If you had to do it over again...

[ShezaGirlie]

You've been thru surgery either long time ago or recently. If you had it to do over again what would you choose? The FIRST choice is your current valve/repair and the SECOND choice is what you would choose the next time.

Sorry, not enough choice spaces to include third timers..

[MikeB]

I would choose the same, stay with the mechanical valve.

[Ross]

Being that my first surgery was a Ross/Repair and I had no say in the matter, I'd go with mechanical and if I had a say back then, it would've been mechanical too.

I'm sorry but I think people are plain nuts for even entertaining the thought about going through this surgery more then once. I know there are no guarantees, but no more for me thank you.

[MelissaM]

The first time. . .try to repair. The second time. . .keep trying to repair the bugger. :D If there is nothing left to repair and I am still wanting children, put in a tissue valve. If past the childbearing age, then throw in a mechanical. Keep going with the minimally invasive stuff - that was very cool.:D

[DANIEL]

Hi Ross,

Plain nuts ?

How about salted or seasoned ?

I'll take mine mixed, but without those big Brazilian Nuts.

We certainly have a good mix at VR.com !!

Daniel

[LUVMyBirman]

I had the option for repair. Upon further investigation (for those whom had the repair..... please don't shoot me)
found that most often individuals come out of a repair with a significant level of regurgitation. At that, I asked my surgeon point blank..."if you can't be certain of a darn close to perfect repair that will last me, please replace it.

So, I woke up with my mechanical valve ticking away inside of me. Young woman across the hall from me in the hospital opted for the repair and came out of surgery with a 2+ regirg. By now, I would assume she has returned to have it replaced. Been almost five years.

Unfortunately, there is not a perfect alternative to replace your very own biological valve. Each option has it's pros and cons. Just because I opted for a valve based on "longevity".... does not mean I will not find myself back in surgery sooner than later.

Living life to it's fullest here and thanking the good Lord for every day above ground as Dick V would put it. :)

PS, BTW Melissa. I fully agree with your decision. It's important to have that family if you want it! We already had our daughter...so I gave up having additional childern. But, if I were in your position...might have opted for the repair!

Hope I did not make a double standard out of my post here, LOL.

[MelissaM]

Less we scare off anyone thinking of a repair. . .I came out of it with trace regurge. Time will tell how long it will last (hopefully, it will last longer than Ross' thong)! :D

[fyrfytr]

If I had to do it over it would still be the mechanical. Even though there are really no guarantees on any of them I think the mechanical will last a lot longer.

Dave
___________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies

[rcatalano]

For my 2nd AVR in August, my 14 year old homograft was replaced with a mechanical. Here's an interesting blurb from my operative report:

'The sternal wires were removed except I could not get the posterior portion of two sternal wires out. The sternum was divided with an oscillating saw and pried apart. The remaining part of the sternal wires were removed. Dissection was carried under side of the sternum for approximately 1 cm. The patient's heart was then surrounded from severe adhesions, especially on the right side, first along the diaphragm and then on the right side, finally around the aorta. The left side of the heart was left stuck in place.'

In other words, I had a lot of scar tissue from the 1st operation and the surgeon had to clear the area to get to my heart. The surgery also takes longer because of the scar tissue. This was enough for me to know I made the right decision here. Maybe some people, like me, are more prone to developing scar tissue?

Rob

8/03 AVR - ATS Medical Mechanical
4/89 AVR - homograft

[Ross]

Maybe some people, like me, are more prone to developing scar tissue? I wouldn't even want to venture a guess how I look inside. The surgeon told me in a very nonjoking manor that he never wanted to see me again. After he got in there, he found that he bit off a bit more then he could chew.

[Birky]

I really wanted a repair but glad now that I have the mechanical.
I just had some wires removed and hopefully they will not have to go in there again. I don't think I would want to go through another surgery.

[Bob Bates]

This is very interesting, especially for someone facing the "tissue vs. mechanical" decision (AVR on 11/3/03). Even though its an extremly small sample, it looks like there are some folks who had mechanical, but would have done tissue if they could go back. But no tissue to mechanical.

This tells me that for some people at least, the coumadin issues are such , that they would rather have the second re-op. Hope I am not reading too much into this, but since I am leaning towards the tissue, it helps to know I am not totally crazy for doing so. Others who have been there would apparently also make that choice.

