Update: Famous People And Heart Valve Surgery

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Ahnold -- for all the times I've seen his movies -- has not to my knowledge visited this site. I think the real celebrities are here, which is what I thought when I first started reading this thread. Kathleen's post and PJ's post helped me find a way to say it.
 
While I do not think celebrities are any more important than "regular" people, I believe any recognition about heart valvers needs to be applauded. As you all know what a tough thing it can be-celebrities who have had this can get the word out. Why can't we have 10 k race for Valve research? Seems many illnesses have these! Deb
 
I think we all need to keep in mind that even though people are famous or even infamous :) they are still fellow human beings, and heart surgery is just as fearsome for them as it is for anyone else, and they have the same outcomes as everyone here.

Someone once mentioned (it was a person who knew many well known people) that we would be surprised if we knew the people who viewed this site. I believe it.

I have invited famous people with heart valve problems to come to the site, through their online sites. Whether they ever got the message or not--who knows? But I felt they could benefit the same as anyone else from support, even if they arrived with an alias.
 
This thread, like so many before, only emphasizes that we all have different opinions. I would like to reiterate that we are all entitled to those opinions and have the right to post them whether or not those opinions agree or disagree with others.

We need to remember that fact when answering others' posts. I think the last thing we want to do is make someone afraid to express their opinion but that has happened way too often and we should make every effort to stop this from continuing.

Whether we like it or not, famous people bring attention to issues, be they health, social, political or other. Many of these issues are important to discuss and need the opportunity for more research. If Arnold (or any of the others listed) cause more dollars to be spent on researching things like less ACT or longer lived tissue valves, then I say call attention to his experiences. We will all benefit.

However, I do agree with what I believe was Kathleen's feeling which is that we are just as important as the famous names who have gone through this also. Most of us do not get news coverage and are little know outside our families or this site. We are probably going through more than people who might have millions in the bank because we have to worry about insurance, jobs, what happens to our homes while we recover, paying for rehab, etc. We do not have the money to pay personal trainers, cooks, housekeepers, bills if we are not working, etc. (again). So, perhaps, OHS is a bit harder for the "common" person.

That being said, like Nancy pointed out, anyone facing OHS (whether the world knows their name or not) is scared silly that they will die. So, from that standpoint, we are in that boat with Arnold (and everyone else). Let's work to keep that boat afloat.

Off my soapbox now.

Adam - will be looking forward to your next book. Dedicated to VR.com maybe?;) ;)
 
Since up until now I didn't even know Arnold had an aortic valve replaced it's fair to say that I usually don't follow famou's peoples stories. However, my uncle went to school with Arnold and they hang out during sports - so naturally there is some interest:) I think it would have comforted me to know that he made it through surgery just fine. I googled and it said is surgery was in 1997 with a tissue valve. I must say, now I will be curious to find out how long it will last...

We actually met a few people who also had valve surgery when my husband mentioned his recent valve repair. One were the parents of a handicapped man who had his mitral mechanical for 20+ yrs. and is doing well on Coumadin. It was encouraging to hear.
 
catwoman said:
Kathleen:

News stories generate interest based on celebrity, nearness, magnitude, human factor, etc.
Would you read a newspaper or magazine story about John Doe having an aortic valve replacement? Most people here would not, unless there were complications or something unusual about the procedure.
However, people will read a story about the Pope or the U.S. president having the procedure.
Some people may have pooh-poohed stories about Michael J. Fox having Parkinson's disease. Or when Katie Couric's husband having colon cancer. However, their celebrity brought attention to their diseases and helped raise $$ for research or prompted some people to have colonoscopies.

And we must remember that "celebrities" are just like us: They put their jeans on one leg at a time, they suffer disappointments, illnesses, joys just like "ordinary" people.

To me personally there is a huge difference between Micheal J Fox and Katie Couric who work hard at raising awareness and funding for medical problems that have touched them, and the famous people like Arnold and families like the Stallones, who's childrens were born w/ CHD and who COULD do alot of good because of their experiences and choose not too. I know both the Valve world and CHD in general would be alot farther in raising awareness and research because of funding, if some of these people choose to share their stories freely, start a NP or gave back in anyway. I think it bothers me when I see so many parents working so hard to raise awareness and funding for CHD and sadly nobody cares,simply because we aren' rich or "famous" which is why everyone is so shocked and surprised to find out they or their child has a life threatning condition. My distain is for people who choose NOT to give back.
 
