I have been on warfarin for over 10 years now do to a DVT and PE, and once your numbers are stable it is not a big deal. Start with asking for an at home tester, since you are going to be testing forever having to go to the hospital is a pain. Next is the bleeding isn’t too crazy. It takes 2-3x longer for bleeding to clot so body cuts are more like when you cut your face shaving. It’s not too bad, just carry a couple extra bandages. The mountain biking depends on what you do. If you are a downhill single track speed daemon, you should likely tone it down, but if you just ride lumber trails and the like you should be fine. The biggest concern they have is head impact, if you hit your head hard enough to leave a bump you have to get yourself to the ER to make sure there is no internal bleeding. Diet is important with warfarin but it is mostly about stability. If you want to drink 1-2 beers a night a couple times a week, then do that and they will work you warfarin around it, but you won’t be able to go out on a Saturday and get completely plastered, but at 46 that should really be a part of your past at this point anyway. Honestly other than taking my pills every night it doesn’t really have much impact on my life, and barely even consider it during the day.
Your bar tab might be a little cheaper on warfarin. Or I’m just a lightweight. 😁
I’ve been on warfarin for over 33 years and used to mountain bike, I still road bike. Played pick up basketball. Coached my kids baseball and took a line drive off the ribs in coach pitch. I work with power tools.
Other than take as prescribed and test periodically, I honestly don’t see a lot a do differently than anyone else I know.
29M here. Half a year done with mechanical valve. Had more fears than what the reality is.
I don't drink often, but when I party (averagely about 1-2x per month) , I usually drink like 5-6 beers or couple shots of vodka. I haven't really set any boundaries after the surgery. My INR has always been fine.
Been going to the gym for 4 months. Not doing heavy weights yet, just regular, to keep muscles toned. Trying to be about 60% cardio / 40% weights.
About two weeks ago started feeling a little stinging sensation in heart area sometimes (and some chest pressure or something), so I went to ultrasound checkup, now getting the results in like 1-2 weeks. But they didn't notice anything exceptional when I was there. Maybe just some anomaly.
Sorry to hijack your post with a question: what if anything have you been told about alcohol and exercise with your current valve? Have you faced any restrictions?
Something I had to get used to mentally is the concept that higher warfarin dosage is not a bad thing. Other medications, we generally want to lower our dosage - cut out red meat to lower your need for statins, exercise so you can lower your blood pressure naturally and cut your meds for that. But the more active you are and the healthier diet you eat means you will need a higher dose of warfarin. So just know that going in.
For me, even a couple of drinks every few days can raise my INR a lot, so I cut my drinking to special occasions only. Probably the only restriction that really disappoints me is no rollercoasters.
Only restrictions I’ve had in the 45 years I’ve had a mechanical valve is warfarin related.
I ran track in high school, lifted heavy weights, been cycling, mountain biking…no issues ever.
I’ve been rock climbing, skiing (water and snow), snorkeling, scuba diving, hunting, skydiving, ice skating, bungee jumping, binge drinking (high school, college), tattooed…
I didn’t ask permission (because my cardiologist is super conservative), I just did it.
I didn’t hold my warfarin and I didn’t take an antibiotic. Just be smart about it. Go to a reputable artist and follow all the after care instructions.
Here’s a link to the two I have. https://imgur.com/a/Fg2IHHk
First one is a tribal with mine and my 3 kids medieval zodiac, the 2nd is my family crest.
There was actually very little bleeding.
No, I got my first mechanical aortic valve when I was 8 years old (2nd ohs). I outgrew it in 4 years. I received my 2nd mechanical aortic at 12 years old (3rd ohs). I still have that valve, it turned 41 next month. Here’s a link to my St. Jude card https://i.imgur.com/mrpUPbY.jpeg
It was an experimental procedure, simplified, they enlarged my heart to accept an adult size valve.
oh my gosh!! i haven't made a post in this sub yet about my situation, but I plan to! i am 31 with a porcine looking to swap to a mechanical even though I really don't want to be on blood thinners. So I just wanted to say I am with you, just don't have a surgery date yet!
Thanks. Something to consider and Google is the Ross Procedure. I was put forward for it but my pulmonary valve has a slight defect so not suitable. So mechanical valve it is. See you on the other side!
