07-04-2010, 03:28 AM
Some years ago my brother had a full-body scan as part of some insurance extra he qualified for. They found that he had an abnormal (bicuspid) atrial valve. The doctor told him, "If you ever have a persistent fever, get your butt in here." Two years ago he had a bout of strep throat, which didn't seem to clear up with antibiotics. Finally he went to see the cardiologist, who took a look and quickly admitted him for open-heart surgery. The valve had bacterial plaques on it, just waiting to break loose and head for his brain.
Fortunately, it was caught in time. He now has a bovine valve, which should be good for a couple of decades.
So you never know. Best to get that murmur checked out. Likely as not it is perfectly benign, but there's the slight chance it could be a symptom of a landmine, just waiting for you to step on it.
A century ago, nothing could have been done for such problems. Now we have amazing technology and skills that enable us to carry on long after our 'time'. Progress is a wonderful thing, and America is still in the forefront; on this Independence Day, lets resolve to keep it that way.
/Mr Lynn
Fortunately, it was caught in time. He now has a bovine valve, which should be good for a couple of decades.
So you never know. Best to get that murmur checked out. Likely as not it is perfectly benign, but there's the slight chance it could be a symptom of a landmine, just waiting for you to step on it.
A century ago, nothing could have been done for such problems. Now we have amazing technology and skills that enable us to carry on long after our 'time'. Progress is a wonderful thing, and America is still in the forefront; on this Independence Day, lets resolve to keep it that way.
/Mr Lynn