I've been "away" for a while, dealing with a couple of other issues. Getting old is a bummer, but it sure does beat the alternative!
In case you don't remember, I've named my Edwards Bovine Pericardial Aortic Valve "MOO." Moo was implanted on February 28, 2011, in a really rocky journey. At the time, I claimed to be the Poster Boy for post-op complications. I had the valve replaced, a bypass, and ultimately a pacemaker -- all within one week. Lots of other issues, too. It took quite a while to get all the bugs worked out of that new system, but ultimately we did.
Well, I am coming up now on 13 years. I just had my semi-annual consultation with my trusty and favorite cardio, along with my annual echo. I couldn't have asked for a better summary. All things are doing fine. My valve and bypass "look as good now as they did when first done." My pacemaker (second one) still has a couple of years' battery life remaining and its leads are doing fine.
I still get to the gym 5 days a week, but have had to reduce my exercise intensity a bit, as the years advance. I have had a couple of surprised along the way, but life is good. When I asked my cardio what the current opinions are on the service lifespan of my generation of Edwards valves, he indicated that we still don't know, as they are mostly just going along fine so far.
I'll have to peek around to see how many of the old-timers are still posting here. Any who see this, PM me just to let me know you're here!
In case you don't remember, I've named my Edwards Bovine Pericardial Aortic Valve "MOO." Moo was implanted on February 28, 2011, in a really rocky journey. At the time, I claimed to be the Poster Boy for post-op complications. I had the valve replaced, a bypass, and ultimately a pacemaker -- all within one week. Lots of other issues, too. It took quite a while to get all the bugs worked out of that new system, but ultimately we did.
Well, I am coming up now on 13 years. I just had my semi-annual consultation with my trusty and favorite cardio, along with my annual echo. I couldn't have asked for a better summary. All things are doing fine. My valve and bypass "look as good now as they did when first done." My pacemaker (second one) still has a couple of years' battery life remaining and its leads are doing fine.
I still get to the gym 5 days a week, but have had to reduce my exercise intensity a bit, as the years advance. I have had a couple of surprised along the way, but life is good. When I asked my cardio what the current opinions are on the service lifespan of my generation of Edwards valves, he indicated that we still don't know, as they are mostly just going along fine so far.
I'll have to peek around to see how many of the old-timers are still posting here. Any who see this, PM me just to let me know you're here!
