Five Years Post-Op

I was supposed to have an echocardiogram and meet with my cardiologist in March, but the Covid-19 Pandemic arrived and my tests and appointments will have to wait. All seems fine with my heart valve.

Four Years Post Op

I visited Dr. Keane, my cardiologist earlier in March. All appeared normal with the EKG and I have no symptoms. Therefore, he scheduled me to come back in another year. I will get an echo before I see him in 2020.

Three Years Post Op!

Three years post AVR and my cardiologist is amazed at the great condition of my prosthetic valve. Aortic valve: Valve mean gradient was 11 mmHg. Es timated aortic valve area (by VTI) was 1.87 cmï¾². Estimated aortic valve area (by Vmax) was 1.83 cmï¾². Estimated aortic valve area (by Vmean) was 2.24 cmï¾².

Two Years Post Op!

Today is my 2nd year surgical anniversary. Yesterday I had an appointment with my cardiologist and all is well. I will not need to see him again for a year unless I develop symptoms. So it appears as though my aortic valve replacement and aneurysm repair, while difficult, was a success.

18 Month Checkup

Had a routine check up with my cardio Dr. Keane yesterday at 18 months post op. Everything is fine. I see him again in six months. Found out that my wonderful surgeon, Dr. Wheatley, has moved on to another facility...he is a rising star in the heart surgery world.

One Year Since Open heart Surgery

"A heart will never be practical until it can be made unbreakable." - L. Frank Baum

One year ago today, February 16, 2015, I embarked upon the most profound adventure of my life, as I put myself in the hands of a young heart surgeon at Temple University. He had told me that my heart condition would kill me if not treated. I trusted him to use his great talent and training to help me and he did not let me down. A year later I feel fully recovered and I'm enjoying my new lease on life.

It was a difficult recovery at times. Only the love and support of a wonderful spouse, many good friends, and our beautiful pets got me through it. To them I offer my undying gratitude.

To those facing open heart surgery in the future, know that all will be well with the support of loved ones and the passage of time.

Birthday Post

I saw my cardiologist last week. Everything is well and my PVCs have gone away. He wants to see me again in July for an echo, but if all looks well then I probably won' thave to return for several years.