I did glance at the Ross Procedure. I don’t think I have many options more than the TAVR or mechanical right now. My case is a bit more complicated and risky since I have a few other congenital heart defects. I’ll try to work on my post in the next day. I’m hoping we get a call from the surgeons today!
I've had a mechanical vale and warfarin for 11 years. I drink a few drinks most nights. Yeah, they tell you not to. At least I'm consistent and I'm sure my warfarin dose is lower than it would be if I was teetotaling.
I was worried about shaving and used an electric for awhile. I was also worried about knife use in the kitchen and used a special glove for awhile. I've stopped all that and just do what I used to do.
I self-monitor weekly. I'm better now about being sure I have some green vegetables at least 2-3 times a week. I have a Vitamin K content in food little book. [https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-K-Levels-Common-Foods/dp/0985440147/ref=sr\_1\_1?sr=8-1](https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-K-Levels-Common-Foods/dp/0985440147/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1) It really helped at first. It doesn't take long to figure out that you need to eat things like kale and spinach very sparingly or not at all. Every once and awhile, we'll go eat at a friend's house and they roll out spinach salad -- ooh crap -- I love it but I have to just pick at it.
I don't find that I bleed more, but I don't worry about it much anymore.
Your life expectancy shouldn't be affected by the valve, if all goes well. They can 'harvest' your valve at your passing and use it in someone else (in a third world country).
If you’re under 60 the choice is between mechanical valves that can last 40 years and tissue valves that won’t. It’s easy math: get the mechanical, and suck it up and take the warfarin.
I have an on-x valve. Like you, I was all worried about the “lifestyle” stuff before getting it but it is a total non event. I can’t eat kale or drink heavily, thats about it. Do I hear the clicking a little bit? Yes, once in a blue moon, but it’s nothing. If you have half a brain managing the warfarin and the INR is easy. I have no side effects. I’m so glad I did this vs get a tissue valve and have to get surgery again in 10 or 15 years. Or less. I didn’t want to live with the question hanging over my head of whether a biological valve was starting to fail, and I didn’t want the risk of having heart surgery again when I’m 70.
The good thing about the valve I have, the on-x is the INR range is lower. If it was another valve with a higher range, I might be more concerned about bumping my head and bleeding and whatnot. But honestly, I have bumped my head a bunch of times when i am out sailing or hiking in the woods, and no problem. The first couple times i was like “oh shit am I going to die“ and called the doctor but now i don’t even worry about it. I get knocked around on my boat like a piñata. I don’t get bruises, nothing. i do whatever i want. Except kale, grapefruit and leafy greens. If you are on warfarin kale is the devil. Also the Dr said no power-lifting. I highly recommend On-X Valve.
I know this pisses some people off, but I’ll say it anyway; if you’re choosing the shorter life valve so you can drink more, maybe you need to revisit your priorities. I drink the Athletic Brewing non alcoholic beers which are great (and contain 0% kale).
This is great advice. I’m Uk based so chose a tissue valve as I played a lot of cricket… and being hit with a cricket ball at full pelt is no joke even if you’re not on warfarin.
Not sure about these types of valves people are listing, but will ask my surgeon about this on-x one when I see him this week.
I was on Coumadin for a mechanical valve for like seven years (it was eventually replaced but not because the valve had a problem, other issues came up). You’ll have to give up the beer, but unless you’re a hardcore athlete who often gets bloodied up while competing, I think you’ll be fine to keep up your normal routine.
You’ll perhaps have to be a bit more cautious, especially at first, but it wasn’t too big of a deal for me (and I was 16-23 years old). The weekly finger stick, take a pill in the morning, try not to get stabbed, and you’ll be good.
