Sally's Journal

Robert Miller  I can't speak from experience but it really doesn't seem that hard dealing with the warfarin/coumadin. You have to be careful with the vitamin k you take in but you should get a pretty good feeling on how to adjust to it. The bigger issue might be that there is no quick antidote. So if you engage in high-risk sports or other activities, you might want to take this into consideration. Also read here:
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Abhishek Sharma  After a year with mechanical valve my opinion is it's not big task to deal with warfine. Just keep a eye on what u eat daily..  and check your inr regularly.. 

Rita Savelis  I have taken anticoagulants for 9 years (since I was 52) and eat everything in moderation and test once a month. It's a drag at first and takes some time to get used to, and then you do and you carry on. I'm sorry that someone as young as you needs to have valve surgery again - the problem with being female is that if you are menstruating you have to be careful with anticoagulants. Life is easier for men who choose mechanical valves. I had early menopause at 39 so it wasn't an issue for me. What are your doctors recommending? (As far as there being no "antidote" , Robert, that is incorrect information as a shot of vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin. The newer more expensive anticoagulants (not recommended for mechanical valves), however, do not have an antidote.)

Ann T  Hello. I am just over 2.5 years out from my mechanical valve placement. I have not found the INR checks to be much of a bother. The thing I am dealing with the most is that I am constantly noticing the ticking/heartbeat. I think it seems like that is different for everyone too thought. I also had an aortic root replacement and was told I don't have too much room in there so that is why I probably notice it a lot. It is easier to look past at times than others. It is definitely worth it as long as it keeps working like it is supposed to!