John & Joann
Well-known member
It does not seem that it is time to write about Joann celebrating her 38th annivesary with 2 mechanical heart valves. Dec.10th, 1971 was a day that will be written in our life story in STONE! We were only married for 3 months (1959) when they discovered her heart damage from rheumatic fever. Starr Edwards valves were the choice by the Cleveland Clinic surgeons. She lived 31 years before the surgery, lost one child in premature birth, and had AN OUTSTANDING daughter, added a son in law, and 3 grandchildren. What a life we have had together.
She has a pacemaker installed in 1996 and 2 new valves (Carbomedics) and 3 bypass in 1999. She has and is living a nearly normal life. We do not remember life without coumadin. We have traveled to 48 states and most of Canada, many cruises, and are snowbirds with our RV in Port Charlotte, Florida. Cleveland Clinc, the local cardiologist, and the family doctor are very pleased. They have encouraged us to "be a normal family". This is not always possible, but she has sure tried very hard!!!!!!!
It is always interesting to go to the coumadin clinic. They use local pharmacy students that work with the staff to learn about protime. We always get there attention when we remind them that Joann has been on coumadin far longer than their current age. They all drop their mouth in shock and really do not have a quick response. The staff attempt to give every student one exposure to Joann to show that the testing does work.
Believe in your doctors (or find new ones), have faith in your spiritual life, enjoy your family, attempt to live a positive life, (not always easy) take your medications EXACTLY as directed, get plenty of rest, keep active in tasks that you enjoy, and give thanks for the morning sun and the evening sunset.
Happy Clicking to everyone on this wonderful site.
She has a pacemaker installed in 1996 and 2 new valves (Carbomedics) and 3 bypass in 1999. She has and is living a nearly normal life. We do not remember life without coumadin. We have traveled to 48 states and most of Canada, many cruises, and are snowbirds with our RV in Port Charlotte, Florida. Cleveland Clinc, the local cardiologist, and the family doctor are very pleased. They have encouraged us to "be a normal family". This is not always possible, but she has sure tried very hard!!!!!!!
It is always interesting to go to the coumadin clinic. They use local pharmacy students that work with the staff to learn about protime. We always get there attention when we remind them that Joann has been on coumadin far longer than their current age. They all drop their mouth in shock and really do not have a quick response. The staff attempt to give every student one exposure to Joann to show that the testing does work.
Believe in your doctors (or find new ones), have faith in your spiritual life, enjoy your family, attempt to live a positive life, (not always easy) take your medications EXACTLY as directed, get plenty of rest, keep active in tasks that you enjoy, and give thanks for the morning sun and the evening sunset.
Happy Clicking to everyone on this wonderful site.
