Recent content by BillCobit

I am an old timer who hasn't been around for a while. I was just browsing to see how the site is doing these days. It's really great to see the community is thriving. While I've gotten sort of bored with being a heart patient (living an active and complication-free life!), I periodically...

I cannot say it any better than that. Ross was a wonderful man and tremendous asset to this community. May his family and loved ones find comfort during this time of sorrow.

Please see details in Active Lifestyles sub-forum: http://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/showthread.php?42233-Member-Meet-Up-At-The-Cincinnati-Heart-Mini-Running-Event&p=545278#post545278

Hello everyone This spring on March 16, 2014, a group of heart patient runners and friends will meet in Cincinnati once again for the annual Mercy Health Heart Mini, co-sponsored by the American Heart Association...

Hi scg I had my MV repaired in 2002. I was sliding toward heart failure at the time. I never really got a horsepower pickup, but I've been stable since then, and I don't require any cardiac meds. "Compete?" Not me - but I can "participate." Completed four Ironman events since surgery, but...

Hi John Which valve did you have replaced? I had mitral valve surgery and did not experience a performance gain. But I have managed to complete 3 Ironman events and I'm working on #4. It took me 9 months to feel like I had recovered from surgery. In any event it sounds like you are doing...

I've had to find alternatives to weights as I've gotten older. I've used some of the exercises from bodyrock.tv (which I've learned are also similar to routines recommended by Mens' Health magazine). When I was a young man I was oriented toward hypertrophy-inducing exercises, but my joints...

Greeat result and great gesture, Tom. I have wondered same as Sumo - do people realize the difference they've made?

Hi Kodi - nice job on the POPR despite the conditions. You run well when you don't have me there to slow you down. Good luck in the marathon.

Congratulations, Jeff. You clocked an impressive time, although your average HR terrifies me just a bit. Very sad about the three guys who dropped at the race yesterday. Please be careful.

Answers I got from local surgeons were suspect and less than encouraging. I mailed my echo tapes and reports to Dr. Mark Gillinov, and asked to be evaluated as a candidate for MV repair. He phoned me, gave me his opinion and and directed me to his nurse practice manager who efficiently guided...

Great defense! My symptoms (fatigue, body aches, fever) lasted about a month, but my illness wasn't diagnosed. I fortunately managed to fight off the infection with a few courses of subtherapeutic oral antibiotics and my own immune system. I have no idea how I acquired the infection. A...

That part sounds backward. Repair requires greater skill, and Cleveland Clinic is widely regarded as the best place to get a repair in the US. I am very pleased with my MV repair; I am drug and complication free, and I enjoy a very active lifestyle. I was intimidated by the prospect of...

Well that's about to change! What a great trip that will be. I have fantasized for years about a cycling tour of France. Travel safely. I hope to read a trip report and see some pics.

Wow, you are too kind, PJ! Thanks for the kind words, everybody. Sorry, I haven't been such a regular visitor around here. I feel like I don't have much to contribute anymore, so I've mostly taken my whining and bragging to the CA site now that my valve problems and recovery experience are...