Erin's Guestbook

I had mitral valve regurgitation so severely that I needed open heart surgery for a valve replacement 6 years ago. I chose to have a mechanical valve vs. a tissue valve since I did not want to have open heart surgery again. As a result, I have been on Coumadin (Warfarin) ever since. This requires me to self-test my clotting levels approximately every 2 weeks and calling in my results. Coumadin has some food limitations - limiting anything with vitamin K - as well as certain medication limitations. I assume your husband has discussed all of this with his surgeon. If not, he should. I had a few not unexpected issues after surgery: fluid buildup in my lungs that had to be drained, as well as afib, which required an ER visit for an ablation, which worked for me. I strongly recommend that when he is cleared for it that he attend cardiac rehab, if it is available where you live, to regain strength. I went for about 8 weeks, and it helped me greatly. If you have questions, please contact me. Wishing him the best!