G
geebee
Well, it's official. October 31st is the anniversary of my first OHS which took place in 1980. 28 years ago, at the age of 28, I had my mitral valve replaced with a Bjork-Shiley CC valve (yeah - the one that was recalled). I have now been on coumadin for half my life. Since then I have had 2 more OHS (including a shiny new St. Jude replacing the original BS valve), 2 other major surgeries and a few somewhat minor procedures.
I am posting to let people know that there is a lot of life after OHS and no reason to change a lifestyle due to coumadin or being a valve patient. I have had a more active life than many people I know who are considered perfectly healthy. I have lived in Ohio, New Jersey and California. I travel extensively, scuba dive, raced sailboats, rode motorcycles both on road and off, hike, swim etc., etc., etc.
There have been a few medical challenges but, like everything else, you do what is necessary to carry on.
Life is very good and I am so very grateful that I live in a world where miracles like valve replacement surgery are possible. Thank you all for letting me be a part of VR.com.
I am posting to let people know that there is a lot of life after OHS and no reason to change a lifestyle due to coumadin or being a valve patient. I have had a more active life than many people I know who are considered perfectly healthy. I have lived in Ohio, New Jersey and California. I travel extensively, scuba dive, raced sailboats, rode motorcycles both on road and off, hike, swim etc., etc., etc.
There have been a few medical challenges but, like everything else, you do what is necessary to carry on.
Life is very good and I am so very grateful that I live in a world where miracles like valve replacement surgery are possible. Thank you all for letting me be a part of VR.com.