Chugger, choosing the "right" type of valve, i.e., tissue or mechanical is a very personal and difficult decision based in large part on one's activity level and age. I went with a tissue valve (human cadaver) because I didn't want to be on coumadin for life, required with all mechanical valves, and at 49, I hope to get by with one more surgery in about 20 years. And there is a possibility of new technologies by then.
I take Plavix but not coumadin.
You might want to take a look at http://www.cardiacathletes.org forum. There are a number of triathletes there, all of whom have had some cardiac work.
------------------------------------------
"Well, I guess if a person never quit when the going got tough, they wouldn't have anything to regret for the rest of their life." Lance Armstrong to Peter LeFleur
I take Plavix but not coumadin.
You might want to take a look at http://www.cardiacathletes.org forum. There are a number of triathletes there, all of whom have had some cardiac work.
------------------------------------------
"Well, I guess if a person never quit when the going got tough, they wouldn't have anything to regret for the rest of their life." Lance Armstrong to Peter LeFleur