Thanks for creating the poll.

Regards,

Bob B.

[Christina L]

I have not had my surgery yet (November 5) but am going for the repair - that is why I am going to one of the best surgeons I can find - Cosgrove. I know of now four people who have had mitral valve repairs (one in Cleveland, one at Montana Heart Institute, one by Dr. Gaudiani in S.F., California, and another by Cosgrove) and every single one of them has not a trace of regurgitation (including Melissa) and three of them are 1+ years out from surgery. P.S. The other lady on this site who had hers repaired in Minnesota is also doing very well, although I am not sure what her regurg is, if any.

I think an exceptionally good repair can last for years, if not a lifetime, if a valve was not that damaged to begin with. I think Melissa stands a pretty good chance of that.

My mitral valve is one of the worst variety (per a surgeon) and repair is a 50/50 proposition for me. I also will tell Cosgrove to not repair it at any cost, but to make certain it will last me for many years before closing me up, otherwise I will take a replacement.

If I wake up with a replacement, I will be very jealous of all who have been blessed to have repairs, and it will take some time for me to accept my fate. A replacement is not a bad thing, I would just rather have a repair - again only if it will turn out like Melissa's! :)

Chris

[Christina]

I am three years out of surgery and am doing well right now. I had a second mechanical valve implanted within 11 days of the first, (Yes, something did go wrong with the first mechanical valve) but I still would choose a mechanical over anything else as I hope I never have to go through this again. (knocking on wood)
Coumadin is no big deal for me anymore. In the beginning it was kind of nerve wrecking because I was so afraid, but after a while when I got the hang of it and understood how it works, it wasn't much of an issue.

Happy Protiming in Tucson, Arizona.

[Marty]

I am happy with my mitral St.Jude mechanical 5 years out. I wouldn't change a thing. My surgeon said my valve was so beat up he was sure if he attempted a repair it wouldn't last two years.
He trained on repair with Dr. Alain Carpentier in Paris and Carpentier came to Fairfax to demonstrate repair in our OR a couple of times. Carpentier did the first mitral repairs and when he reported his findings the Americans called it "the French Correction". I think all of our surgeons at Fairfax do good repairs now but there is no doubt Cosgrove at Cleveland is preeminent in this country. I have two friends done by him and both have no leak years later. Both had under one hour pump time. You must rely on the surgeons judgement as to whether a repair is feasible.

[Kevin M]

Bob, don't forget. Aside from the tiny sample, the numbers also suffer from some of us who have had two surgeries. We put in what we got each time - it may not reflect at all what we wanted. Same goes for a lot of the first timers. Many people do not have a choice. In emergency situations, they often put a mechanical in.
Kev

[Ross]

Originally posted by DANIEL
Hi Ross,

Plain nuts ?

How about salted or seasoned ?

I'll take mine mixed, but without those big Brazilian Nuts.

We certainly have a good mix at VR.com !!

Daniel Roasted, Salted Cashews for me please.

[Gail in Ca]

Well, Ross,
I am one of those nuts that would choose tissue for the 1st surgery again. It was awfully nice having 11 yrs with no coumadin,
and feeling totally like my normal self. I survived the 2nd surgery fine, and the mechanical? Well, I sure wish something else was invented that didn't make noise! And the bruising and bleeding with the coumadin, ugh! I got hit by the elbow of a crazy Raider fan at the game and I have a HUGE bruise on my arm.
Oh to go back to my porcine days, carefree, and no worries.
Gail

[Ross]

Some of you are fortunate enough to be able to go through surgery without problems. I'm not one of them. Every time they touch me, I'm in major trouble, hence my desire to never ever go through it again and the reasoning behind why I think some are nuts. ;)

[rcatalano]

I may have filled out the poll wrong. Maybe I should move to West Palm Beach, you just can't make it simple enough for me!

My first valve was a tissue, 14 years ago. My second was a mechanical in august. I filled out the poll as mechanical - mechanical, since my current valve is mechanical and I would not change that. However, if I were 30 years old again, for my first valve I would likely still go with tissue. I had a good run of 14 years. Should I have filled it out tissue - mechanical?

Rob

[ShezaGirlie]

Oh Rob, that's a hard one!

