Hi all, This is my first post. I am about to undergo open heart surgery in two weeks and, because the surgeon will be using a mechanical valve rather than a biological one, I will have to spend the remainder of my life taking the blood thinner Warfarin. Now about four months ago I had a colonoscopy because I was suffering from a sudden urgency and frequency to pass stool and, as my mum and brother both have Crohn's while my dad suffered from ulcerated colitis, this rang some alarm bells. Much to my relief there was nothing abnormal and I was told that my worries were unfounded. However they also did a biopsy and I had the results last week. This showed, to quote, 'focal active iletis in the terminal ileum and active chronic proctitis'. And the report indicated that this led them to believe that mild Crohn's is a possibility. To date I have had no bleeding but I do know the Crohn's is a progressive condition and I am very concerned that, at some point in the future, I may encounter a problem with the Warfarin if I start passing blood. I could ask my surgeon to consider using a biological valve but I do know that he wants to avoid this for other good reasons if possible. If I do have Crohn's it has clearly been identified at a very early stage. Assuming that I keep a careful eye on any developments is bleeding something that is unlikely or can be avoided? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.