Beverly's Heart Valve Journal

It was six months ago today that I had my aortic valve replaced and my atrial fib repaired! I feel great and am doing my aerobics, walking my dog, and all the other daily activies without shortness of breath or any other problems. I also recently spent a week at Big Bear Lake where the altitude is over 6,000'. My friends tell me I'm looking great and I've even lost 15 pounds although I wouldn't recommend any one else doing it my way! I want to thank all my friends, old and new, for being such a great support group. And special thanks to Adam Pick for writing his book and setting up this blog so this 83 year old can have keep in touch so easily. I love you all!

Hi, everyone. Life is good, I'm good and I hope you all are the same. My visit to Edwards, the company that makes the pig valves, was amazing. I'm so impressed and thankful that I'm living in an age when all this technology is available. Edwards is located in Irvine and is comprised of five large buildings on several acres. They also have plants all over the world. One of the buildings is research and development and two or three are large labs called "clean rooms" when hundreds of ladies (mostly Asian) are sewing platelets into the valves. Many have been there over 30 years. My guide showed me the history of the plant and there were many pictures recording the process during the last 30 years. It really made me appreciate the technology that went into my new life-saving device. Thanks, Andrea, you were a wonderful and knowledgeable hostess.

I can't believe that it's been almost a month since I've added to my journal. I'm feeling great and I graduated from cardiac rehab yesterday. Today I went back to my aerobics class. It will take a little time to get back in the groove but I'll try. Cardiac rehab was wonderful and gave me the confidence to keep exercising. I met a lady who makes the pig valves and I'm going to see how it's done next week. I'm sure it will be amazing. What a time we live in! Bev

I got the good word on Friday that I'm released to go back to cardiac rehab and that I can drive. My knee healed quickly and if it happens again, I'll know what to do. I'll take it as a sign to be vigilant and to take my time. So on to greater things! Thanks again for your caring.
Hugs, Bev