J
Jeff C
I am scheduled to have a mitral valve repair on 1/15/2003, and am faced with the decision of a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve if repair is not possible. Wow, what a difficult choice. I must admit the real factor to me is Coumadin. I dislike drugs of any kind, and I find the thought of a LIFETIME of any drug distasteful-- even scary. I also have a history of diverticulitus, which I hear may be contraindicating for Coumadin. But, to my questions:
(1) Is anyone on Coumadin using the new home testing machines? Is insurance paying for it? Experiences?
(2) I am amazed at all of the drugs with interactions with Coumadin-- seems like EVERY drug interacts-- many severly--even topical creams. Is this a problem for long-time Coumadin users?
(3) It also sounds like choosing a bioprosthetic valve doesn't neccesarily mean Coumadin therapy couldn't happen anyway from post-op complications. Any thoughts from your collective experience? Does valve surgery realistically mean Coumadin therapy-- regardless of valve choice?
(4) I am intriqued by the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial mitral valve. It seems to be going strong in many patients after 15-17 years. What am I missing that this is not the obvious choice?
I have really enjoyed reading through the forums. It helps to put my anxieties into words-- and see that many others have struggled with many of the same issues. It is also heartening (bad pun) to see the spiritual side of this whole issue is so much in the minds and hearts of all in the forums. Thanks for the ear!
(1) Is anyone on Coumadin using the new home testing machines? Is insurance paying for it? Experiences?
(2) I am amazed at all of the drugs with interactions with Coumadin-- seems like EVERY drug interacts-- many severly--even topical creams. Is this a problem for long-time Coumadin users?
(3) It also sounds like choosing a bioprosthetic valve doesn't neccesarily mean Coumadin therapy couldn't happen anyway from post-op complications. Any thoughts from your collective experience? Does valve surgery realistically mean Coumadin therapy-- regardless of valve choice?
(4) I am intriqued by the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial mitral valve. It seems to be going strong in many patients after 15-17 years. What am I missing that this is not the obvious choice?
I have really enjoyed reading through the forums. It helps to put my anxieties into words-- and see that many others have struggled with many of the same issues. It is also heartening (bad pun) to see the spiritual side of this whole issue is so much in the minds and hearts of all in the forums. Thanks for the ear!