tobagotwo's visit

Shine_on_Syd · Aug 9, 2005

Today, tobagotwo (Bob and his wife Pat) came to visit with me at my job in the hospital in Portland Maine. We had a great time talking and catching up. What a nice experience. They were on a vacation trip to New England and passed through New Hampshire and Maine. It was so nice to see him in person and talk after being on line for over a year. We both have tissue AVRs. Bob and I are also known to go fully armed with data to cardio visits. As you know Bob is a great resource on this board in I have always been in awe of his knowledge and eagerness to do research and help all of us.
This is just such a GREAT community that we have on valvereplacement.com. I have received so much support, help and education over the years here. This is such a great place to obtain information and leads that are not easily available from our doctors and other traditional medical sources. This board has done so much for me over the years. I have tried to give back as much as I can in gratitude and share my experiences and research. Those of you who have read some of my posts do know that I am a seemingly lone voice in the woods as a Ross Procedure proponent. I have done all I can to help those who have questions about the Ross and may encounter heart surgeons and cardios who nix it. I have been there, done that, got the T-shirt from docs who say it is a bad idea. I think that many surgeons unfortunately don't have the skill or reqguird knowledge to perform it so they are going to "sell? you what they can do.
Anyway - it was just the most delightful experience to meet a fellow member on this board today who I respect and admire. He is really a nice guy. Pat took some pics of the two of us and I hope that Bob will post them when he returns home.
Meeting a fellow member of this board was a real bonus.
We are having a beautiful New England summer after a blizzard a week all winter.
My best to all.
Jim

Harrybaby666 · Aug 9, 2005

I am truly sorry I missed meeting up with him on his way up...

I am truly sorry I missed meeting up with him on his way up...

Hopefully, I can hook up with him on his way back, as I would love to have a mini meetup again....He has my phone number so hopefully he will call and if it's on a Wed, Thurs Or Friday, I can hook up with him...Hope you had a good visit with him...Harrybaby

Shine_on_Syd · Aug 9, 2005

Harry,
Bob was disappointed that you were working today and you couldn?t hook up. He wanted to see you. I gave him detailed directions to Dover. You would enjoy meeting him.
Jim

Harrybaby666 · Aug 10, 2005

Yeah, I was really upset that I couldn't meet him, but....

Yeah, I was really upset that I couldn't meet him, but....

I have had to get a part time job whether I felt up to it or not, due to the economic situation, and I still want to hook up with him on his way back if we can do it on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. I hope he got my return private message, as I sent him my phone number so that if on his way he could call me and I could meet him somewhere...I am really disappointed that I couldn't meet him on his way through. Harrybaby

hensylee · Aug 10, 2005

What a special treat to meet a fellow member. I met with Bonnie last year and what a great time we had that day. If any of you ever get the chance, do it.

Mary · Aug 10, 2005

James,
I thought you and Bob would enjoy meeting each other. I'm glad that it worked out so you could. I wish I could have been there myself.

And yes, you have been a powerful proponent for the Ross procedure and you have generously shared your knowledge and your surgeon! (Dr. Stelzer)
Thanks so much for putting me in touch with him; his advice was greatly appreciated as I prepared for surgery.

I hope you continue to have wonderful weather, and your summer is extended for many months.