wweir
Well-known member
Well in a few hours it is officially two years since I underwent open heart surgery on 15 August 2002 to replace my bi-cuspid aortic valve that developed severe stenosis requiring a St Jude mechanical. I am happy to report to you all that I am doing quite well.
As for general follow up, I undergo a complete physical every year with my family doctor. I have an echo conducted once a year with my cardiologist, have my INR checked every three months - steady at 2.9. I am participating in the South Beach Diet (Doctor approved) program, and exercising three times a week for at least an hour.
Coumadin has not been a problem for me at all, no bleeding or bruising and my valve is super quiet.
While I do not post much I do find myself being drawn to the site to see what Ross and my other valve friends are up to. I have never met so many people willing to help and care about complete strangers linked together by a physical condition.
For any new folks reading this I just want to tell you that the knowledge I received about what to expect before and after surgery and valve selection was just incredible. In addition the very positive mental support I received helped both my family and I deal positively with this life altering, but not always limiting, event.
For the old timers, thank you all very much. I will be celebrating my second birthday with some low carb food and thinking of you all and thanking the fantastic doctors who took care of me here in Lincoln Nebraska.
Walter
As for general follow up, I undergo a complete physical every year with my family doctor. I have an echo conducted once a year with my cardiologist, have my INR checked every three months - steady at 2.9. I am participating in the South Beach Diet (Doctor approved) program, and exercising three times a week for at least an hour.
Coumadin has not been a problem for me at all, no bleeding or bruising and my valve is super quiet.
While I do not post much I do find myself being drawn to the site to see what Ross and my other valve friends are up to. I have never met so many people willing to help and care about complete strangers linked together by a physical condition.
For any new folks reading this I just want to tell you that the knowledge I received about what to expect before and after surgery and valve selection was just incredible. In addition the very positive mental support I received helped both my family and I deal positively with this life altering, but not always limiting, event.
For the old timers, thank you all very much. I will be celebrating my second birthday with some low carb food and thinking of you all and thanking the fantastic doctors who took care of me here in Lincoln Nebraska.
Walter
