John & Joann
Well-known member
This posting is slightly early, but we have many commitments in the next 2 weeks. Joann has had her aortic and mitral valves installed Dec. 10th, 1971. They were replaced along with 3 bypass in 1999. She has had a pacemaker since 1996. Life has presented many challenges and many wonderful experiences with the mechanical valves. When she goes to the Coumadin clinic, the staff are younger than the time she has lived with the replacement valves. In fact, Joann can not remember life without Coumadin. 12 medications are prescribed to keep Joann at a functional level. The diuretic medication and the slow drip nitro medication have been increased to reduce the respiratory issues and the nitro medication reduces the ache feeling in her chest and shoulder. Challenges include an occasional fall, lack of energy, and the typical issues of older age. (76). For those of you that are new, Joann had rheumatic fever as a younger person. It was not diagnosed until she became pregnant. We have been married for 55 1/2 years and she has known about her disease 4 months after we were married. We were blessed with 1 daughter and 3 grandchildren. An infant son died shortly after birth many years ago.
The medical professionals have told us that further surgery for valves, stent, bypass, etc. will only be done as a last resort. The risk exceeds the benefit. They did suggest a stress test but Joann has refused at this time. Joann also has IBS and discs in her neck that have become very painful. These issues continue to cause problems daily. The Atrial Fib & Atrial Flutter are issues that affect Joann on a regular basis. The pulse often goes as high as 105. Beta Pace (Sotalol) 320mgm is the drug that is currently being prescribed. Amiodarone has been not approved by Joann because of the side effects
We have not had any extended vacations, rv trips, or visits to the grandchildren in the past year. We continue to discuss are yearly 3 months living in the RV at Port Charlotte, Florida. We must make a decision soon. Our friends have included 3 new cats, (long story), our senior cat, and our Border Collie dog.
Our middle grandchild is in her second year of medical school at The University of Pennsylvania. Her interest in medicine is a direct result of the cardiovascular issues that Joann has experienced the past 55 years. She is not certain about her future specialty field. The oldest lives in Brentwood, Tenn. and works as a speech pathologist in Columbia City, Tenn. Kyle, the youngest is in his 3rd year of chemical engineering at Ohio State. Our daughter is a teacher and son in law works for Wilson Football. They live about 5 miles from us and are available if we have issues.
This message is written each year to give encouragement to others that they may see the success that Joann has experienced with her valve replacements. We thank Cleveland Clinic and all of the local physicians and staff that have been with Joann through her medical history.
God Bless all of you!!!!
The medical professionals have told us that further surgery for valves, stent, bypass, etc. will only be done as a last resort. The risk exceeds the benefit. They did suggest a stress test but Joann has refused at this time. Joann also has IBS and discs in her neck that have become very painful. These issues continue to cause problems daily. The Atrial Fib & Atrial Flutter are issues that affect Joann on a regular basis. The pulse often goes as high as 105. Beta Pace (Sotalol) 320mgm is the drug that is currently being prescribed. Amiodarone has been not approved by Joann because of the side effects
We have not had any extended vacations, rv trips, or visits to the grandchildren in the past year. We continue to discuss are yearly 3 months living in the RV at Port Charlotte, Florida. We must make a decision soon. Our friends have included 3 new cats, (long story), our senior cat, and our Border Collie dog.
Our middle grandchild is in her second year of medical school at The University of Pennsylvania. Her interest in medicine is a direct result of the cardiovascular issues that Joann has experienced the past 55 years. She is not certain about her future specialty field. The oldest lives in Brentwood, Tenn. and works as a speech pathologist in Columbia City, Tenn. Kyle, the youngest is in his 3rd year of chemical engineering at Ohio State. Our daughter is a teacher and son in law works for Wilson Football. They live about 5 miles from us and are available if we have issues.
This message is written each year to give encouragement to others that they may see the success that Joann has experienced with her valve replacements. We thank Cleveland Clinic and all of the local physicians and staff that have been with Joann through her medical history.
God Bless all of you!!!!
