Hi, folks- It's been a long time since I've logged in, but hopefully a few of you are still around. The people on this site were invaluable when I was preparing for my valve replacement. Just wanted to say how grateful I am for everyone. Ross was especially helpful, and though I know he has passed I haven't forgotten him. Everything has been great once healed, and now there are many days I don't think about my heart or valve at all. I'd call that a successful outcome. In the years leading up to my surgery, my heart health was a daily concern. The valve replacement gave me a much better quality of life and the daily coumadin hasnt been a big deal at all (I home test my INR). Happy New Year, all.