Today is my four year valversary and I have never felt better in my life. I discovered this site a few days before my surgery and it was the best thing that ever happened. I was going to have a tissue valve because I didn't want to be on coumadin for the rest of my life. I read in the forum that people around my age (56 at the time) would be better off having a mechanical valve so they wouldn't have to go through surgery a second time. I also found out that coumadin was not as bad as most people think it is. I immediately called my surgeon to switch to a mechanical valve and I am so glad I did. I started home testing a few years ago because I was encouraged by all the home testers on the forum. It is the best!!! I exercise regularly, I hardly ever did before my surgery and I've lost twenty five pounds in four years. I am happy and healthy and life is good. Thank you everyone for the knowledge you have given me the last four years. Roberta