Recent content by Forrest

My Magna 3000 TFX bovine valve (21mm) is nearing 10 years old. I’m six times older than my valve so it should respect me as its elder, but I imagine it will do as it pleases. After my cardiologist visit this spring my doc said I’m doing well and that I’m still on doing Echos every 2 years. I...

Nice to know Martin, my friend is also a hiker and active. Thanks

All I can say is “Wow” again! Very good valve story Mom2Angel, glad you’ve kept a strong & positive attitude, and that your Mitral valve has served you well over the years. If you ever need a new one, you are very experienced; very inspiring!

Wow QunincyRunner, glad you made it and that your valve is working well. You have a good perspective.

Hello fellow heart folks, I’m still doing very well with my aortic valve but have a question. I have a friend in his early sixties who has suddenly been told he has severe Mitral valve regurgitation, his other valves are fine. It’s still early in assessment, and he naturally hopes for a...

Steve E., Glad you made it through that hurdle with your pacemaker. It seems that heart issues sometimes keep throwing curve balls at us, and I like the observation that some folks dive into the diagnosis, learn what is needed, do what what they can, then accept and get back to living. I am...

Tigerlily, Sorry to hear about the extra stress of late. This was a very good thread, full of insightful comments and experiences--thanks for sharing your original post. Along the lines of worry, fear and the extra hurdles that come with heart problems, I can say that I vacillate from periods...

Steve, sorry to hear of your situation. I rarely check in much but am glad that I did so to read your post. You have been a steady rock over the years, a role model if there is such thing in these heart stories, and someone I’ve always been impressed with, your reasoning and compassion...but...

Thanks all for your comments. Hey Ottagal, would your “"left over wiring"” (funny) be abandoned pacing wires? I’m not too concerned about the sternum wires because they’re over tough tissue (bone/cartilage). Those pesky temporary pacing wires attach to my heart, albeit...

Hello, I am interested in hearing about the experiences of anyone who had a MRI and has a prosthetic heart valve. Especially those who had their temporary pacing wires left in. I may need to have a MRI to evaluate a shoulder sports injury (possible rotator cuff or labral tear) and want more...

Rob, That’s an incredible story of survival. Reminds me how much to keep appreciating my second chance at living a full life. I’ll even bank some of this for a third chance down the road:).

Well stated SuperBob :)

Anthony, I’m sorry to hear you got endocarditis after surgery and had to have a redo. However, I’m very glad to hear that you discovered the problem, got in promptly and they were able to repair things and get you started on the right course of antibiotics. What an ordeal you must of went...

I had a few bouts of being less than carefree pre-surgery and afterwards. But most of the time I tried to take the approach that so many others are going through so much more than me, or have lost loved ones tragically or at such a young age. So maybe I can navigate my heart issues and new...

I was approaching 50 so I made an appointment for a physical to mark that milestone and my commitment to future health. I was/am an athlete and avid outdoorsman, but was starting to feel a bit tired after playing competitive sports or at the end of a stressful day at work. So my doctor would...