Larry's Journal

Marie Myers  Any severe illness like the flu can really cause a lot of serious havoc, especially as we get older. Flu can kill about 30,000+ people per year, many of them older, like me and you. So it is best to be taken seriously, and see a doctor early for the best treatment. For those of us post heart surgery, we have extra issues. So I wouldn’t try to push through it without a medical consult. Walk-in clinics are great for this if you cant easily get in with your regular doc. Hope you get better soon!

Valerie Allen  Hi Larry, welcome. You probably need to provide some quantitative data. I did not have it so i don’t know the parameters 

Valerie Allen  Sounds like something they’d want to watch but not worried about at this time. I am an aorta patient so if others have thoughts please jump in.

Robert Miller  So you had a valve replacement? What are the numbers? How did they develop over the years? Did you talk to your cardiologist about it? 

Rita Savelis  I have had 2 mechanical valves for 8 years and have been on warfarin for that time. I don't have any suggestions for other anticoagulants. I understand that they are usually not for those with mechanical valves. But ask your doctor. Also, I eat whatever I like (in moderation). I haven't given up any foods during the past 8 years (on doctor's recommendations) - no problem with green vegetables or tomatoes. I try not to have too much alcohol. I hear you though because anticoagulants take a LONG time to get used to. I worried for several years. Now, I've stopped worrying and am just carrying on. My INR goes up and down but tends to come back to the same level (my target is 3 to 4.5 because I have 2 mechanical valves). I test about once a month. Wishing you the best.

Marie Myers  Like Rita says, anticoagulants other than warfarin are not used with mechanical valves. There have been some recent studies using the newer anticoagulants, but I don’t think these are as yet recommended as safe with mechanical valves. Your cardiologist is the best one to let you know if there are any other possibilities for you.

Larry Beck  My INR pharmacist says no to kale and mango. Everything else is OK except for overdoing the amounts. I did some research and there are more patients on warfarin than on type 2 diabetes medications so why is everyone having a meltdown about diabetes and ignores us Warfarin users? Having to be on Warfarin for the rest of my life is frustrating, but I guess it beats the alternative.

Mark Buttell  That’s a great question. I just had a double valve replacement (cow) and I am on warfarin for six months and I believe they may revert to Eliquis  which  I was previously on prior to my surgery.I’m with ya. Not a warfarin fan either.

Rita Savelis  Diabetics usually remain diabetic for life. But there are many people who are on anticoagulants for a short time (after certain surgeries and for certain cardiac issues). P.S. I eat kale and mango.