Cátia's Guestbook

Hi Catia ,
You asked about menstruation and mechanical heart valves . 
I found my menstrual cycle was more or less the same but periods were heavier ( due to the warfarin ) .
 I slightly reduce the dose of warfarin if my period is too heavy .
 Prior to emergency OHS my periods were often heavy but taking ibuprofen would help to reduce the flow . After OHS and due to taking warfarin , I was no longer able to take ibuprofen . I am in perimenopause this also affects periods .      I hope this helps you Catia . 

Hi Catia ,
Morning , I am glad that you have planned out what will be the best for you and to know that if and when you start a family that you will have a less complicated pregnancy . 
The cardiologist will still keep an eye on you and monitor you .
It is very difficult for anyone to say whether life expectancy has increased or decreased .
 There are so many variables in life and with each individual . Surgery and science have prolonged the lives of heart valve warriors ! 
You are doing really well Catia .

Hi Catia ,
If you read up online there is information about women who have had children and have a mechanical heart valve . 
Talk to your cardiac dr’s or phone their secretaries and ask if you can have a telephone appointment and talk to them about your worries about having children and which heart valve to choose for your surgery . 

Hi Catia ,
A mechanical heart valve doesn ‘t affect fertility but the medication that you would need to take would need to be discussed with the cardiologist and the heart surgeon .
Anyone with a mechanical heart valve has to take an anticoagulant . This is taken to stop a clot forming on the valve . You need to discuss with your Dr’s and let them know that you want to start a family and see what they suggest .
My friend was in hospital during covid times when she had to make this decision . She had some counselling in the hospital to help her .
 It is a difficult decision / choice to make but your life is precious and you need to look after yourself too . She chose the tissue valve and then three years later she gave birth to her beautiful baby girl . 

Hi Catia ,
No .
I already had my children before I needed surgery . I was born with a heart murmur . 
Are you awaiting surgery or do you already have a mechanical ?