remembering 2 icons

[Christine]

woke up and heard the news today.. two icons have passed on..

Johnny Cash and John Ritter.. We all knew Johnny Cash was ill and while it's a great loss we know he's not suffering anymore..

John Ritter, however, what a shock.. Aortic Dissection is what i found out.. undetected.. they will both be missed..

Christine

 

[hensylee]

I woke to radio news of someone from Three's Company - and just assumed it was Don Knotts. Can't believe John Ritter is gone - he was still young and working! A real loss.

And Johnny Cash - he was so ill with something akin to dysautonomia and I saw him a while back on Larry King. He looked really bad but had put out the album that just won so many awards. He was joking with Larry but it made one wonder how long he could last. It was announced that he would watch the awards show from his hospital bed, so guess he'd been in the hospital for awhile. This one will live on through his songs forever.

 

[Ross]

John Ritter

This makes me very glad to be alive and be able to watch the sun rise and set everyday. He passed because of a aortic dissection that went undetected, which is the samething that landed me in the Cleveland Clinic the very first time around in 1995. No one has ever figured out why I made it through that one.

I'm sure Robthatsme can relate to this as well. I know I never want to experience anything like that ever again.

 

[Nancy]

Here's the news article on John Ritter

Here's the news article on John Ritter

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 12) - Emmy award-winning actor John Ritter, who gained fame playing bumbling and lovable characters in a pair of television comedies decades apart, has died suddenly due to a previously undetected arterial problem, his representatives said on Friday.

Ritter, who was 54, collapsed on Thursday evening while filming "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter," the ABC television comedy which had reinvigorated his career and was a centerpiece of the network's upcoming fall season.

The former star of "Three's Company" was taken to Providence St. Joseph hospital in Burbank, California, across from the studio where he had been working.

Surgeons at the hospital were unable to save him, and he died from a "dissection of the aorta," which results from an unrecognized flaw in a main artery from the heart, his publicists, Wolf-Kasteler & Associates Public Relations, said.

Ritter was best known for his portrayal of Jack Tripper in the 1970s situation comedy "Three's Company," which won him Emmy, Golden Globe and People's Choice awards.

A prolific actor, Ritter recently reconnected with television audiences as the star of "8 Simple Rules."

Ritter played Paul Hennessy in the family comedy about a father dealing with his precocious daughters which was one of the Walt Disney Co.-owned network's hits in the 2002 season.

"All of us at ABC, Touchstone Television and The Walt Disney Company are shocked and heartbroken at the terrible news of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children at this very difficult time," ABC said in a statement.

Born into a Hollywood family, John Ritter was the son of country singer and actor Tex Ritter and graduated from Hollywood High School, where he was student body president.

He graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in drama and went on to act in film, television and on the stage.

He is survived by his wife, Amy Yasbeck and their daughter, Stella and three children, Carly, Tyler and Jason, from his first marriage to Nancy Morgan.

09/12/03 06:30 ET

Copyright 2003 Reuters

 

[KimC]

I thought maybe the news of Ritter would effect some of the members of our community. I hope everyone's doing OK.

Ross, God had other plans for you. I'm sure creating goofy avatars is a part of it ... hehehe.

 

[RobThatsMe]

Hi Ross,

The moment I saw the news about John Ritter I felt extremely lucky to be alive today. Aortic Dissections are truly a silent killer. So hard to detect until it hits.

I hope that out of this tragedy more folks become aware of this, and further research done to help others through early prevention and / or detection.

Just 3 years ago it happened to me, and I was rushed to the hospital. I hope I never have to experience that again.

Rob

 

[Ross]

Ross, God had other plans for you. I'm sure creating goofy avatars is a part of it ... hehehe.

Alot of times, I wish I knew what those plans are, but I'm very happy that I was pointed to this place. You people make all the difference in my world.

 

[Mara]

I don't know about the rest of the VR.com group, but all this crazy heart-related stuff makes me think how lucky we all are to have this site and each other.

You might have heard that the Governor of Indiana had a massive stroke. The Indianapolis affiliate of the American Heart Association's Heart Walk is this weekend. I am sure there will be a big turn out because of the Gov. and now, John Ritter.

I think we, as a group, need to encourage our families and friends to be proactive in their health care. Someone posted a thing about the body scan (Heart Scan/Lung Scan), in Indy they do radio ads saying that you can buy a gift certificate for one for someone you love. I am getting my husband one for his 36th b-day in November.
We are all here because of a condition detected early enough to save our lives.

Thanks, Hank, for giving us VR.com!

 

[Aunt Granny]

John Ritter

John Ritter

It is VERY sad about John Ritter. I really liked his work. I don't know about the rest of you, but it makes me alittle scared, because my cardo has told me that when I have my surgery they will more than likely do a root dissection. I never thought much about it until today. My sister called me first thing this morning and asked if that was what I have. I said I am not sure. She really is concerned, but she is also a worrier too. If I don't get on the stick and strart loosing some of my weight I really WILL be in trouble. Any body out there have any wire I can wire my mouth shut with?

