allergy to heparin (porcine)

I have a dosage of Coumadin after passing a Miteral Valve Replacement surgery. I was supposed to have another operation (skin transfer in my foot) therefore doctors decided to stop with Coumadin and use Heparin I.V. My reaction was an allergic one and that was the reason for cancelling the operation. I could not support the Heparin (porcine intestinal with chlorbutol 5 mg.) I am a 58 years old female. I would like to receive your advice and knowledge on the matter. In case of a new operation that could appear in the future is there another kind of Heparin to use or another treatment? What is the information you could pass me? Thank you for your concern and for the information that you can send me. Batsheva Finci [email protected]

This is odd. First what was your reaction to heparin? Allergy? Or was it a decreas in the platelates No. ? This is of paramount importance as it is likely that in the future you will need more surgeries and Heparin will be necessary... Actually threre are no good sunstitutes to heparin for valve patients - especially Mitral valve/ You will need Heparin when Coumadin is discontinued. So recommande you to investigate the "allergy" to heparin. I'd contact an allergiologist and consult him about the "allergy" and ask if there are any "desensitization" manouvers ? As I say' becouse his is very important for you - it is not a drug allergy to an antibiotic that has many sobstitutes... Thanks

Dr Kitsies shalom, Thank you very much for your concern. Batsheva