St. Jude mitral - 11 years and counting.

[geebee]

11 years ago I had my 3rd and, hopefully last, OHS. My old Bjork-Shiley valve was replaced by a shiny new St. Jude.

Other than constant a-fib, apparently from an enlarged atrium, I have no problems. Coumadin (on it since 1980) has never been an issue for me and I happily take my rat poison each day. I am sure it has kept me alive just as much as the valves.

Since the testing of mechanical valves seem to indicate they should last 30 years or more, I will take the stance that this one will last my lifetime. However, I sure wouldn't mind being around long enough to find out if they last 50 years.

Thanks for letting me be part of this family.

 

[gijanet]

However, I sure wouldn't mind being around long enough to find out if they last 50 years.
.

I so hope that's true. Then Katie wouldn't need to swap out for a newer version until she's 54! Hope you're here to help her celebrate - me too, for that matter!

Anyway, happy, happy anniversary and many, many more. Thanks so much for sharing. News like this is so comforting to me and provides me with hope for Katie's future. Sending hugs. J.

 

[geebee]

Thanks Janet. BTW, how are things going with Katie's pending surgery? Is everything finalized or are you still waiting on specifics?

Take care.

 

[Wise]

Happy 11th anniversary Gina. I'm glad you're doing well. That's encouraging news for many of us. Wise

 

[Karlynn]

Gina, Happy Anniversary to you and your St. Jude. Wishing you many, many more problem free years together!

 

[geebee]

Thanks Karlynn & Wise. My St. Jude has gotten quite a workout and has treated me much better than the Bjork-Shiley.

Its next trip is to Fermilab. Wise - any chance you will be coming? Karlynn, looking forward to seeing you again.

 

[Wise]

Thanks Karlynn & Wise. My St. Jude has gotten quite a workout and has treated me much better than the Bjork-Shiley.

Its next trip is to Fermilab. Wise - any chance you will be coming? Karlynn, looking forward to seeing you again.

I sure want to come, but it doesn't look like I can right now. I'm still not sure yet.

 

[geebee]

Hope things change so you can come. If not, maybe Vegas in October?

 

[Ross]

Congratulations, now, who gave you permission to change your avatar?

 

[geebee]

Uh Oh - didn't think I was a brat any longer . I like giraffes and decided to share the logo I created for my new company. No plug intended - it's just local.

 

[Ross]

Oh alright, you can be a giraffe.

 

[Debrinha GT]

Happy news!

Happy news!

Hi there Gina, and congratulations on your BIG achievement (right spelling?) Anyway, it seems I'll be having my fourth surgery long before you. That's if you ever need it at all which I hope you won't. Take care and make sure you keep this valve in good shape!
Débora

 

[geebee]

Thanks Debora. Are you "going mechanical" this time or sticking with the tissue?

 

[Sherry]

Gina, happy belated anniversary to you. You are a true valve veteran.
BTW, thanks again for the hotel info. See you there.

 

[Mary]

Glad you're able to celebrate such a big accomplishment. I hope you get 39 more years with this valve!

 

[geebee]

Thanks Sherry & Mary. I am looking forward to really testing the longevity of this valve.

 

[PapaHappyStar]

Congratulations Gina,

This valve seems to be doing quite well in its early age judging by the way you handled my last tour around the lab. This time I'll have to go slower ( more for my sake than yours ).

Hope you can make it Wise -- I remember welcoming you onto the board a couple of months ago but seems like we have known you for ever...

Regards,
Burair

 

[geebee]

Thanks Burair.

I do very well most of the time. With the a-fib, I can't run up stairs or do too
much aerobically but walking is not a problem as long as it is not a fast walk.

So, if I take the Saturday morning walk, I will need to stroll.

 

[PapaHappyStar]

I will bring the enforcer along -- here he is in front of one of the village lakes:

 

[Wise]

Congratulations Gina,

This valve seems to be doing quite well in its early age judging by the way you handled my last tour around the lab. This time I'll have to go slower ( more for my sake than yours ).

Hope you can make it Wise -- I remember welcoming you onto the board a couple of months ago but seems like we have known you for ever...

Regards,
Burair

Thanks Burair. I don't know if I can for sure. I really want to. Yes, I remember you were my first welcomer, and a fine one at that.

Gina, you can challenge Burair to a race this year and be pretty confident about it, sounds like. I'd say you could beat me and I haven't had surgery.