I have a mechanical aortic St. Jude's valve placed in 1997(third surgery).

My first surgery was in 1978 and when the "pig's" valve was placed they also found an annerysm in the aortic arch.

Recently, I had some symptoms, had an angiogram and found that I had an unusual right coronary artery blockage, doctor indicating on her report that possibly re-positioned back when annerysm repaired. A stent was placed.

My concern and questions are in regards to my medications.

I have been on coumadin for over 23 years. Now they have me on Plavix 75 mg and aspirin 81 mg. I've had two episodes of sever brusing that scared me so much I went up to the ER and I've only been on it since March 27, 2010. I almost wished (and this is my fault for not researching) that I had a bypass instead since no one can give me answers to my bleeding problem or what to expect and my symptoms seem more.

Can you give me some information, websites, phone numbers, articles, hospitals...something to help me better understand my position, my mortality, my quality of life. I'm 50 years old. Had my first surgery at 19, second surgery at 24, and last surgery (not including stent) in 1997. What does my future hold?

Any patient taking coumadin needs to learn the risks and benefits of this medication, which is helpful, but also carries some risk.