Heart Valve replacement

[OLDHAM]

I am currently on a waiting list for Valve replacement on the Aorta as i have what is known as a reguritation of the aorta. I have been given two options a metal valve which i would have to take medication called Warfarin for the rest of my life. Or i could have a pigs valve fitted which i would have to have replaced every 15-17 years.  Please could someone help me with the decision of which one to have,  i dont like the idear of the medication but is this a wise move thanks!!

[denisefl]

only you can make this decision..I went thru the same doubt that you are, but between taking the medication and having other surgery in 15 years I chose to take the medication..It's been 4 months that I have the metalic valve and It's kind of bothering since yoou do hear the valve as your heart beats(like a watch sound) and you have to take the warfarin every single day, and go over regular blood works, no alcohol, no vitamin K (which is found in green vegetables and fruits) You should do a little research yourself and see which one is best for you..
good luck!!!

[Donna552]

I'm sorry that I can't comment on the types of valves but I have been on Warfarin for the past 2 years and can tell you that it isn't bad.  It's not that you can't eat green's, it's that you need to keep a pretty regular diet of these things so that your Warfarin level doesn't fluctuate.  If you eat greens three times this week, you want to eat greans three times next week so that your level of Warfarin reads about the same and it stable.

I would think that your decision is a pretty tough one, but with some research and questions, I'm sure you'll make the right choice.

My prayers are with you.

[Randyfb]

I am a 53 year old male who just had his mitral valve replaced (post-op day 9!).  I too had to tell the surgeon which type of valve I wanted if he could not repair my valve.  The previous poster is right, the decision is entirely up to you.  However, here are some of the reasons I chose a mechanical valve.  

A tissue mitral valve wears out faster than an aortic valve, and faster for younger people than older folks.  I would have needed to replace a tissue valve in about 10 years (and perhaps two more times if I stuck to tissue valves).  My surgeon felt that the risk of re-operation was greater than the risk from taking warfarin forever.  I have heard from people who have taken warfarin for 30+ years without difficulty.  My surgeon said that taking warfarin increases the chance of a "bleed" by about 1% per year.  After much intermet research, I decided the warfarin would be better than one or more additional open-heart surgeries.  Here is a good link to someone else's comments who faced this decision:
http://www.teamt.us/Mechanical_Vs_Tissue_Valves.htm

My new mechanical valve is working just fine.  I can hear it tick when all is quiet - especially at night.  The sound doesn't bother me at all.  I'm thankful for a new lease on life!  I also wanted to mention that one of the doctors told me that there will likely be alternatives to warfarin in 5 to 10 years.  The same goes for heart surgeries (ie: new minimally invasive techniques).  Changes in future technology may be a factor in your decision.  

Do a lot of internet research to help you with your decision.  Whatever you decide, I wish you the best!