With Wendy’s tooth surgery pending the surgeon contacted me about who Wendys cardiologist was. Umm that was embarrassing as I didn’t have a clue and it hadn’t entered my mind to have her checked.
I know mum and dad had taken her to someone when dad has his heart stents done. All I knew was the result Wendy got at the time was glowing. Wendy’s heart 10 years ago at least was in fine strong form and the valve was ticking along literally as good at he day it was put in when she was sixteen.
Dad arranged to take himself and Wendy to visit the local cardiologist before the tooth surgery so a report could be sent to the dental surgeon.
Again Wendy got a glowing report. The doctor went on to explain to dad and Wendy that the St Jude valve she was lucky enough to get; is the one that has proven to be the one you want. It basically hasn’t failed.
I recall when Wendy first came home from hospital with this valve the seemingly loud sound it made; and even more so when her mouth was open.
There are reports of people complaining avout the ticking and having sleep distubances, or being bothererd by it during the day. I recall very quickly adapting to it because I was so used to getting out of bed to check if she was alive that this valve made it easy, if it ticked, she was alive and I settled back to sleep quickly.
Wendy was educated by mum on how to choose and to eat food to keep her heart healthy and by keeping her weight in check she is also being saved from other health issues that can come up for anyone over the age of 50.
The cardiologist was overall very happy with Wendy and didn’t set a time to see her again. I have made a mental note that we probs should visit him every 3 years or so now.
I'm lucky aren't I... 