Coumadin complications and Heart valve question

What are the complications that come with Coumadin?  I am 45, female, lifelong nonsmoker facing 2nd thoracic surgery. First had the Ross in 1997, now developed thoracic ascending aneurysm and the allograft is "shredded."  I hear some people say its little more than a pain in the butt and I hear others say they cant get regulated, etc.  Can you point me to a website or can you tell me what meds I cannot take with coumadin?

Second, I read about the Bjork-Shiley valves that were involved in class action suit.  I want to make certain the valve I get is the right one for me.  Are the St. Jude valves the best, is there a "best?"  Are the St. Jude the only option in a mechanical valve?
Thank You in Advance

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

The best sites to learn about Coumadin and the various types of heart valve are  1. Cardiosmart   2.  American heart association  3.  Mayo Clinic patient information site.

The best mechanical valves are the St.Jude valve and the ATS valve.  There are also other mechanical valves but the largest world wide experience is with these valves.

[milo_1]

I checked the sites you mentioned, cardiosmart and AHA both gave general information only. I want to know what meds have trace aspirin elements in them that I will not be able to continue to take if I go on coumadin.

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

Many times aspirin 81 mg daily is recommended to patients with mechanical valves.  In terms of drug interaction ask your doctor for a Coumadin  education packet as there are several of these the drug company supplies and they are quite good.