Ellen's Journal

I met with a surgeon this week who said it was time to do another replacement.  He recommended an open heart procedure with a mechanical valve this time ( I am currently 61 years old).  My previous tissue valve only lasted 6.5 years which is why he is recommending the mechanical.  Because of the high pressures in my arteries he is recommending the open heart instead of a minimally invasive procedure.

I am having problems wrapping my head around being on warfarin the rest of my life and all that entails but there are no guarantees that another tissue valve would last any longer than it did this time.  

He referred me to another doctor for a second opinion on the how and what.

Does anyone have any advice on a mechanical valve and warfarin they could share?