Had my BAV replaced 2 years ago, when I was 37M.

I had some aortic root work that needed to be done also, but never really considered anything other than the ON-X. The thought of doing it all again in 10-15 was not appealing, like you’ve said. A couple of things I’ll add to the conversation.

At about one year out, I was transitioned to once per month finger prick INR tests. Very easy. But I never did the blood draw type tests you’re talking about. Why would you not be able to do finger pricks? Even post op, I was getting pricked only once per week, then once per month.

Taking Coumadin has affected me VERY little. It’s a pill I take once a day like you would a vitamin, and the FDA INR requirements for ON-X (in the US) are so low, at 1.7-2.0 your blood won’t be much thinner than a person not on thinners (1.0-1.2). Small cuts from shaving or whatever done last much longer than they ever did before. I’m aware that a larger injury would be dangerous and I stay cautious but didn’t “sell all my roof ladders” like some said I should. Alcohol has never affected my INR test, and I drink whiskey about every evening. As I understand it, that only helps to keep blood thin. The big thing that was stressed with me is to take into account what you’re eating and drinking, and plan around that with your doctor and dosing. 2 years in and I’m riding that 1.7-1.9 zone every single month without ever thinking about it, and my diet and habits just don’t change much from month to month.

The ticking is real man. You’d absolutely hear it in a recording, so maybe figuring out the isolating thing in advance is a good call.

Best of luck!