Well, I know better than this, because there are things I'd rather be doing this afternoon . . . but here goes.

I think my initial dislike of this thread was its title.
Adam titled it Update: Famous People And Heart Valve Surgery
(what is the definition of famous?)

I think my second "queasy" moment was his statement, "I looked back at old threads about celebrities with heart valve surgeries and did some of my own research."

But I digress.;)

Kathleen has had more than her fair share of heart related issues over many years. Her experience would make me more likely to jump to her defense if I believed she was being "dished "for her comments.
I truly believe that Hank means for all discussions to be open and, as long as they stay on topic, welcomed.
When I viewed the thread earlier, it seemed to me that Kathleen was being jumped on.
And Lord knows, I have a proven track record of jumping into the fray.
I try to remain neutral when the fight seems even, but in this case, I thought the replies were taking an "uneven" direction.
Now please excuse me while I go outside and eat lunch.:p :p
 
Pegasus said:
Since up until now I didn't even know Arnold had an aortic valve replaced it's fair to say that I usually don't follow famou's peoples stories. However, my uncle went to school with Arnold and they hang out during sports - so naturally there is some interest:) I think it would have comforted me to know that he made it through surgery just fine. I googled and it said is surgery was in 1997 with a tissue valve. I must say, now I will be curious to find out how long it will last...

We actually met a few people who also had valve surgery when my husband mentioned his recent valve repair. One were the parents of a handicapped man who had his mitral mechanical for 20+ yrs. and is doing well on Coumadin. It was encouraging to hear.

From what I remember at the time, and I was paying attention since justin was about the age to start wonderring why he was the only one he knew with heart problems, He had a Ross, but apparently knew better than his well paid doctors, so blew out the first surgery. Which in a way worked out even better for me, since I've used his example several times over the years, when Justin has restrictions before or after his heart surgeries. NOW all I have to say is "remember Arnold" lol
 
Lynlw said:
To me personally there is a huge difference between Micheal J Fox and Katie Couric who work hard at raising awareness and funding for medical problems that have touched them, and the famous people like Arnold and families like the Stallones, who's childrens were born w/ CHD and who COULD do alot of good because of their experiences and choose not too. I know both the Valve world and CHD in general would be alot farther in raising awareness and research because of funding, if some of these people choose to share their stories freely, start a NP or gave back in anyway. I think it bothers me when I see so many parents working so hard to raise awareness and funding for CHD and sadly nobody cares,simply because we aren' rich or "famous" which is why everyone is so shocked and surprised to find out they or their child has a life threatning condition. My distain is for people who choose NOT to give back.
Lyn,
While I agree with you, I think it is important to remember that many people (be they famous or not) do give back but do so anonymously for whatever reason. Perhaps it is because they want to decide how to give back without being pounced on by every charity out there. Often we never hear about them unless something gets leaked to the press. I am reminded of Sandra Bullock who had given millions to various charities and disasters and never talked about it until after Katrina when some member of the press found out. I have no doubt there are many others. I agree that it would be more helpful if people were open about their helping (to bring more attention to issues) but we do not know their reasons for staying behind the scenes. For all we know, some of these "famous" valve patients could be donors to VR.com.
 
geebee said:
That being said, like Nancy pointed out, anyone facing OHS (whether the world knows their name or not) is scared silly that they will die. So, from that standpoint, we are in that boat with Arnold (and everyone else). Let's work to keep that boat afloat.

Off my soapbox now.

Adam - will be looking forward to your next book. Dedicated to VR.com maybe?;) ;)


Amen! Everyone facing OHS is scared itless!! And we don't know who does or will look in for a visit. And God knows there has been people who have posted things from pot smoking;) to sex:D and every other subject under the sun. Everyone has opinions (we know what they say about those:rolleyes: ) and everyone has different interest and they should be respected.

I find the thread interesting. I knew Arnold and I had something in commom:D This site is used for information gathering and sharing as well as socializing. How many life long friendships have been formed here? And I bet they shared more than their own medical isses. The mere intertainment value of this site is worth the world to me:D :D

Keep the medical and non-medical banter flowing. If it does not interest you don't read it.

