Mike's Journal

David Smith  I would be calling your cardiologist if I were you. Great job quitting smoking too! I quit Christmas Day 2020. Gave my last empty pack to myself for Christmas. Best thing I ever did!

Susan Lynn  MIke - Definitely reach out to your cardiologist. I hope you're asymptomatic or have a easy time of it if you're feeling ill. Better safe than sorry - congrats on giving up the nic sticks, too! Major accomplishment in addition to your OHS achievement! Best of luck to you!

Mike Ridenour  My local cardiologist is moving, I had just recently scheduled first visit with new cardiologist in April. I have sent both him and my family doctor messages informing them. Thanks for the kind words.

Deena Z  Congrats on ditching the tobacco! What a huge positive thing to do! Get all the meds now re: covid to zap it now!

Mike Ridenour  Thankfully just loss of taste and smell. No fever. No other symptoms whatsoever. Just trying to use common sense and keeping clean and away from others.

Deena Z  So glad to hear. You are fortunate, Mike. Watch you temperature, as you know. Do you have blood type 0, by any chance? There is evidence that those with O blood have greater resistance to covid.

Mike Ridenour  Lisa, I'm sorry, all I am aware is it's a bovine/cow tissue valve. I see lots of different mfg names and descriptions on here, I guess I need to pay better attention? I had a bicuspid valve and it was not opening or closing correctly. I believe the surgeon said that was part of the reason of the aorta aneurysm. I chose the tissue primarily because I am 57 yo and don't want to be on thinners. I'm a diy'er and often getting small cuts and bumps ! My surgeon mentioned the tissue valves last 10-15 years and technology today allows these to be replaced with the TAVR that does not require open heart again (If I understood correctly)

Mike Ridenour  Deena, my cardiologist at Cleveland says I have o positive blood. Lisa, I found out I have the INSPIRIS RESILIA #25 (assume the 25 is size?), I've always referred to it as a MOOOO valve. After Cleveland told me what it exactly was, I googled it and learned a little. Sounds impressive. One thing for certain, it's better than my old one! I guess I left the details to the surgeon assuming he would know far better than me what I needed.