When a member creates a poll, there are only 10 options available, so that's sorta why I put in the original post 'sorry not enough space for third timers.' And since your original surgery was a tissue for fourteen good years and then second was a mechanical, I guess that put you in the 'third timers' section.

But everybody should vote and I'm so glad you did. I guess your vote would have been TISSUE - MECHANICAL - MECHANICAL if the spaces would have been available.

But the spaces aren't there and it is a moot point anyway since you would again choose a mechanical. Maybe your vote should have been TISSUE - MECHANICAL. Have I confused anyone yet...

Thank you for explaining it to us and thanks for your opinion as we value both.

Now, whenever Hank wins the lottery and is able to 'upgrade' the website to include all sorts of goodies, we just have to grin and bear it...;) :D

[Ross]

Now, whenever Hank wins the lottery and is able to 'upgrade' the website to include all sorts of goodies, we just have to grin and bear it... What sorts of goodies are you interested in? There are many things this board can do that it isn't doing right now. Throw me a bone here, tell me what you want and I'll see if I can't make the wish come true. ;)

[Bob Bates]

Not to beat a dead hourse, but I think Rob's response should be tissue-tissue.

I may be missing the point, but I think the poll was focused on the issue of whether or not you would change your mind if you had it to do over again. In Rob's clarification, he indicated that he would not change his mind if he was 30 yrs. old , he would go again with the tissue.

In his case there were extenuating circumstances due to the third required surgery, which pretty much forced him to go with the mechanical.

Whew, I should have been a lawyer! I like to argue arcane points.

Regards,


Bob B.

[fyrfytr]

Hey Bob
You are playing with FIRE!:D :D :D

Have A Great Weekend!

Dave
____________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies

[rcatalano]

Where is that horse, I need to whack it one more time.

I'd rather not have to make the decision again, though I wouldn't mind another shot at being 30.

[ShezaGirlie]

OK, let's resurrect that horse of Bob's.

I suppose I thought y'all could read my mind...so a little clarification is in order on my part.

I ass-u-me-d that y'all would be of the opinon that you either did or didn't like your first valve. Bob is right! Would y'all change your mind if you had to do it again -- with your decision based on your current age and the valve you have now?

Now, Rob's first valve was a tissue.. Second is a mechanical and he said that if he had to do it again, he'd go mechanical. So, with that info his vote should have been TISSUE - MECHANICAL.

Now you hushup Mr. Fyrftr or I'll get my extinguisher hose after yur pumpkin head. You ever heard of [the] 'Smashin' Pumpkins?'

I'm off to town on my resurrected horse... Giddyup Dollie.......:D

[Granbonny]

Glad the surgeon said to me..you do not want to go through this again..Had just come from Cath..flat on the bed..and saw him. Cardiologist had called him down..from OR....My surgery was fine. No pain, ect...but who has time to stay home for weeks..Have their family look after them..drive them to doctor's appointments..ect? Cook, clean for months..(family) and feel fuzzy-headed for at least a month...and yes, it takes at least a year to feel like your old self..Need to do a poll on how long did it take to feel like your old self:D Members in their 40's and 50's.. going for a tissue..Remember..the next time around. Your wife, hubby, family will be as old as you.:eek: :eek: Will they be able to help out..I would never want to ask my family to do what they did for me. Very stressful for them, too. The wait while you are in OR.. Things to ponder:( Bonnie

[ccrawford]

Hi Janie - That's a well constructed survey lady - nice work. I think I'll share that with my cardio next time I see him. I guess I was surprised to see the majority going for a mechanical. That was my vote, but I guess I assumed more people had the bugaboos about Coumadin. Seems like most of us don't want to be carved like a pumpkin again huh ? Can't imagine why that would be !! I don't know how we'd do it, but I'd like to see a survey that would correlate post surgery depression with degree of preparedness before surgery. The threory here is that the more the patient is prepared for the whole routine, the less likely he/she will be to encounter depression. This would make a good psychology doctorate dissertation. Anyhoo - good job miss Janie ! :cool:

[Gnusgal]

