Tree-dweller
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2011
- Messages
- 402
Seems that I will be a candidate for aortic valve replacement sooner rather than later. Research (reassuringly) suggests it is getting to be a fairly routine procedure, but one of the biggest issues is deciding on the type: mechanical vs biologic (pig/cow) valve. I’m in my mid60s, so I guess I’m in a gray area, since mechanical is usually recommended for under 60, biologic for over 70. I’m told mechanicals can last “forever” but require a lifetime of Coumadin maintenance, while biols usually need replacement anywhere from 7-20 years later, but no Coumadin. My gut reaction is, a lifetime of Coumadin maintenance would suck, always concerned with monitoring and internal bleeding, and I’d rather risk another replacement in the New and Improved future. If anyone has experience with Coumadin maintenance or valve replacement in general that they want to share, I would be so very grateful!