Anyone else out there with a mechanical heart valve?

Annette_rose

Have never posted one of these but just wondered if there are any others out there on MFP who have a mechanical heart valve. I just joined the YMCA and they were concerned about how hard I should work out and if there could be complications etc. I had cancer while I was pregnant 23 years ago and full chest radiation. They did not realize that it could damage the heart valves later in life. I developed severe aortic stenosis and had open heart surgery about 2 years ago. I now have a "ticker" that is quite loud when I try to sleep so I use a fan to drown out the noise. Taking Coumadin (blood thinner) will be something I have to do the rest of my life. Sometimes when I work out, my heart does pound hard and palpitate. I don't have a pacemaker but know one other person who had the same cancer and surgery as I and she passed out twice on the treadmill, so they inserted a pacemaker. I just wanted to see if there is anyone out there in the same situation and if so, add as a friend for support.

Schmitty_Fop

I'm right there with you. I had my aortic replaced 17 years ago and my mitral 4 years ago this coming October. Both are the St. Judes mechanical and I've been dealing with that annoying 'tick' for far too long. I've never had trouble with blacking or the need of a pacemaker. The palpitations have been simply from an over excited atrium.