John & Joann
Well-known member
Joann will celebrate her 40th anniversary this week. The aortic and mitral valves were replaced in December of 1971. The Starr Edwards valves were replaced in 1999 with Carbometics valves. 3 bypass and a root graph that was done at the same time.
How far have we come in the past 40 years. We were not told about coumadin. We were not told about the LOUD sounds of the Starr Edwards valves. We were not told about the risk of infection for dental procedures. We were not told about the risk of cuts, bruises, etc. due to the coumadin. We were not told about life expectancy. We were not told about the issues of rehab, fitness, infections, etc. We were not told about atrial fib or flutter. BUT JOANN SURVIVED!!!!!
In 1971 Joann weighed 88 lbs. The surgery was her only choice for life. We were getting close to the point of "no return". The recovery was difficult and slow. Her family doctor told us a few years later that he did not expect that she would survive. Gall Bladder issues required narcotics to control the pain while she regained strength. Getting rid of the medications and the gall bladder surgery was another difficult year in her life.
Joann survived and lives today. We have been in 48 states, most with our RV. We have been on many cruises in North and Central America. Most important, we have seen 3 grandchildren grow into wonderful men and women. Our middle grandchild is planning to attend medical school in another year, partially motivated by Joann's miracles. The oldest grandchild will start her Masters in Speech Pathology this fall after the July wedding. The youngest will start college this fall in chemical engineering, petroleum engineering, or environment engineering. We rejoice in their achievements as great students, great citizens, and good friends.
We hope that the story of Joann will provide encouragement to ALL OF YOU that will have valve surgery in the future or have had valve surgery. We give credit to Cleveland Clinic surgeons, the Cleveland Clinic cardiologists, our GREAT FAMILY DOCTORS. (all deceased except for our current physician). They all deserve credit for the life that Joann has been able to live. They were all very, very helpful. (Yes, it has not always be easy. Yes, she does get discouraged. Yes, she does believe that God has provided for her health)
Best Wishes for a great holiday season.
John Bos, written for Joann.
How far have we come in the past 40 years. We were not told about coumadin. We were not told about the LOUD sounds of the Starr Edwards valves. We were not told about the risk of infection for dental procedures. We were not told about the risk of cuts, bruises, etc. due to the coumadin. We were not told about life expectancy. We were not told about the issues of rehab, fitness, infections, etc. We were not told about atrial fib or flutter. BUT JOANN SURVIVED!!!!!
In 1971 Joann weighed 88 lbs. The surgery was her only choice for life. We were getting close to the point of "no return". The recovery was difficult and slow. Her family doctor told us a few years later that he did not expect that she would survive. Gall Bladder issues required narcotics to control the pain while she regained strength. Getting rid of the medications and the gall bladder surgery was another difficult year in her life.
Joann survived and lives today. We have been in 48 states, most with our RV. We have been on many cruises in North and Central America. Most important, we have seen 3 grandchildren grow into wonderful men and women. Our middle grandchild is planning to attend medical school in another year, partially motivated by Joann's miracles. The oldest grandchild will start her Masters in Speech Pathology this fall after the July wedding. The youngest will start college this fall in chemical engineering, petroleum engineering, or environment engineering. We rejoice in their achievements as great students, great citizens, and good friends.
We hope that the story of Joann will provide encouragement to ALL OF YOU that will have valve surgery in the future or have had valve surgery. We give credit to Cleveland Clinic surgeons, the Cleveland Clinic cardiologists, our GREAT FAMILY DOCTORS. (all deceased except for our current physician). They all deserve credit for the life that Joann has been able to live. They were all very, very helpful. (Yes, it has not always be easy. Yes, she does get discouraged. Yes, she does believe that God has provided for her health)
Best Wishes for a great holiday season.
John Bos, written for Joann.
