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 ...Read more
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 ...Read more
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 ...Read more
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 ...Read more
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 .
Cátia Ribeiro Do you know if it is still possible, with medical care and monitoring, to have children?
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 ...Read more
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 ?
Cátia Ribeiro I'm waiting but i don't know if it is possible to get pregnant with mechanical valve.
Hi Catia , A friend I met during my time in hospital . We were both having emergency open heart surgery . I had a mechanical heart valve ( mitral ) . My... Read more
Hi Catia , A friend I met during my time in hospital . We were both having emergency open heart surgery . I had a mechanical heart valve ( mitral ) . My friend had a tissue valve because she was hoping to start a family . Her next surgery in a few years , will be to have a mechanical heart valve . She is now a very proud mother to a five month old baby daughter ! I have two sons and they are a lot older than that her daughter .
Cátia Ribeiro Do you have kids with mechanical valve?
I am from: Lisboa, Portugal
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You asked about menstruation and mechanical heart valves .
I found my menstrual cycle was more or less the same but periods were heavier ...Read more
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 .