I have been on warfarin for over 10 years now do to a DVT and PE, and once your numbers are stable it is not a big deal. Start with asking for an at home tester, since you are going to be testing forever having to go to the hospital is a pain. Next is the bleeding isn’t too crazy. It takes 2-3x longer for bleeding to clot so body cuts are more like when you cut your face shaving. It’s not too bad, just carry a couple extra bandages. The mountain biking depends on what you do. If you are a downhill single track speed daemon, you should likely tone it down, but if you just ride lumber trails and the like you should be fine. The biggest concern they have is head impact, if you hit your head hard enough to leave a bump you have to get yourself to the ER to make sure there is no internal bleeding. Diet is important with warfarin but it is mostly about stability. If you want to drink 1-2 beers a night a couple times a week, then do that and they will work you warfarin around it, but you won’t be able to go out on a Saturday and get completely plastered, but at 46 that should really be a part of your past at this point anyway. Honestly other than taking my pills every night it doesn’t really have much impact on my life, and barely even consider it during the day.
Your bar tab might be a little cheaper on warfarin. Or I’m just a lightweight. 😁 I’ve been on warfarin for over 33 years and used to mountain bike, I still road bike. Played pick up basketball. Coached my kids baseball and took a line drive off the ribs in coach pitch. I work with power tools. Other than take as prescribed and test periodically, I honestly don’t see a lot a do differently than anyone else I know.
29M here. Half a year done with mechanical valve. Had more fears than what the reality is. I don't drink often, but when I party (averagely about 1-2x per month) , I usually drink like 5-6 beers or couple shots of vodka. I haven't really set any boundaries after the surgery. My INR has always been fine. Been going to the gym for 4 months. Not doing heavy weights yet, just regular, to keep muscles toned. Trying to be about 60% cardio / 40% weights. About two weeks ago started feeling a little stinging sensation in heart area sometimes (and some chest pressure or something), so I went to ultrasound checkup, now getting the results in like 1-2 weeks. But they didn't notice anything exceptional when I was there. Maybe just some anomaly.
Thanks, good luck with the heart twinge results. Sure it’s fine, I got them too with pig valve.
Sorry to hijack your post with a question: what if anything have you been told about alcohol and exercise with your current valve? Have you faced any restrictions?
Just to take it easy. So no more gym or bike rides. Still off to work though.
Something I had to get used to mentally is the concept that higher warfarin dosage is not a bad thing. Other medications, we generally want to lower our dosage - cut out red meat to lower your need for statins, exercise so you can lower your blood pressure naturally and cut your meds for that. But the more active you are and the healthier diet you eat means you will need a higher dose of warfarin. So just know that going in. For me, even a couple of drinks every few days can raise my INR a lot, so I cut my drinking to special occasions only. Probably the only restriction that really disappoints me is no rollercoasters.
Wait… no rollercoasters?!?!!
Only restrictions I’ve had in the 45 years I’ve had a mechanical valve is warfarin related. I ran track in high school, lifted heavy weights, been cycling, mountain biking…no issues ever. I’ve been rock climbing, skiing (water and snow), snorkeling, scuba diving, hunting, skydiving, ice skating, bungee jumping, binge drinking (high school, college), tattooed…
I really want to add to my tattoo collection, but haven't had any since I've been on warfarin. Did you have to do anything special?
I didn’t ask permission (because my cardiologist is super conservative), I just did it. I didn’t hold my warfarin and I didn’t take an antibiotic. Just be smart about it. Go to a reputable artist and follow all the after care instructions. Here’s a link to the two I have. https://imgur.com/a/Fg2IHHk First one is a tribal with mine and my 3 kids medieval zodiac, the 2nd is my family crest. There was actually very little bleeding.
Have you had the same mechanical valve for 45 years?
No, I got my first mechanical aortic valve when I was 8 years old (2nd ohs). I outgrew it in 4 years. I received my 2nd mechanical aortic at 12 years old (3rd ohs). I still have that valve, it turned 41 next month. Here’s a link to my St. Jude card https://i.imgur.com/mrpUPbY.jpeg It was an experimental procedure, simplified, they enlarged my heart to accept an adult size valve.
Amazing, so cool to hear
Thanks Rob, I hope it lasts me another 41. 😉
oh my gosh!! i haven't made a post in this sub yet about my situation, but I plan to! i am 31 with a porcine looking to swap to a mechanical even though I really don't want to be on blood thinners. So I just wanted to say I am with you, just don't have a surgery date yet!
Thanks. Something to consider and Google is the Ross Procedure. I was put forward for it but my pulmonary valve has a slight defect so not suitable. So mechanical valve it is. See you on the other side!
