Ann's Journal

Jeanette Reardon  Thank goodness you are alright after that experience. With coumadin, aren't regular blood tests required to see the clotting capabilities?

Rita Savelis  It seems odd to be on both. I've taken coumadin for 9 years and do not take any aspirin related products. I would ask your doctors why you have to be on both.

CRESTA FAIRHOLM  I take a baby aspirin with my coumadin and I have not had any trouble so far 2 years now. I do take my aspirin in the morning and coumadin in the evening. Do you go to a coumadin clinic? The nurses in my clinic are who I ask about everything medication wise they are very knowable on what affects coumadin or how it may affect you. 

 

Yumiko Ishida  I do not have a mechanical valve but was put on both warfarin and aspirin after having a stroke. It is my understanding that they work very differently. Warfarin is an anticoagulant while aspirin is an anti-platelet. They both have a blood thinning effect, but warfarin prevents a clot from forming in your heart, while aspirin prevents platelets from clumping together in your bloodstream. I have not noticed any effect on my iron level, but then again I was already post menopausal when I started taking the two drugs, so am not loosing blood on a regular basis. If you are at a low risk for developing platelet clots you probably could reduce or go off aspirin, but only your doctor could determine that. My cholesterol is under control so I am not necessarily at high risk for developing platelet clots but my brain arteries are compromised from the previous stroke, so I need to stay on aspirin.

Luke Taylor  Both! I was put on warfarin only after AVR with mechanical valve. Since it was an On-X valve my INR target was reduced to 1.5-2.0.  A few months later I had a heart attack due to a clot and found out I really need to be on both warfarin and aspirin and a higher INR target of 2.0-3.0

Robert Miller  According to my surgeons, after 3 months you can to pretty much anything including skiing. Only for golfing (which I don't do) I was told to wait 6 months. Otherwise, everything is fine. I don't have a pacemaker, though so I can't speak to that. You should also get regular checkups so talk to your cardiologist. 

Rose Madura  I would think bowling would be fine after 1.5 years! But like Robert, I'm not sure about the pacemaker. I'd make a call to your electrophysiologist and ask about bowling with a pacemaker.

Katrina Calcaterra   I am new here I am starting to search for a doctor to replace my  Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm I am looking for a very reputable doctor. I also have Mitral Valve disease it is so scared I have to lose about 80 pounds to be in a safe zone to keep from infection after surgery. I need my Valve replaced within a year

Susan Lynn  Welcome, Ann! There are many OnX valve heart warriors on this site. I'm sure they'll be happy to share their experiences and answer your questions.

Robert DeVita  Hi Ann.., I have an ON-X Aortic Valve.., had it put in this past January. I am not a good comparison as I now have moderate paravalvular leak as a couple of the stitches pulled off the sewing ring. That said, I won't feel any benefits from the valve until the issue is fixed (Next January). anyway, I do notice the clicking but its not so bad as I just put it out of my mind. When you think about it.., the clicking can be viewed in a positive light as well !! There are plenty of ON-X Owners out here so I am sure you will run into more folks pretty soon ! 

Jan Findlay  Hi Ann, I don't have a mechanical valve but my first replacement allograft valve, which is over 20 years old, is now wearing out and I will need it replaced very soon. I just wanted to say good luck. I hope you might become comforted by the little tick rather than bothered by it. But I do think this is the very best forum for staying in contact with other heart valve surgery 'thrivers'.

Shelly Hubbard  Hi Ann I had the On-x valve April 10,  2023 just 5 months ago. I hear the ticking especially at night. I am trying every day to get used to it. Wow you are out 2 years and still hear it? Wonder if we will ever get used to it? I can totally relate. I have to have a fan going at night to sleep and I turn on my Temoerpedic massage bed just so I can get to sleep at night.

Ann T  Thanks everyone! I do try to look at it positively and know that it is a good thing that it is strong and kicking! Shelly, I know, sleep was very difficult at first. That has gotten a lot better, I do still have a bad night every once and a while but for the most part I am able to fall asleep better now. I do notice it getting easier to forget about it at times so hopefully just takes a good while to get used to, but wow is it strong!

Marie-Ange Jacques   My doctor told me that the ticking means the valve is working well and when I do not hear it then I av to report the hospital as it means it has stop working. I am getting use to it as now the ticking is my new best friend.