Living with a Mechanical Heart Valve: Click.Tick.Thump. Love It!
Artificial Heart Valve Surgery & Living with Warfarin: UK Info Support Group
life expectancy after valve replacement
Hi all
I'm new to this site. I'm a 25 year old who is undergoing valve replacement with a mechanical valve. Does anyone here think it is possible for me to live a normal life expectancy or at least to my late 60's, early 70's? My surgeon said he expects me to live until I'm at least 70 providing no complications. However, when I read articles on the internet it says way less. More like I'd be lucky to make it until 50! It's made me very scared about my future. Any advice or knowledge on how long we are meant to live after valve replacement would be excellent. What have your surgeons told you etc?
Should my mechanical valve last a lifetime or will I need it replaced further down the line. They are meant to last 200 years but again, websites say 20-30...
Thank you
Jason
Views: 1193
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Alan on
-
Hi James
I havent heard that you shouldn't take antibiotics before dental treatment. In Aust the rule of thumb that it is mandatory to take them as a precautionary measure. Yes, the INR will fluctuate but as per anything that makes the INR go a bit wild you need to manage it accordingly. Re drinking I had a few drinks last night as it was the Melbourne Cup over here (a big national horse race) and dropped my warfarin from usual 4mg to 3mg. I just tested my INR and it was 2.9 (should be 3.0 to 3.5) and will test it again in a couple of days to make sure. As you can see you can still manage it regardless but besides the INR complications you shouldn't drink too much anyway, just plain bad for your health.
Cheers
-
Permalink Reply by James Cohen on -
I was aware it was the Melbourne Cup and it was interesting to see how well the European horse did, even if the English horse was robbed of the decision. Mind you England are not loosing much against Australia at the moment (I am cricket mad!).
I take 6.25mg a day to stay in the range 2.5 - 3.5 and a change of .25mg a day is enough to move my INR up or down. In the UK self testing depends on which hospital supports you. My hospital does not like self testing (as they do not get any money!), but I do self test and it does make life considerably easier, as you can pick up any changes much earlier and take the necessary action - as you said it is not rocket science!
We are planning our first trip to Australia for July 2012, and hoping to visit Sydney, Cairns and Darwin (each as bases for travel) and hope to be there for 5 weeks!
-
Permalink Reply by Graeme on -
Hey James..
Don't forget an aussie runs this site (ahem :-) .. ) And yes I have got used to the Poms winning everything against the Aussies now.. my wife does not stop reminding me though.. (she is english .. :-( )
Re warfarin. I moved down 6 months ago - after 7 years from 7.5 mg daily to 7 as I finally convinced my minders that my INR range should be 2.8 - 3-1 and not 2.5 - 3.5 as it was too broad... all now good.. My INR is steady as a rock on 2.9 to 3 unless i take antibiotics then all hell breaks loose.. so i REALLY try and avoid antibis unless im really ill...Re Australia. Unashamed commercial plug here! :-) We are in the process of launching our new travel business including a new website for Australia and would love to quote on your business.. its still a work in progress but we have all our rates in now and our staff are pretty darn good with product and area knowledge (we trained them!) so give Astra a call on 01622 608270 or use our itinerary planner at www.holidays4.me
cheers
Graeme
James Cohen said:I was aware it was the Melbourne Cup and it was interesting to see how well the European horse did, even if the English horse was robbed of the decision. Mind you England are not loosing much against Australia at the moment (I am cricket mad!).
I take 6.25mg a day to stay in the range 2.5 - 3.5 and a change of .25mg a day is enough to move my INR up or down. In the UK self testing depends on which hospital supports you. My hospital does not like self testing (as they do not get any money!), but I do self test and it does make life considerably easier, as you can pick up any changes much earlier and take the necessary action - as you said it is not rocket science!
We are planning our first trip to Australia for July 2012, and hoping to visit Sydney, Cairns and Darwin (each as bases for travel) and hope to be there for 5 weeks!
-
Permalink Reply by James Cohen on
-
Have filled in a form on your website!
-
Permalink Reply by Graeme on
-
James Cohen said:Have filled in a form on your website!
Hey James, thanks! Astra will be in touch tomorrow morning! Also Iused to live in Port Douglas (8 years!) (up from Cairns .. not Port Arthur :-) so know the area REALLY well obviously ! Will keep an eye on the itin for you and costs...
cheers
Graeme
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- 2
- Next ›
OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS
OR - Use the QR Code above
© 2012 Created by Graeme.
