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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Atrial Fibrillation

Member Since: August 20, 2017

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Mark Hall posted an update

8 years ago (September 4, 2017)

Thank you all for being my friends here. And for putting up with a grumpy old somebody like me. About the time I wanna shut it all down and chock the wheels, I come here, read about others and realize my life isn't all that bad. Then I can grit... Read more.

👍 Cathleen Weed and Bob Gillespie reacted to this

Mark Hall posted an update

8 years ago (September 4, 2017)

It's Labor Day 2017. I have behaved myself well and avoided dietary indiscretions but I did succumb to two beers. One with my meal and one for dessert. And they were so good... the first I've drank in nearly eight months. I still do not know when. But for now,... Read more.

👍 Cathleen Weed reacted to this

Gerald Poulton

Good for you Mark ! Glad to see you at Peace ! As for the rest, it will unfold in good time. We cant change it so leave it in someone elses hands. Pleasant dreams !

Mark Hall

Thank you, Gerald. Pleasant dreams to you too!

Mark Hall posted an update

8 years ago (August 30, 2017)

I came to my appointment today with a list of questions in hand. After a sleepless night before, I think the doctor saw in my eyes something that made him hear me out. I have been tormented over open heart/mechanical valve versus TAVR/bioprosthetic valve for the past two months. My concern were simple- I didn't want to end up going through some redo later on. While not enamored with the idea of my sternum being split, rejoined and having to heal, along with other issues I faced health-wise (in MD speak- "co-morbidities"...) and knowing I would NOT having the luxury of recovering over the prescribed time for such an insult, I decided to go with TAVR, and embrace the bovine within. After the appointment my wife took me to our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant, and we escaped the gravitational pull of our shared worry. A friend I hadn't seen in quite a while was there with his wife and son. It was good to see him, and his family. Whenever there was a get-together of folks from our congregation, and music was expected, he would bring his pedal steel guitar and play, along with others on guitar. His son would bring out his drum kit, I'd bring my Fender Jazz and Ashbory basses and an amp, and there would be all sorts of music- live. For some weird reason there is never a shortage of guitar players, but I sometimes would pack a cheap Flying Vee copy and a 6-string Ovation acoustic knockoff. I play guitar for my own amazement and other's irritation. I try not to sing unless my blood alcohol level is adequate to the task. Definitely not in a congregation get together, though. We reminisced about the last get-together nearly five years ago, and threatened to do it all again if we got the chance. I pray that chance comes, well before he or I are no longer around. After getting home, I got on my computer and came here. Peace has come upon me now. While there is still no set surgical date, I am OK within the boundaries of my own Fantasia, and the Nothingness of faceless worries haunts me no more. It will come in due time, and I will be ready... for I am the Rock Biter. These look like good big strong hands... don't they? Now, I lay me Down to sleep. I pray the Lord My soul to keep. If I die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul To take. Amen. And goodnight, my friends. Mark

👍 Matthew Russo and Roger Bideleux reacted to this

Phyllis Petersen

Making the decision has so much power. Now you can focus on the other minutia that goes with surgery (even TAVR) and recovery and planning the rest of your life. I hope you get to have that musical get together in the not-too-distant future.

Mark Hall

My friend I mentioned can make a pedal steel speak, cry and sing. I told him once that I know we are just a pair of brothers, but after that get together I had shared the stage with a legend. Sometimes I can find my "happy place" by sitting down... Read more.

Gerald Poulton

Good for you Mark, yes when we make the valve decision we have to consider health conditions etc. and you and your doctor know yours best. All the best in your re opp preparation and your up coming procedure.

Bob Gillespie

Ok then Mark, you have the hard part behind you believe it or not. Start thinking about recovery.

Walter Lewandowski

After your surgery, you will wonder why you worried so much. Live life, have some trust and faith in your doctors and yourself. I had TAVR a few weeks ago. Prior to that I had OHS 20 years ago, and by comparison the TAVR was an straight forward procedure to... Read more.