I'm not sure how to vote. You see, I wasn't given a choice. If I had been, I would have gone tissue. But my surgeon never gave me an option. Probably because of my bizare anatomy. So, even though I have a mechanical, I wish I had a tissue one so I didn't have to deal with coumadin. Granted, it's not like coumadin has made a HUGE difference in my life, but I know that I will continue to have more surgeries on down the road (if nothing else, at least pacemaker changes) and what would have been an out-patient or one-night thing will now have to be possible week-long stays due to coumadin. Besides, I already know I'll be having a transplant sometime in the future (hopefully FAR into the future) so why am I going to worry about needing another surgery? I'm not saying that mechanical valves are bad, I just don't like having to go into the hospital a few days ahead of a procedure to get off coumadin, then stay afterwards to get my levels back up. That's what they did with my EP study. What normally would have been an out-patient procedure turned into a week in the hospital. Then there's the whole children situation, though who knows if I would have been allowed to get pregnant even without the coumadin...

Anyway, I guess I should vote mechanical-tissue? Except I doubt I'll ever be given the choice...

[Les]

Didn't have a choice the first time, was dying...No choice the second time either...was a "non-warrantied" replacement. However, would be mechanical / mechanical...no question about it. I am concerned about some thoughts on repairs....To just keep going in and repairing over and over then go to a mechanical as a last resort. Not to cast a dark shadow, but check out any Heart Surgery Mortality Rate charts....most don't post data past the third time..........
_______________
Les AVR '93 / '95 ( burned two 865 days apart )

[Christina L]

Barrett and others,

Am I wrong about this, but aren't mitral valve repairs more "doable" and lasting than aortic repairs??

I am scheduled for a repair/replacement November 5 and will tell Dr. Cosgrove (will tell him? - ha - will "ask" him) to put in a tissue valve if he doesn't think a repair will last more than five years at least. Of course, one never knows the future do they....

I agree about more than three heart surgeries being tricky but I think it can be done, especially with younger people.

That brings me to a question I have been afraid to broach and that is mortality. What is the life expectancy of people getting valve repairs and replacements? Does anyone know? I know I should be more concerned about the quality of my life, but of course, I am thinking about the length of my life. I hope it is okay to ask this question on this board, as I have read some very scary things on the internet regarding length of life after valve surgery but my doctors (and I have read in a few places also) have told me that I can expect a normal length of life - I would just like 20 more "good" years if possible - am 44. :)~

Chris

[Ross]

Hey Ya Lady-- As long as you take care of yourself the way your instructed too, You'll live to be 105! 20 good years PFFFFFFFFTTTTTT You a funny lady, I like you.

I told you once and I'll tell you again, Cosgrove is the man and he will repair you. If I could leave this house, I'd bet you and your hubby dinner on it.

[Marty]

Mitral repairs are very "doable". I waited too long and had a badly
degenerated valve front and back plus ruptured chordae tendinae. So I got a mechanical St.Jude. So if you have mitral regurg don't wait too long and they can repair the valve to "no leak" and normal. As far as I know repairs of the aortic valve are not feasible at this time and nobody does them at least in this country. How long does a good mitral repair last? Hard to answer that with certainty. Ask Cosgrove when you get to Cleveland.

[Granbonny]

I am age 63 and plan to chase my hubby and the other old geezers around the Nursing Home..with my walker.:p :p :p I course, I have a mech. valve and no more heart surgeries for me.:D :D My age 85 year old aunt had open-heart surgery a month after me. I think she did better than me:p :p :p That side of my family (Dad's) have all lived into their 90's..Daddy will be age 89 this month..and still does all his yardwork, ect. Bonnie

[mharris]

If I knew then what I know now I would of had replacement from the get go. The surgeon made the decision completely once he was in there, he thought repair would work, so he did. Three weeks later I was in heart failure again, so 5 weeks from first surgery they went back in a replaced the valve and now I feel wonderful. I would not wish for 2 open heart surgeries on my worst enemy. All this was going on right after I had our baby 11 days prior to first surgery. Sometimes doctors make the wrong judgement call because I had signed all the paper for a replacement if need be.

[Marty]

My surgeon told me that if he did a repair I would be back on the OR table in two years or sooner. I'm happy with the decision he made for a 33mm
mechanical St. Jude.

