I was born with a bicuspid Aortic valve, that began to fail fast, as most do. 5 hrs of open heart, got a cow pericardial valve, made in Singapore. No heart damage, no meds, etc.. hooks and wire mesh chest... I backpacked my buck out that year, 4 weeks after surg, on my 69th. Surgeon was not thrilled, but told me to be careful with backpack... Only 3/4ths mile out... I have always worked out, and kept my weight at 210....6'5".... They got a new fiberglass breast plate now... Screw in. Eliminates a lot of chest pain...
