Timothy's Guestbook

Coumadin . I have been on coumadin for 30 years. I received a mechanical mitral valve 30 years ago. (Valve = St. Jude's). Six months ago I received a mechanical aortic valve . (Valve = ATS AP) My heart issues are a result of having rheumatic fever at the age of 16. I hike, ride my bike, fly fish, and travel. We like to read and play competitive duplicate bridge. We always travel with our cribbage board. While my husband and I have ski passes, we might give it up this year. I am a good skier, but I fear being hit by others. Such an injury might prohibit me from the other stuff I do. (We can afford to give up our passes because they were inexpensive . . . senior passes.) We live in a summer/winter resort in Colorado, so it seems foolish not to buy them. I recovered so fast after my surgery in June. Some days I would think, "Now, did I really have heart surgery?" Both times I had full open heart surgery.

Coumadin . I have been on coumadin for 30 years. I received a mechanical mitral valve 30 years ago. (Valve = St. Jude's). Six months ago I received a mechanical aortic valve . (Valve = ATS AP) My heart issues are a result of having rheumatic fever at the age of 16. I hike, ride my bike, fly fish, and travel. We like to read and play competitive duplicate bridge. We always travel with our cribbage board. While my husband and I have ski passes, we might give it up this year. I am a good skier, but I fear being hit by others. Such an injury might prohibit me from the other stuff I do. (We can afford to give up our passes because they were inexpensive . . . senior passes.) We live in a summer/winter resort in Colorado, so it seems foolish not to buy them. I recovered so fast after my surgery in June. Some days I would think, "Now, did I really have heart surgery?" Both times I had full open heart surgery.

Hey Tim... just wanted to drop a hi... Seems that we both got the genetic short straw re: BAV. LOL. As I told my little brother yesterday, he shall be in forever gratitude to me that he dodged that genetic bullet... Anyway...hang in there. The last week pre-surgery was pretty overwhelming for me... I definitely found that journaling here...reading from others...was a big help. If there's anything I can help you get through, feel free to reach out. This is not a journey you travel alone...

Best wishes to you, Tim. You are in great hands at Cleveland Clinic. I will be there on March 4 for my surgery on March 7. Dr. Lars Svennson is my surgeon for an aortic valve replacement redo. I am eager to read about your progress and welcome any insights into your CC experience.