47 years(Aug 16, 1967).....and counting

[dick0236]

I had my annual checkup, number 47, with my Cardiologist today and these checkups seem to get a little more scary as I get older, I keep waiting for "the other shoe to drop" and for him to tell me that the valve needs replacing. His only comment was "I'll see you in a year for your next checkup". When I tried to tie his down as to how long the valve might last....he wouldn't bite and his only comment was....."these old Starr-Edwards valves were built like Sherman Tanks".

Not in my wildest dreams would I have thought the valve would last this long.....so, for those who have the newer generation of mechanical valves, when your doc tells you it will last your lifetime.....he is probably right.

 

[pellicle]

Keep ticking Dick. May you be the crocodile and Peter Pan

 

[bocco]

Love to hear this Dick. Rock on brother.

 

[haggis basher]

Hi Dick
Absolutely amazing! I never had a choice when I had mine! Being 71 age, they didn't want to waste a 'mechanical' one! You will give tremendous hope to all the people that had/will have mechanical devices. Keep posting, and I wish you all the best of health.
See Ya
Brian

 

[NewbieSlo]

Dick, your are my hero and inspiration

 

[Duffey]

Congrats, Dick, and best wishes for many, many more years of ticking. Your experience should make everyone feel more positive about their own valve replacement. Thanks for being a role model for successful valve replacement.

 

[Mentu]

Dick, it is wonderful to hear you've passed another year without major issues. We newbies love to see you have passed another anniversary and hope our own valves can match your's. It doesn't matter how spiffy they are but that they keep on working. Happy anniversary, Dick.

Larry

 

[clay_from_nj]

"Ticky Dick?" Happy anniversary Timex-man!

 

[spartangator]

Indeed, what excellent news. Here's to many more.

 

[BDMc]

Dick, What wonderful news for all of us with mechanical valves! Keep encouraging us!

 

[river-wear]

Congratulations, Dick. I hope you have many more years of enjoyment of that valve! (You got it just three days after I was born.)

Your history gives a lot of us hope and comfort.

 

[RCB]

As a measure of the total years from your first surgery, you are getting closer to me all the time- you young whippersnapper!

 

[ottagal]

Such wonderful news, Dick. You most certainly are an inspiration and may you be blessed with many more years of good health!

 

[R1Phrankey]

Congratulations Dick. This is encouraging news for my freshly implanted aortic valve.

 

[doberman]

Great News Dick, very inspiring.

 

[ajc1991]

I have to have a mitral valve replaced with a mechanical one soon. Dick, your post definitely gives me hope for the future! Incredible!

 

[VTT_AVR]

You're an inspiration.

I just passed 3 months and to hear your story is a wonderful.

Thank you.

 

[Cooker]

Dick, don't know how I missed this... Happy Valvasary!

 

[Superbob]

Likewise me -- don't know how I missed this thread. Wish to offer my heartiest (no pun intended) congratulations, Dick. You are an inspiration!

 

[njean]

Sorry I missed this thread also!

Happy 47th anniversary to you, Dick and I wish you many more still to celebrate. Whatever you are doing, keep at it! :smile2: