Looking for someone that has had this done. Would like some information from a person that has had this done. 

I did have mechanical aortic valve replacement in 2009.I will be happy to answer any questions or concerns. There is also a group called Mended Hearts where you can connect as well. I am a internet visitor volunteer. I also went through this with my mother as well where she got the tissue valve so have experience with both. 

Husband had mechanical valve replacement this summer at the Medical Center. He is doing fine. It is a very standard procedure now; followed by three months to full recovery. Just follow your doctors instructions; be very careful not to fall while you are mending. You will be fine :) 

I had my heart valve replaced with a mechanical one when I was 21. I'm 42 now.

If you would like a personal one on one conversation to ask some questions, feel free to call me on my business line at 832-377-5865. I'm the only one that ever answers the phone.

I would be more than happy to meet with you and talk to you about it. Or if you just want to talk on the phone I'd be happy to do that also. 

Thank You for the ons who responded. I Am going to be having a mechanical valve from what I have been told so for. My really main concern is taking the blood thinner for the rest of my life also. 

This is MY personal story, yours may vary.....

I found that when I first had it replaced I had to check my blood every two weeks and sometimes once a week. As time went on my body seemed to adapt and I got used to what foods and other things that would either intensify or counter act the coumadin so I could get it tested less often.

You may or may not find you'll bruise more easily. In my younger years I did not, as I get old I find that I do.

They have a home machine available to check your PTT if your insurance will cover it or if you want to put the money out. It's much cheaper to just go to Labcorp or where ever to get your blood drawn.

I don't know about newer mechanical valves however, my valve clicks. It may freak you out the first time you wake up from the surgery and you may even wonder if you're actually hearing it. It drove my nuts for the first month or so but then I got used to it and learned to tune it out.

The blood thinner is a well established medication and there is a generic (Warfarin) available.

They told me there were things that I could and shouldn't do but found it didn't really affect my lifestyle.

So in conclusion to my long winded post.....

It tastes bad. You will need to take it everyday. There are foods that will either intensify or counteract the drug (greens like salad will counteract it). Antibiotics may intensify it.

Make sure to read the literature about it and familiarize yourself with said foods. Herbal medications can also affect it.

And most of all, keep on top of having your PTT taken and medication adjusted as needed. 

My mother died of septic shock two months after having HVR at Methodist. The surgery went well, but it's an invasive procedure, and even the best care isn't perfect.

This isn't to freak you out; it's a warning to stay on top of your own medical care. It was something the doctors didn't catch until it was too late. 

You do notice the clicking of the valve at times but I have become adjusted. The blood thinner has never given caused easy bruising or excessive bleeding. You do have to have it checked to make sure it is in the normal range. I have standing orders at Quest lab and go every 3 - 4 weeks. Vitamin K affects it but they recommend eating normal, and they will adjust according to your diet. If you love your green vegetables, you don't have to give them up, but may have to take more warfarin to counteract. You can lead a normal life. I did not realize how sick I was until it was fixed and I felt so much better. I have had 3 C-sections and this was less pain for me. If it is offered, I would recommend cardiac rehab. I had my surgery at Herman and did the rehab at Kingwood. Good luck and if any volunteer comes by from Mended Hearts, reach out to them. They can help you as well as the family. 

Yellow Rose, I have read about the diet issue. Good news is I have NEVER been a green leafy eater. About the only thing on the list I did eat is sweet Potato and maybe green beans or peas. I have had 2 c sections as well as 2 spinal surgery's. I will be at St.Lukes I would like to take the re hab closer to home and I will take it. The mended heats are they at all hospitals? I will keep that in mind for sure. I think I might be like you in the fact not realizing how sick I may be. I hope this will make me feel better also. How long would you say before you were getting around good at home? 

Junky B What did they tell you that you shouldn't do? I have read about the clicking. Where did you have your surgery at? Did you do any rehab ? How did they do your surgery complete open heart? 

To answer your question directed at JB from my opinion, most valve replacements are open heart, with non-invasive for those that qualify. Went through this with my mom. She wanted to have but needed bypass as well. Talk with your surgeon.Each patient is different. I don't think they have any Mended Hearts volunteers in medical center. The rehab is in Kingwood Medical Center. At rehab they will monitor your heart and take blood pressure before, during & after exercising. Mended Hearts chapter meets at Kingwood Medical center on first Monday of even months at 6 pm. Your family can come as well. They have a speaker and light dinner. You should feel better after your surgery and recovery. I was exhausted thinking I am getting older, not heart issues. Things you can't do for a while is drive, lift anything heavier than a bag of sugar, lift arms or hands above shoulder, push up with your hands off the bed, couch, etc. Sleeping on side does hurt and would recommend sleeping on back, with pillows under your arms to lift them parallel to your body to prevent the weight from pulling. Use the pillow they give you to hug any time you are going to move. It will help prevent you from using those arms or hands. Please call if you have any questions about surgery, recovery or mended hearts. I am going to pm you my number. 

I thank God and the great doctors at the Houston medical center every day for the life of my beloved husband from his aortic heart valve replacement. He got the mechanical valve; no problems. He's been taking the Coumadin for six years. You will be fine as long as you follow your doctors advice. We are blessed to live in the Houston area with such outstanding medical services. 

With Open Heart surgery your body will take about three months to heal. You will have to be careful moving around and you will be carrying that special pillow. When you ride in a car you will need to ride in the back as you want to avoid risk of airbag going off on your chest. After your surgery they will have you attend a meeting where they will tell you "the do's and don'ts" after surgery. We bought a recliner for my husband to sleep in the first few weeks. Take your pain meds; don't be a martyr. It's a journey you will be taking to save your life. It's all "doable". :) 

Junky B What did they tell you that you shouldn't do? I have read about the clicking. Where did you have your surgery at? Did you do any rehab ? How did they do your surgery complete open heart?

Any kind of sport that could result in physical contact, roller coasters, any fast moving amusement rides are some of the things that I recall. Being young I don't recall everything but do know it just had little to no effect on my lifestyle - and I still rode roller coasters after I healed.

I had my surgery at Deborah Hospital in Browns Mill, NJ. Rehab was breathing exercises , banging on my back to break up anything in my lungs (felt more like a beating), walking as much as I could. Otherwise there was little rehab.

To be honest, I didn't know they could replace a valve without complete open heart.

But like GNR said, I wasn't permitted to drive for at least a month (may have been more). They gave me a pillow to hold against my chest when I cough.

Sleeping in a propped up position may help you breathe better as you heal and allow for better sleep. I found it difficult to sleep in my bed for a while until I healed.

And don't sleep on your stomach or lay on your stomach/chest or allow anyone else to do so (dogs, cats, kids) until you heal.