ANOTHER VALVE REPLACEMENT!

 Currently in Belton MO (Low 51 Overcast High 53) 

Bob needs another valve replacement surgery. We knew this day was coming, however, it was long past the original estimate. Let me explain, in 2012 Bob needed a new aortic valve. He was born with a bicuspid (two flaps) valve instead of a normal tricuspid (three flaps) one as shown here.

Over time the bicuspid valve becomes less efficient and must be replaced. In October 2012 Bob had open heart valve replacement surgery. He chose a tissue valve (cow) since with a cow valve Bob wouldn't need blood thinners as he would need with an artificial valve. We figured managing the blood thinner dosage while traveling might be troublesome. We were told then to expect 7-10 years before it would have to be replaced. Bob got 13 years out of that valve but it's time to replace.

Bob's open heart valve replacement surgery is scheduled for Monday November 24th.

In a future blog posting we will discuss the surgical options and why we chose open heart. 

Till next time,

Bob and Jo