Steven's Profile

I am an executive in charge of scientific and technical affairs of a privately-held medical device company (www.anulex.com) that designs and sells implants for spine surgery. The company is located near the Twin Cities of Minnesota where some of the giants in the heart valve industry are located (Medtronic, St. Jude, Guidant). I have a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from the Indiana University Medical Center. This all makes me a dangerous patient if you will. I think I know more than I probably do and I most certainly have access to some of the most up-to-date opinions from many industry contacts. After being hospitalized in January 2010, primarily for sudden onset of shortness of breath, I'm scheduled for mitral valve repair on Tuesday, March 30, 2010. I'm using this journal to keep my friends and family updated throughout the process. And maybe being an encouragement to others as I look for some encouragement from others in this online community...Thanks in advance. "Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:25-26 (NIV Bible)