 

[JRW]

Post Surgery Update

Post Surgery Update

After hearing of Jon Ritter's death this morning, I am once again so thankful that my doctors were able to discover my thoracic aortic aneurysm early, especially since I had no symtons.

I am now 5 1/2 months post surgery (valve sparing aortic root replacement and aortic valve repair) and am doing well. I received a very positive report from the echocardiogram that I had two days ago. The aneurysm repair looks great. The aortic valve is functioning terrifically with just a "wisp" of regurgitation. (That was also present immediately after surgury.) The enlarged left ventricle has returned to normal size parameters once again. I am very pleased at this point in time.

Thanks to all members of this forum who had been so supportive and informative during the past months.

Cheers to all...Ray

 

[ccrawford]

Aunt Granny - When I went thru smoking cessation, I used the anti-depressant Welbutrin (also called Zyban). It helps smokers deal with the urge to smoke, but it also works great as an appetite supressant. I lost 15 pounds at the same time I quit smoking. You might talk to your doc about something like this. If all else fails, try duct tape - it works for everything else !! Chris

 

[pegne]

the 2 Johns

the 2 Johns

Johnny Cash just remade the Nine Inch Nails song Hurt. If you hear it now it is rather profound concidering his passing. I told my husband when June Carter Cash passed in June that it would not be long until Johnny joined her. She was that mans rock. I believe she was the one who straightened him out and brought him back to his faith when he was into drugs. It is truly a love story and they are together again. John Ritter was one of my favorite comedic actors. I loved Three's Company. I caught his new show a few times. I thought it was cute. I saw him in several drama rolls also. He was a very good serious actor. It is a shame he had to die so young. I guess you just never know.

 

[Aunt Granny]

Just duc it down! My brother in-law actually took this to heart. He was on a job that complained that he had too many holes in his pants, so he put duct tape on them. (Of course he is not working on all thrusters, but I am a firm beleaver there is nothing duct tape can not fix). On a serious note, I do take Zoloft for depression. It too is suppose to work on your app. I think mine is more nerves and emotion than anything. I have plans to see a shrink, but that is not until Oct. Wish me luck!!

 

[Granbonny]

I, too, am thankful

I, too, am thankful

After 3 months testing for a minor complaint..I was lucky enough to find A cardiologist..who suspected something. After cath..I was told I had an aneurysm..... 3 days later. It was gone.. My brother-in-law died 11 years before when his burst. I'm sure John Ritter had no symptoms .cause I didn't... That's why so many die. Bonnie

 

[KathyH]

I was alittle scared when I heard about John Ritter this am. Does anyone know at what size they repair an aneursym at the top of the aorta? I was told I had one that was 47. When I asked my cardiologist at what size they fix it, she told me she was more worried about my aortic valve. I am having an echo next month and I had the Ct scan done in March, so I think that is when she will do the next ct scan to check the size. Thanks
Kathy

 

[Granbonny]

Kathy

Kathy

Have you had a cath. done...?Done as an outpatient in hospital..Then you have to stay flat for a few hours. That's where my card. found mine...I believe they told my family at 5.0 is when they recommend surgery. Mine was 5.5. My valve was replaced due to the aneurysm being there...Bonnie

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Shocked I am.

Grew up watching "Three's Company" Can they hear a concern with your Aorta via stethoscope? Afraid it's too late for Jonn Ritter.

Cash and Ritter were great entertainers and will truly be missed by all!
Rest in peace

 

[Granbonny]

My story

My story

Again. I was a perfect healthy age 60 year old. Never sick..When I went to ER on Xmas morning after telling my family..I felt funny..ALL the test were run in 24 hours. Nothing. My Pcp (on call that day) asked me to come back to him. After. he sent me to..Gastro man, ENT man all listening to my chest and shaking their heads. Don't know what wrong My PCP thought I should go to a Cardiologist. He listened..sent me for MRI, echo, ect. then said. let's go to hospital for cath. He found the big A. thru the Cath.....Really don't think any test show the aneurysm on your heart. Just got lucky. I wonder. how many people die of a heart attack. no autopsy Just bury them I know, Dad said his brother died at age 42 with heart attack (back in fifties) no questions asked..and Mom said two of her brothers died with heart attacks. no questions asked. Back then, could they have been aneurysms? Maybe now, with John Ritter's sudden death. we may see some kind of test in the future. Hope so. Bonnie

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Interpretation..... Aorta enlarges to compensate for Aortic valve disorder?

Kind of like the left Atrium enlarges to compensate for Mitral valve disorders.

 

[Granbonny]

Gina

Gina

My wonderful daughter..took time off for every doctor's appointment.She even said to PCP..her heart looks enlarged. he, replied, not to worry.She was up close looking at my x-rays.When we came out of that appointment..she said Mom, I don't like that. Let's go for more tests. She was there when I had my VR for the entire time. Never left my side, Family is wonderful and still..Bonnie