And Happy Mothers Day to all mothers!!!

Tom
 

I don't think Arnold blew out his valve.
If I remember correctly, I believe there was a problem with the first Ross procedure, it had to be corrected with a second procedure, and his experience led other surgeons
(such as Dr. Stelzer) to learn from it.
So, in a way, Arnold has contributed a great deal to the issue of valve replacement--particularly the Ross procedure.
Perhaps Adam will ask Arnold to comment publicly, and then we might all benefit.
 
I can not imagine spending any amount of resource doing this. Who the heck cares which "famous" person or "celebrity" had a valve. I feel the famous persons having a valve replacement are the ones who do it against all odds and with little funds and a small amount of support. Good heavens this does not even require us to waste paper.



I didn't intend to attack Kathleen with my retort as much as I meant to defend Adam, Sue, RkrRzy1, Tom F, Ken, Hensylee and MikeHeim and myself who had already demonstrated an interest in the stated topic. Kathleen implied we were all being wasteful and frivolous to have an interest in the topic of the thread. She further implied that Adam was wasting paper to write the book.

If she had respectfully asked why we all felt it was of value to identify celebrities who had had valve surgery I would have taken the question at face value and tried to explain in the interest of open discussion. When someone has started a thread for a particular purpose I do not think it's appropriate for anyone to come along and tell that person their thread is of no value. If her point was simply "I feel the famous persons having a valve replacement are the ones who do it against all odds and with little funds and a small amount of support," I would certainly agree with that sentiment and would not have felt attacked or been offended.
 
geebee said:
Adam - will be looking forward to your next book. Dedicated to VR.com maybe?;) ;)

:)

Funny you should ask...

VR.com is definitely referenced in the book.

This place is an amazing resource. I also have some links up at my site to share the word.

Have a great weekend,

Adam
 
I know this isn't exactly valve-related, but what about John Ritter? Although unfortunately he didn't have a chance to have his aortic aneurysm surgically corrected, his death certainly brought a great deal of attention to a previously-underreported problem. Perhaps he deserves a footnote in the list (since aortic aneurysms so often go along with bicuspid aortic valves.) Kate
 
David Letterman & Regis
And what about Clinton? he did had some heart related operation, but not sure
 
Just my 2 cents...

Just my 2 cents...

Arnold Schwarzenegger (my state governor whose signature also appears on my teaching credential) and I share the same surgeon. For me, it was reassuring to see a public figure like Gov. Schwarzenegger do so well this far after valve surgery. Although our situations are markedly different, to see him go on to do all he has after his surgery helps bolster my belief that I, too, can do anything I want after surgery, and that life certainly goes on (and is often times much better) after valve replacement/repair. (Sorry for the run-on sentence).

And, a side note, too, if Dr. Starnes could do a fantastic job on the governor, then he could do a fantastic job on me. That and knowing all the other credentials that make Starnes a world-class surgeon.
 
Same with Regis. He had bypass surgery. Not that I'm minimizing the seriousness of that. Been there and done that and OHS is OHS. No picnic.
 
OK i'll admit it, I'm famous

OK i'll admit it, I'm famous

but only in certain circles. if you googled my real name you'd get a bunch of hits because of a few things i've written. but my real fame is within my family and friends.

i think it's GREAT to read about celebrities and achievers who have had valve replacement surgery. nothing negative about it at all. so let's keep compiling the list. a friend of mine, listening to one of my bitches about the movie business said (you dye your hair, you're 56 years old (old for a screenwriter) and you've just survived open heart surgery. BE HAPPY you still have a career!

so, prayers to everyone who's been through OHS and thumbs up and a pat on the back to the "famous" people who come forward and share their ills so the rest of us can relate. Robert Altman had a heart transplant and kept it secret because he didn't want to lose work. Sheesh!:D
 
Temp69,

Being a major movie buff (and an amateur writer), I am much more "starstruck" by screenwriters than I ever was about the actors. I lived in Santa Monica for a couple of years and actors are a dime a dozen there. Really becomes no big deal. However, the screenwriters are the geniuses behind the scenes and I would never have known if I was standing next to one at Starbucks or sitting next to one at the Sushi bar.
 

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