, but I wanted to chime in with the experience I have.  I also have a 20 second video of the sound my valve makes.  It's amplified, but you can get a feel for what it sounds like.

DeWayne Adamson  Tak to you Doctor about what he sees down road in 15 years. If nothing changes you could get a TVAR for another 15. I'm betting that 25 year non mechanical valves will be available by then.

Sean Adkins  I just got the Edwards Inspiris Resilia valve with the vfit technology about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I’m 52 years old 

Grace Mason   Hi Rhonda. I just had surgery 8 weeks ago. I had a Ross procedure. It really is a personal decision what option to choose. I preferred not to go mechanical and I researched and talked with 5 different surgeons before I made my decision. I would be happy to talk more with you. There is also a lot of information you can find using the search function and just clicking on people's names and reading their journals.

Rita Savelis  I'm a woman who got 2 mechanical valves at age 53, which was 8 years ago. You are young to have valve surgery which is why mechanical might be recommended. Valves wear out at their own rate which can't be predicted only estimated. I take high doses of anticoagulants, get my blood tested about once a month when I feel like it, eat what I like, rarely hear my valves. That said, it would be lovely to not take meds. But since my valve stenosis is radiation-induced, surgery is difficult on me so a repeat is not recommended. Plus 2 valves would wear out at different times. Ask any questions. Trust your surgeon's advice as well as your heart is singular and like no one else's. My valve problem was not bicuspid but that is probably the most common problem on this site. Valve choices are hard for everyone because there is no right answer. Take care. 

Pamela Gregory  Hi Rhonda. I got my Aortic Valve and Root replaced last year at 55 years old. I went with a biological valve because I didn't want to be on blood thinners or hear potential ticking. This is a very personal choice. My surgeon (Dr. Roselli at the Cleveland Clinic) has a video on this site that helped me make my decision. Maybe watch that and get several opinions about what your options are. 

Jennifer Fuller  Hey, Rhonda. I’m a 53 yo woman diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis due to a bicuspid valve. I had surgery on 10/30, and have been home from the hospital for almost a week now. I opted for a bio valve after weighing my options. I wasn’t concerned about the click of a mechanical valve, but I was concerned about taking blood thinners for the rest of my life. Do your research and talk to your doctors. Each route has its pros and cons. In the end, you’ll make the choice that’s right for you.

Mohammed Abdulrahman  Hi Rhonda 

I did surgery on 22-10-2023
The aortic valve was replaced with On-X valve 
my age is 36 years old

Mechanical  valve is good choice for long-term durability. I am not sure if the clicking valve is a big problem. I am taking warfarin 5 mg 
The INR target for On-X valve is 1.5 to 2 

at this levels, there is no need to worry about bleeding. The doctor gave my green ligth to go to dentist and doing everything. There is no worry about bleeding at such levels

The choice of valve is dependent on your age

Younger persons are candidate to replace mechanical valve

Noting that , tissue valve is sensitive to bacterial infections and may be undergo to damage and lasting for 10-20 years 

Rose Madura  I was 59 and got a an Edwards bio valve and was told for my age they may last 20 years at which time I could get a TAVR. God bless you. The decision is tough but you've come to a great place for support.  

Civita Fahey  Hi Rhonda I  was close to 56 when I got mine done 6.5 years ago. I chose a tissue valve for the same reasons you dont want to have a mechanical. I didnt want to take blood thinners. Hopefully I will get a least 15 years from mine and then have a TAVR. Best of luck to you with your choice and it is your choice. 

Cristina Sandberg  Hi- I'm 54 and had surgery 1.5 years ago to replace my bicuspid aortic valve. I chose the cow valve. It was a hard decision! I'm very sensitive to medication so I was nervous about the blood thinners. I asked to go on the warfarin for a week to see how my body would react. The doctor said no one had ever asked to do that before. I was shocked! After three days of being on it I had awful stomach upset and felt really strange. They tested my blood on day 5 and my numbers were quite high, so if I would have continued on the medication, they would have changed my dose to half of what they gave me. (I asked for the lowest dose possible due to my sensitivity). Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to try a lower dose because it was too close to my surgery date. The fear of spending my whole life with an upset stomach made me choose the cow valve.  Six months after the surgery I had an MRI of my brain (long story) and they discovered micro brain bleeds and the one thing you shouldn't have if you have bleeding in your brain is blood thinners. I was extremely grateful that I chose the cow valve! Good luck on your decision! I know it's a difficult choice. 

Mohammed Abdulrahman  Hi Cristina
There is new generation of mechanical valves that require low dosage of blood thineer . It requires INR 1.5 to 2 
at this rate, no worry about bleeding and clot. I was afraid mechanical valve but the doctor said you are young and mechanical valve is best choice for you as it lasts longer (50 years and more)

18 days post surgery and i am feeling very good with full energy. Yesterday i walked 7.5 kelometer at one time. 

i am taking warfarin daily and the INR is 2.16 and may be the doctor recommend to lower the dose to minimum

The doctor told me you can go to dentist and do teeth operation without worry 


He told me the the warfarin and aspirin will not have any side effect on stomache