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Congratulations for forgetting! I forget every year! I think it's fantastic that we're able to forget something that preoccupied us for so long. I remember the countdown to the day of surgery, counting the days post-op, then the weeks until I could drive again, the months until I could go...

It's so good to hear you're back home! What a long ordeal. I guess the only good part would be that you had a hospital bed to sleep in, but home is such a better to work on being "unsick"! I certainly hope that shiny new valve last a very very long time!!

Ottawagal, I hope you're over this bump, and getting ready to head home. I'm thinking of you, and praying and pulling for you. XOXOXOXOX

Hi Mac, I'm glad you found this wonderful forum. I learned so much from the people when I was facing surgery. I had radiation for Hodgkin's back in '74. My heart surgeon recommended a mechanical valve because of my age, saying that it would last much longer, and I might be able to avoid...

Ditto Bina!:D The Heart institute is a fantastic facility. I'm sure they'll take great care of her and get her started on a smooth road to recovery!

:)Great news! Thinking of you, Ottawagal, and looking forward to reading about your journey!

Wanda, I had my surgery in April, and was not allowed back to work until September. My job involved heavy lifting (nurse) and I was told the sternum needed at least 4 months to become strong enough for the kind of work I do. A-M

Ah, so I didn't miss your surgury. I was reading fast last night (bad habit of logging on at work and speed reading), and thought I missed it. I take back the apology! I had a very good experience with the Heart Institute. I was told that they only hire "the best of the best"...but I can't...

Hi Pathfinder, My LV ejection fraction was 35% prior to my surgery. I had the surgery 4 months later. The second echo I had after surgery (I think it would have been close to 2 years later) showed an ejection fraction in the low normal range. My ventricle size was within the normal limts...

That's great! At the time I had my surgery (2003) the Heat Institute here in Ottawa was only using the On-x valve. I'm not sure if that is still the case, but my surgeon told me they were using only on-x valves so that they could gather a good amount of clinical data on them. I see my cardio...

Hi there Hensylee! Yes, I am doing fine, thanks! I've just had my annual echo this week, so I'll find out in a few weeks how things are valve-related. I check in here every now and again to see how the familiar names are doing and to check out the newer posters and their stories. Hope you're...

For those who may be interested, I recently came across a site called or-live.com and have been watching live surgical webcasts online. I just noticed that they're airing an aortic valve replacement October 20. Here's the link with more information about the procedure and the software required...

Congrats on getting that first treatment over and done with! Like Maka, it's been well over 25 years since I had chemo (28 actually)! No doubt the drugs are different, but I didn't lose my hair. I used to wear a band around my head that was similar to a blood pressure cuff, only a long thin...

Hi Mark, I had radiation to my neck and chest for Hodgkin's when I was 11 years old. I was diagnosed with aortic stenosis in 2001 and CHF in 2002. I've had to have my aortic valve replaced (2003) and a PET scan showed a large scar on the front of my heart, which initially was believed to be the...

Ross, I'm sorry to hear that your wife is unwell. I really hope things work out for the both of you. You so deserve a break. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. About the rash, I agree to check it out, but it is possible that it's related to the kidney troubles. I believe a...

Hey everyone :p Last night I realized my valve replacement anniversary had gone by (two years on Apr. 24) and I completely forgot about it! I can remember the countdown before surgery, 6 weeks until, 4 weeks until, 6 days, 2 days and then afterwards, one week since, one month, one year...

I have an appointement at the valve clinic next week. I'll see what I can find out. At the time of my surgery, I only asked the doctor what the name was, figuring all I had to do was come here to get my info from you guys :D Actually, I thought the doctor said "onyx", it was only until I...

on-x aortic on-x aortic Hi Emma, I have an On-x aortic valve. At the time of my surgery, April 2003, I was told that the On-x was the only type of mechanical valve the Heart Institute here in Ottawa was using. Everything seems to be going fine for me. I just saw my cardiologist last week...

Me too. Me too. I checked in briefly the other night from work and saw Andrea's thread. I just checked in now to see what was going on with her. I hope everything is ok Andrea! I was sorry to hear that you've had problems with your valve, but really admire your spirit. Please post and let...

When I had my valve replacement last year, the SARS crisis was going on. The hospital had to institute a no visitor policy. Absolutely no one came in the hospital except for patients and hospital employees. So, there was no one worrying in the waiting room about me. In retrospect, this was...