2 years and counting

[Raverlaw]

Hello to all of my old friends here!

I remembered about half-way through the day today that it was exactly two years ago today that I had my aortic valve replaced. Funny how the first anniversaries - 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year seemed so important, but now another year has slipped by almost unnoticed.

Life is good and I feel good. My last stress echo showed everything is in good shape and the heart muscle looked 'great' according to my cardiologist. So, yeah, there's the Coumadin thing, but I've got that under reasonable control. I tolerate the Lipitor reasonably well, and experimenting with going on/off it has convinced me that my cholesterol is much lower when I'm using it. So I'm going to keep following the Dr.'s advice and take it.

For those who are still waiting for surgery, just know that life after surgery is GREAT. You will wonder how you made it around when you see how much energy you have with a new valve - and the short recovery time will go by very quickly.

 

[tommy]

Congratulatons, Bill. Good to hear from you/

 

[bvdr]

Bill, it is like a breath of fresh air to read your post. I'm so glad to hear everything is going well for you. So you've stayed up with your rowing and still physically fit? Good for you!

Isn't it nice how normal life can be after valve surgery? Do you still sit out on your deck, sip wine and enjoy the goodness in life? Thanks for checking back in and I hope everything continues to go well for you.

 

[Nan]

Congratulations! How wonderful that you are feeling so well! You keep right on rowing....sounds like you could row round the country at the rate you are going.
Take care,

 

[hensylee]

well, hey, Bill. It's so nice to see you. We remember that day very well and can hardly believe it's been two whole years. Best wishes to you. Keep on rowing and enjoying that beautiful porch you have - I remember the picture of it with the mountains beyond.

Next year you'll have an even harder time remembering - it seems to get fainter with each year.

 

[epstns]

Bill - Great to hear from you again, and extra great that things are going so well. Yes, those of you who have made the climb successfully and returned to an even more fulfilling life continue to be an inspiration to the rest of us in The Waiting Room.

Thanks again.

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Bill

What a great surprise!!! I'm glad to hear you're doing so well. Keep on rowing, and don't be such a stranger here.

Tyce is doing well,too. Had an issue with coumadin last week, but he's back in range now. He feels and looks great.

Be well.

Evelyn

 

[Mary]

Congratulations Bill!

I believe you were the first member to answer my initial post, and you eased many of my fears as you related your recovery experiences.
Did you read where the 2006 reunion will be a California cruise? Are you still offering a deck view and a glass of wine for those able to attend the reunion? Let us know; I need to start collecting my pennies for the trip!

Once again, Happy Anniversary!
Mary

 

[Karlynn]

Congratulations Bill - so great to hear from you.

So how many miles rowed now?

 

[Gemma]

Hey Bill, lovely to hear from you again
Wow, doesn't time fly? Glad to hear you're doing so well and still rowing

 

[Glenda]

Great news! I love to read these kind of posts. There is a great life on this side of the mountain. Keep up the good work.

 

[Raverlaw]

Thanks, everyone, for the good wishes. Karlynn, I've rowed over 250,000 meters and am closing in on my 3 million meter goal, although a bit late due to an extended bout of bronchitis that started in December. There is also a group of us at the bank that walks at lunch time. We have a hilly, 3.8 mile route that we cover in about 40 minutes, so I'm still exercising regularly.

Mary, the deck is as nice as ever and the weather has been unusually mild and dry this winter so we've been enjoying it a lot. For Christmas we gave ourselves kayaks, and have spent a lot of weekend time down at Morro Bay kayaking in the bay and estuary there.

VR members going on the cruise - I probably won't join you as I'm using up all my vacation time to do an extended trip in April through the southern states. We're 4.5 hours north of Los Angeles, if you want to stop by before or after the cruise.