So, fast forward to last week November of 2008, and I meet with a surgeon at the University Of Pennsylvania hospital. Yep, just a little under five years after I find out that I have this heart valve problem, the s**t is hitting the fan. Well, I remember reading back in 2004 that on average; someone who is diagnosed with a heart valve problem has about five years tops before they need to go and get it fixed. Seems about right, I would say.