As most of you know I had to quit diving a year or two back but most don't know why. I have a defective heart valve that was starving my body of oxygen and it got to the point that I no longer felt it was safe to dive. Well it finally has gotten to the point that the Dr's say it's now or never. I'm down to about 30% flow thru that valve and to the point that I can do little or nothing without putting myself at risk. I will be going in on the 16th of October to get it replaced! Open heart surgery. Ewe! The good news is the surgeon says that afterwards I may even be able to get back in the water again and be even better than before. Sad thing is I sold almost all of my gear so I wouldn't renig so now it would be VERY expensive to gear up again.
Thanks for the update! Dusty we miss you and wish you all the best in your surgery and Beyond.
More Pics Than You Have Time To Look AT "Anyone who thinks this place is over moderated is bat-crazy anarchist." -Ben, Airsix "Warning: No dive masters are going to be there, Just a bunch of old fat guys taking pictures of fish." -Bassman
I trust all will go well and the recovery is solid. Once you've gone through that trial, you can start to decide if diving is a goal you care to pursue.
Best wishes on a complete recovery, Dusty. If you do decide to get back into diving, I can probably help you get back into it fairly cheaply ... I'll be selling pretty much all of my cold-water gear come December ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
Threats and ultimatums are never the best answer. Public humiliation via Photoshop is always better - airsix
Praying for a successful surgery and full recovery. If you're able to dive again, I'm sure we can all put our heads together and come up with some gear for you. Just focus on your health right now.
Dave
"Clearly, you weren't listening to what I'm about to say."
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Thanks guys and girls. Nice to hear from all the people I've missed so dearly and thanks for the good wishes. It's scary for sure but I'm really looking forward to it. My surgeon is the best and he says there is a very low risk factor because there is very little wrong other than the valve and there should be an uneventful recovery. Interesting thing is he is also a diver so he knows what it's like but only a warm water wimp!
Update, My surgery have been moved to the 5th of Oct. I have a pre-op appointment tomorrow. Looks like this is going to happen next Friday. wish me luck.
Well I made it to the other side and I got home yesterday afternoon. Certainly not my favorite experience but I'm looking at it in the rearview mirror now and at least for now all seems to be following the script. Hope to see all of you sometime in the not to distant future.