I did glance at the Ross Procedure. I don’t think I have many options more than the TAVR or mechanical right now. My case is a bit more complicated and risky since I have a few other congenital heart defects. I’ll try to work on my post in the next day. I’m hoping we get a call from the surgeons today!
Problem with a Ross is your trading an issue with one valve for another (potentially) with 2.
I've had a mechanical vale and warfarin for 11 years. I drink a few drinks most nights. Yeah, they tell you not to. At least I'm consistent and I'm sure my warfarin dose is lower than it would be if I was teetotaling. I was worried about shaving and used an electric for awhile. I was also worried about knife use in the kitchen and used a special glove for awhile. I've stopped all that and just do what I used to do. I self-monitor weekly. I'm better now about being sure I have some green vegetables at least 2-3 times a week. I have a Vitamin K content in food little book. [https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-K-Levels-Common-Foods/dp/0985440147/ref=sr\_1\_1?sr=8-1](https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-K-Levels-Common-Foods/dp/0985440147/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1) It really helped at first. It doesn't take long to figure out that you need to eat things like kale and spinach very sparingly or not at all. Every once and awhile, we'll go eat at a friend's house and they roll out spinach salad -- ooh crap -- I love it but I have to just pick at it. I don't find that I bleed more, but I don't worry about it much anymore. Your life expectancy shouldn't be affected by the valve, if all goes well. They can 'harvest' your valve at your passing and use it in someone else (in a third world country).
This is so helpful… and hilarious too. Cheered me right up a week away from my operation. Thanks dude.
If you’re under 60 the choice is between mechanical valves that can last 40 years and tissue valves that won’t. It’s easy math: get the mechanical, and suck it up and take the warfarin. I have an on-x valve. Like you, I was all worried about the “lifestyle” stuff before getting it but it is a total non event. I can’t eat kale or drink heavily, thats about it. Do I hear the clicking a little bit? Yes, once in a blue moon, but it’s nothing. If you have half a brain managing the warfarin and the INR is easy. I have no side effects. I’m so glad I did this vs get a tissue valve and have to get surgery again in 10 or 15 years. Or less. I didn’t want to live with the question hanging over my head of whether a biological valve was starting to fail, and I didn’t want the risk of having heart surgery again when I’m 70. The good thing about the valve I have, the on-x is the INR range is lower. If it was another valve with a higher range, I might be more concerned about bumping my head and bleeding and whatnot. But honestly, I have bumped my head a bunch of times when i am out sailing or hiking in the woods, and no problem. The first couple times i was like “oh shit am I going to die“ and called the doctor but now i don’t even worry about it. I get knocked around on my boat like a piñata. I don’t get bruises, nothing. i do whatever i want. Except kale, grapefruit and leafy greens. If you are on warfarin kale is the devil. Also the Dr said no power-lifting. I highly recommend On-X Valve. I know this pisses some people off, but I’ll say it anyway; if you’re choosing the shorter life valve so you can drink more, maybe you need to revisit your priorities. I drink the Athletic Brewing non alcoholic beers which are great (and contain 0% kale).
This is great advice. I’m Uk based so chose a tissue valve as I played a lot of cricket… and being hit with a cricket ball at full pelt is no joke even if you’re not on warfarin. Not sure about these types of valves people are listing, but will ask my surgeon about this on-x one when I see him this week.
Thanks so much for the replies. Hugely helpful to hear stories and advice when you’re staring down the barrel of open heart surgery and lifelong meds.
I don’t think there are any differences? Bar the far you’re on blood thinners
I was on Coumadin for a mechanical valve for like seven years (it was eventually replaced but not because the valve had a problem, other issues came up). You’ll have to give up the beer, but unless you’re a hardcore athlete who often gets bloodied up while competing, I think you’ll be fine to keep up your normal routine. You’ll perhaps have to be a bit more cautious, especially at first, but it wasn’t too big of a deal for me (and I was 16-23 years old). The weekly finger stick, take a pill in the morning, try not to get stabbed, and you’ll be good.
Definitely don't have to give up beer. You possibly might, if you are more impacted than average, but certainly not a blanket requirement.
Maybe the medication has gotten better since I was on it!