[Ross]

I am age 63 and plan to chase my hubby and the other old geezers around the Nursing Home..with my walker. For some reason, I think you'll do just that even if your heart has stoned cold stopped by then. You gots too much orneriness in ya! :D

[Birky]

The Surgeon told my family that the valve should last a lifetime. I agree with not having a 2nd surgery. He told my family the same as Marty that he would have to go back in 2years or so if he repaired. I have a beautiful picture of the diseased valve. It looked so bad that he gave me a picture. I was surprised that it had "vegetation growing on it" They thought it might be another infection and gave me extra antibiotics. I feel so lucky to feel so good and be here. A good friend of ours just passed away over the weekend. Had CHF and found him dead in bed. He was 58. The services were yesterday and it sure makes you wake up and smell the roses. He came back from Disneyworld on Sat. night and passed away on Sunday morning. This was my daugherinlaws fiancee for 20 years. He really loved those 2 little grandsons of ours and hers. God works in funny ways at times,
Marcia

[Birky]

This was my daughterinlaws Mother's fiancee for 20 years. For religious reasons they did not marry. Pumphead sydrome again.
My daughterinlaw is only 26. Oops.

[catwoman]

My father-in-law had MVR surgery (porcine) in 1978, after being in CHF. When he went into CHF again in late 1989, he required another MVR (porcine again), tricuspid replacement, aorta repairs & quad bypass.
Then a couple of months later, I was diagnosed with MVP, told I would "probably" never have problems. Don't know when my valve began deteriorating, but signs were obvious by late March 2003. Had MVR (St. Jude) 6/24/2003.
Before surgery, my surgeon told me he would attempt repair, but if he saw regurgitation over 1, he'd go back in and put in a mechanical since I'm still young (well, fairly -- 52 at the time).
I would go for mechanical again -- hang Coumadin & all. There's no guarantee on anything in the universe, so it seemed to be the best gamble for me.

Marsha

[Les]

Hi Marsha,
Your statement "Hang Coumadin and all....There's no guarantee on anything in the universe"... I would love to see printed on a T-shirt. I would wear it with conviction! Welcome to this great place.
________________
Les AVR '93 / '95

[Tom F.]

I have a repair done at the time they replaced a section of my ascending aorta. It was a "T. David - V" procedure, performed at the Rush Heart Institute in Chicago. I know that there is some controversy about having a repair done, and I was told up front that I might need to have it replaced in the future. But Dr. David's own published reports show, on average, a very high degree of freedom from re-operation for many years. I would make the very same choice if I had to do it again. I have only a trace degree of AI.

[Lisa in Katy]

Repair wasn't an option for me as there wasn't enough there, and what was there was just total crap. I love my mechanical - the ticking has even become rather comforting. After reading about Lewis Grizzard, I didn't want tissue, and my doctor said that he wouldn't put one in me - I was too young at 36. Too many future re-ops.

[delvoura66]

If I had to do it over again I don't know if I would have had the surgery. It saved my life, but I feel so alone at times. 2 years later and I still experience terrible fatigue, dizziness and depression. I try to be positive but there are days when I want to just throw in the towel.

[Ross]

Originally posted by delvoura66
If I had to do it over again I don't know if I would have had the surgery. It saved my life, but I feel so alone at times. 2 years later and I still experience terrible fatigue, dizziness and depression. I try to be positive but there are days when I want to just throw in the towel.

The world is a much nicer place with you in it. ;)

I thought my surgery would be the changing factor in my circumstances too. It changed alright, but not for the better, so I'm right there with ya kiddo and so is that Borg dude.

[Granbonny]

What would we do without that beautiful face of yours? Wish you would post more often....Come jpin us for chat today..Maybe you will get a laugh or two....Have you talked to you doctor about some meds to make you feel better...I'm tired lot too..but at my age..I can afford to choose what I want to do..Retired housewife:D :D :D :D Bonnie

[Gnusgal]

You know, I feel the same way sometimes. Mostly because I don't feel any "better" and every time I turn around the coumadin is getting in the way of me fixing OTHER things (like my headaches). I asked my mother the other day why I ended up having the surgery, did I really need it? Her response was, "maybe not, but they're trying to do everything they can to put transplant far into the future, so hopefully we've done that..." The thing is, we'll never know if it gave me more time or not... Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you AREN'T alone.

[delvoura66]

It's so great to have support. Until I found this site I was lost.
I am so greatful for all of you!!!

