56 years clicking!!!

[dick0236]

I almost missed posting my aortic valve birthday. Aug 16, 1967 I had an artificial mechanical valve implanted. That was back in the "Dinosaur age" of OHS. Back then they didn't even put serial numbers on the valves. Several years ago I asked for a wallet card that had medical info should I have a serious accident or illness. After much arm twisting I finally got my wallet card........my valve serial number is UNK-178, model UNK-Starrew. I think the UNK stands for "unknown".........so I guess the docs will have to wait 'till they do an autopsy to find out what I have that lasted so long.

For those of you who are chasing my record, I've raised the bar.........but I do hope each of you beat my record. Since I'm going on 88 I doubt I will add many more years to the record...........but only the "Shadow knows". You young folks probably don't know the Shadow, but he was popular on the radio (you do remember AM radios ??)

I continue to post these anniversaries for the newbies to show that mechanical valves can, and do, last a lifetime. Over the years I have done everything I could to make it hard on my valve .......and it continued to tick.

 

[pellicle]

Well done Dick!!

and btw, 56 features in my consciousness ...

but Dick ... how do you stand the ticking ;-)

 

[Art O Ceitinn]

Best wishes Dick my aorta was replaced in 2007 and the medics informed me I had a 99% chance to survive, but I also had my first OHS in 1967 and it was a 50% chance as a 15-year-old I witnessed lots of my fellow patients not make it, So here's to your good luck and great medical team.

 

[newarrior]

I almost missed posting my aortic valve birthday. Aug 16, 1967 I had an artificial mechanical valve implanted. That was back in the "Dinosaur age" of OHS. Back then they didn't even put serial numbers on the valves. Several years ago I asked for a wallet card that had medical info should I have a serious accident or illness. After much arm twisting I finally got my wallet card........my valve serial number is UNK-178, model UNK-Starrew. I think the UNK stands for "unknown".........so I guess the docs will have to wait 'till they do an autopsy to find out what I have that lasted so long.

For those of you who are chasing my record, I've raised the bar.........but I do hope each of you beat my record. Since I'm going on 88 I doubt I will add many more years to the record...........but only the "Shadow knows". You young folks probably don't know the Shadow, but he was popular on the radio (you do remember AM radios ??)

I continue to post these anniversaries for the newbies to show that mechanical valves can, and do, last a lifetime. Over the years I have done everything I could to make it hard on my valve .......and it continued to tick.

I remember AM radio well from the 60's and 70's..My dad loved the Shadow--may he rest in peace--died in 2001 at age 75.. That's a long time-we moved to California that year--summer of love and Pet Sounds and Sgt Pepper came out that year)

 

[Dunwanted]

Congrats Dick, hope many more will come!

 

[Julian]

Congrats Dick! You're an inspiration to us all.

 

[Protimenow]

Until I saw Dick's post I didn't realize that my valve will hit 32 years on the 21st of the month.

Otherwise, I would have completely forgotten. The anniversary seemed eventful (for me) until a few years ago. Now, it's just another year.

 

[Superman]

There is no, “How long will this thing last?”, for you anymore. You’re just a guy with a mechanical valve living a full life.

May we all get there.

Congrats and cheers!

 

[Chuck C]

Great job Dick! You're an inspiration to all of us, in more ways than one, but valve longevity is most definitely one of them!

 

[BillDaThrill]

I almost missed posting my aortic valve birthday. Aug 16, 1967 I had an artificial mechanical valve implanted. That was back in the "Dinosaur age" of OHS. Back then they didn't even put serial numbers on the valves. Several years ago I asked for a wallet card that had medical info should I have a serious accident or illness. After much arm twisting I finally got my wallet card........my valve serial number is UNK-178, model UNK-Starrew. I think the UNK stands for "unknown".........so I guess the docs will have to wait 'till they do an autopsy to find out what I have that lasted so long.

For those of you who are chasing my record, I've raised the bar.........but I do hope each of you beat my record. Since I'm going on 88 I doubt I will add many more years to the record...........but only the "Shadow knows". You young folks probably don't know the Shadow, but he was popular on the radio (you do remember AM radios ??)

I continue to post these anniversaries for the newbies to show that mechanical valves can, and do, last a lifetime. Over the years I have done everything I could to make it hard on my valve .......and it continued to tick.

Unbelievable Dick!!! Congratulations! We are all rooting for you to keep on tickin' into the triple digits!

 

[pellicle]

May we all get there.

I'm gonna have to be pretty old to get to my 56th year anniversary. Perish the thought

 

[Seaton]

Wow!
Ever the inspiration, Dick. Long may it continue.

 

[mecretired]

You are truly an inspiration to all of us. At 13 yrs, I’m a relative newby.

 

[Zoltania]

We're so happy to have you here and posting. Thanks for all your contributions.

 

[KyleR]

I almost missed posting my aortic valve birthday. Aug 16, 1967 I had an artificial mechanical valve implanted. That was back in the "Dinosaur age" of OHS. Back then they didn't even put serial numbers on the valves. Several years ago I asked for a wallet card that had medical info should I have a serious accident or illness. After much arm twisting I finally got my wallet card........my valve serial number is UNK-178, model UNK-Starrew. I think the UNK stands for "unknown".........so I guess the docs will have to wait 'till they do an autopsy to find out what I have that lasted so long.

For those of you who are chasing my record, I've raised the bar.........but I do hope each of you beat my record. Since I'm going on 88 I doubt I will add many more years to the record...........but only the "Shadow knows". You young folks probably don't know the Shadow, but he was popular on the radio (you do remember AM radios ??)

I continue to post these anniversaries for the newbies to show that mechanical valves can, and do, last a lifetime. Over the years I have done everything I could to make it hard on my valve .......and it continued

 

[KyleR]

Congrats Dick!! Cheers to another year. I’m 9 weeks today so I’ve got a ways to go to catch you.

 

[Mr V]

That is awesome. I am coming up on only 27 years in September on my MVR.

 

[Croooser]

Well...Congratulations. Based on your presence on this forum, it could not happen to a more deserving person.

BTW, congrats on 88 too. That's another milestone that few of us will see!!!!

 

[Beach77]

Congratulations Dick! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us! Hope you have many more years!

 

[DebbyA]

Congratulations, Dick! And thanks for sticking with the forum through all its years.