I have been to Dr. Starr's Facebook page, & shared the story of my 2 surgeries by Dr. Starr, 40 years apart. I heard from "RCB" Bob recently.I think he is planning to post something here on VR.org regarding the 50th anniversary of the Starr/Edwards valve.
I'm doing great in regards to my replacement pulmonary heart valve. No problems, really.I'm very thankful for that. Regarding my situation with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, however....not so good...........
I'm now in a wheelchair. Have been ever since I fell & broke my ankle 3 years ago. I wasn't able to use crutches during the recovery. By the time the cast came off, well...Atrophy & Dystrophy are a
VERY bad combination! Despite months of physical therapy, I just couldn't get back on my feet & walk. I knew many years ago the time would eventually come, but it's been hard to accept. Fortunately, I had prepared my home for a wheelchair during a remodel a few years ago.
Marguerite, You asked about my 1963 Ford Galaxie. Actually, I sold it 4 years ago. I replaced it with a beautiful 1958 Chevy Biscayne 2 door. I'm really glad I had the chance to enjoy it for awhile. I loved it. I drove it occasionally, even after being wheelchair bound, using hand controls. I just didn't really have the strength to have fun doing it. Loading the wheelchair was truly a struggle for me. I had problems with scratching the car's paintjob!!! OH, NOOOOOOOO!!!! I really didn't like depending on others to load & unload it.
So......., I decided that the time had come to sell the old car, sadly.
Unfortunately, I had progressed to the point where a power wheelchair was needed to supplement my manual wheelchair, especially for going out & about. I'm very happy with the one I got, a Permobil C300, from Sweden. With a generous gift from my family, I also bought a new Dodge wheelchair van with a powered ramp. It's set up so that I can drive the van while sitting in the power wheelchair. I can automatically lock it in place where the driver's seat normally is. (It was removed) It's very much a "custom" rig....just not as "cool" as a sweet old Chevy Biscayne
I do like it, though! I can go places by myself. I'm not worn out from hassling with the manual wheelchair when I arrive. I can still function independently. That's what really matters. The old cars may be gone, but the memories of cruizin' in them ......priceless.
Regards,
George
