Terry's Profile

I am now 87. I had an aortic valve replaced 16 years ago. It was a bovine valve. They told me it would last as much as 10 years. Well, I guess they did a better job than expected. I just had an echocardiogram and the doctor phoned me. He never phoned me before! So now the valve, though still active, has become calcified and has to be replaced. Probably in January, so it’s not as bad as last time when they rushed me in for surgery. So, this web site helped me so much last time, I’m back here. This is my former post. I am 71 years old and found out 12 days ago that I have severe-critical-aortic valve stenosis and a bicuspid valve. I ordered Adam's book the day I flunked my stress test and found it absolutely invaluable. A lot has happened in a very short time, and I went from total disbelief to acceptance and, as it is deteriorating fast now, eager to get his done. I posted on Adam's site for a few days and then discovered that this is a better place for the journal. I have one son who is all grown up with his own two children, so I am a grandmother to a boy 14 and a girl 11. I was widowed 6 years ago after 46 years of marriage, and remarried two years ago. So here I am at 71, essentially a newlywed. I formed a knitting guild in Central Florida 15 years ago and most of my friends are from that group. My neighbor, whom I met through the knitting guild, got me into quilting which I love as well. I keep two web sites and have done the computer part of my college professor's online web courses for him. I've done a lot of research since I got Adam's book and finally decided, after using the information in his book, to go with the local surgeon my cardiologist recommended, Dr. Nayer Khouzam at the fantastic state-of-the-art Heart Center at Florida Hospital South. Dr. Khouzam's career includes being chief surgical resident at the University of Chicago, training at the well-recognized heart center at the University of Florida, board certification, and is recognized by the heart and lung transplant association. His wall of awards and certifications is truly impressive. He is a "minimalist" who uses the smallest incision possible to get the job done through the upper sternum area.