The title tells the story in more ways than one. This morning marks the SEVENTH anniversary of my lifesaver, my Edwards pericardial aortic valve. The years have literally flown by, as I just don't know where they've gone. I guess that is one measure of the great success of the valve replacement process. We, the patients, get to the place where we no longer even realize that we have our valves, nor do we consciously remember how long we've had them. The many speed bumps on the road to recovery are still remembered, but those memories are dimmed, overshadowed by the many wonderful things that have taken place since.
In my case, my recovery was a bit rougher than the norm. I did not feel really "100%" for nearly a year. That first recovery year felt like a decade. Since then, however, so much has happened that I reflect and feel truly lucky to have had the care that I received. I have become "just another old grey-haired dude" in the world. I am still working (at age 70) but plan to enter semi-retirement in a month or so. Our daughter has married, moved across the country, and blessed us with two grandsons. My wife has retired. We have traveled, and plan to travel even more. I still go to the gym 5 days a week and outdo men years younger than I.
I have felt at home here, all these years. I have made many friends, and lost a few along the way. You are all very precious to me, as friends add an entire dimension to life. You help me when I'm down, and I like to think that I help you, too.
I am blessed many times over. I am a happy man. Life is good.
MOO!
In my case, my recovery was a bit rougher than the norm. I did not feel really "100%" for nearly a year. That first recovery year felt like a decade. Since then, however, so much has happened that I reflect and feel truly lucky to have had the care that I received. I have become "just another old grey-haired dude" in the world. I am still working (at age 70) but plan to enter semi-retirement in a month or so. Our daughter has married, moved across the country, and blessed us with two grandsons. My wife has retired. We have traveled, and plan to travel even more. I still go to the gym 5 days a week and outdo men years younger than I.
I have felt at home here, all these years. I have made many friends, and lost a few along the way. You are all very precious to me, as friends add an entire dimension to life. You help me when I'm down, and I like to think that I help you, too.
I am blessed many times over. I am a happy man. Life is good.
MOO!
