Over the past 4 years, many of you have written me with excellent and innovative suggestions for improving this website. As a result, we have created some great new services including the Heart Valve Surgeon Database and Heart Valve Journals.
Today, I am excited to share with you the new design for this blog. The new “look-and-feel” was developed to address many of your ideas including:
Bigger, easier-to-read text. You will notice the letters of the body text are much BIGGER in 14 point size. Also, the text now has a gray overtone to ease the contrast on your eyes.
Access information faster. You will notice two buttons in the upper right hand corner marked “Find Surgeons” and “Meet Patients”. When clicking these buttons, you will be taken directly to The Heart Valve Surgeon Database and Heart Valve Journals.
Enhanced comments section. You will also notice the comments section is completely different. Now, in addition to a much larger font, each comment is separated by “quote bubbles” with individual name identifiers. I want to make sure that all of your insightful comments and questions are highlighted for others to learn from.
Clutter removal. Finally, we removed other content (links, text) that cluttered the previous design. We even removed certain functions (email sharing, printing, etc.) to clean the screen and better organize content.
Going forward, we may make a few more changes. But, for now, I’m curious to know what you think about this new design. Do you like it? Do you hate it? Do you like parts of it? Do you dislike parts of it? To leave a comment, simply click here. (You can be honest. I’m a big boy and can take the criticism.)
This morning, I came across a helpful, easy-to-understand video about aortic valve surgery and aortic valve disease. The video, which is a great introduction for patients and caregivers, features two of the leading heart valve surgeons – Dr. Gosta Pettersson and Dr. Lars Svensson.
To watch the video, simply press the play button above. Also, please make that sound on your computer is turned on. If you would like to learn more about the topics covered in this video, click any of the hyperlinks provided below:
These are the hardest posts to write. As the sadness is overwhelming my fingertips, I’ll be brief.
Earlier today, our community lost Lori from Austin, Texas following mitral valve surgery. Needless to say, my thoughts and prayers are with Lori’s husband, her three girls, her family and her friends.
Lori (1971-2010)
I am deeply moved by Lori’s passing. I’ve now been staring at my computer for an hour not knowing what to write. Although we only exchanged email one time before her surgery, I could sense Lori’s fun-loving nature and dedication to her family in the words of her Heart Valve Journal. Again, I am overwhelmed.
If you would like to share something (a thought, a story, a memory) about Lori, please click here or visit her Guestbook.
Update: There will be a visitation on Monday, August 23 from 6-8pm at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home located at 3125 North Lamar Blvd. in Austin. On Tuesday, memorial services will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Rd. in Austin at 2pm. A reception will follow in Parish Hall.
The family has asked that – in lieu of flowers – donations may be made to the Lori Tullos Barta Memorial Fund, Downs Syndrome Association of Central Texas, 3710 Cedar Street, Austin, Texas 78705-1450.
Since having my aortic valve replaced via the Ross Procedure in 2005, I’ve received a number of questions about this unique double heart valve replacement. One of the most common questions is, “Isn’t that operation more risky as two valves are replaced?”
I have to admit, that is a very fair question. I remember thinking the same thing when both Dr. Trento and Dr. Starnes suggested this relatively uncommon surgical approach. However, as I did my research on the Ross Procedure, the benefits started to outweigh the risks.
Victor is now back at home back in El Salvador with his mother and father. In fact, I was lucky enough to receive a picture which shows Victor’s homecoming.
Thanks again to all of you who supported Victor through the purchase of my book. Whether you knew it or not, you have helped save the life of a very courageous boy.
Keep on tickin!
Free Download "5 Common Mistakes of Heart Valve Surgery Patients"
