Joanna's Guestbook

Hi Joanna, I saw your comment on my post asking about the mechanical valve. Well, in my case this was my second surgery and I need two valves replaced. I chose a tissue valve the first time around because I was only 29 and really didn't want to deal with being on coumadin then. But this time, it was a much more complicated surgery and I had to do what was best for me in the long term. I did not want to deal with the physical and emotional stress of having a third surgery in the future if I could avoid it. It's an adjustment with coumadin, because it's been unstable and hard to get my levels quite right yet. It just does take time to get the right dose though in the beginning and I don't think will be a huge deal once it stabilizes. If you get an On-x valve, they are approved for a lower dose of Coumadin than the other mechanical valves. The noise of my valves has been bothersome to me, but I think mine are particularly loud because I'm thin, have lost weight on top, and have two valves. Other people don't usually hear mine unless I'm really close to them and it's quiet. My husband finds the sound to be comforting :) Most people I've talked to on here with mechanical valves aren't too bothered by the sound. It's just going to be an adjustment for me. I hope that answers your questions but feel free to ask me anything else if you need. Good luck with your decision!