[Granbonny]

I would like for you and others to know. I have a very good friend (male) my age. We have had so much fun at swimming pool every summer playing with our Grandkids. He had open-heart surgery a few months after me. Blockage. We walked and talked for months trying to get back in shape. he even went to rehab, ect..Now, he has cancer...3 months to live. Went thru Brain surgery last week to give himself a little more longer on earth.. to enjoy Grandkids..but it has spread into his lungs. He knows that he will not live..but never gives up..so..you don't either..God has a place for all of us..And I am sure he wants you to stay well. Bonnie

[Kenny F]

Thanks for sharing that, Bonnie. While we all want to live as long as possible, it shows that we must keep God in our calculations. I'm going for a tissue (bovine or homograft) and gambling on 10-15 years... but it is presumptive thinking to say I will live that long anyway. I guess I'm gambling on higher quality of life for a shorter period and then trying to fix it again.

Who really knows? " in Your book they all are written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them" We can only gather the facts, pray and do what our heart (:) ) tells us.

I always wanted grandkids... after that, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Gosh, this isn't too morbid is it? Censor me if it is.

[fisher6476]

Again the depth of help that is available in this group is astounding. There are those of us who are doing really well to those of us who are doing not so well to those of us who are still waiting to see how we will do. But we are given a chance here to be "hugged" by each other and to draw strength from each other.
If someone wanted to look for a miracle one would not have to look farther than this group. When I see some of you (and myself) still in pain or still with some fears, I wish I could reach out and fix everyone. I read a passage from a writing by Norman Vincent Peale. I post here only in the hopes that it might help soothe a few. And I post it because it speaks to what a lot of you wonderful folks do everday.
"The way to happiness: keep your heart free from hate, your mind freee for worry. Live life simply,expect little, give much. Fill your life with love. Scatter sunshine. Forget self,think of others. Do as you would be done by.
Steve

[mike anthony]

My first surgery was Ascending Aortic Aneurysm(valve sparing). My second was to have the aortic valve replaced(went with a tissue valve). When I go back again.....hopefully 20 years, I will go with a tissue again.
I will say, as Rob mentioned. The scar tissue build up is of concern. I know when I had my second operation(after only 9 months) my doctor told me that was the hardest part of the surgery; getting through the scar tissue. But, for now I don't think much about it and feel with the tissue valve, the only thing I do different everyday is take a baby aspirin and 120mg of COQ-10.
As I have said before, this site is what keeps me from going nuts. I don't post has much as before, but I'm always reading the post. I believe because of this site......and as it grows. We will find better ways to treat this DISEASE. I think it's interesting to see the number of doctors, ect; that are now involve with this site,thier input is so valuable and of course the knowledge of each member. Thanks for putting this survery together.

[ccrawford]

Bonnie - Sorry to hear about your friend. Its amazing at the courage they summons to make it through isn't it. Delvoura66 - you were given some more time on earth for some reason. Do your best to figure out what reason that might be and go for it kiddo. I'd rather go out with a shout than a whimper. Chris

[Nancy]

Hi Delvoura-

You're not alone sweety. You have this whole forum of understanding friends. We might be living in lots of different locations in the world, but we're probably closer than your next door neighbor.

All you have to do is get on the computer, hop to this site and start posting. You'll have many messages fairly quickly. You don't post much and we're missing all the wonderful things you have to say.

So don't be shy, join in.

You know, many people here have felt isolated with their heart problems and no one to share it with. Their families are in the same situation. Others we see every day don't understand, and don't even want to hear about it. It's scary to them, and it takes too much in-depth understanding, and a time committment to listen to all of the various problems. Not so here. There's a real common ground.

So I hope to see more of your posts.

:) :)

[bvdr]

Amen to Nancy's post.

[Jean]

Gail, I'm with you girl! I love my homograft which has been with me almost 4 years now with nary a problem. I was influenced by a friend with a porcine now going on 21 years! and a mother in law who takes Coumadin for an artificial hip who has all kind of horror stories due to it...mostly how it seems to affect other meds she takes. Plus I am a real freak about putting stuff in my body...I am one of the original nature girls. I was 56 when I had my replacement and I am also pollyanish enough to believe that science will have even better things to offer. And too, I had the best experiences with the surgery...was on my way out before and felt better than ever even 4 days after surgery. I'll keep you posted, I may change my story if things crash!

I think it is a significant statement to our groups positive thinking and adaptiveness that most everyone expresses satisfaction with whatever they have.