I’ve had my share of health problems. In fact, I was originally referred to UVA back in 2005 to treat multiple myeloma. Between that treatment and some previous treatments for Hodgkins disease, there was a lot of damage around my heart valves. That’s just what happens with the radiation they use to treat the Hodgkins.

With my heart valves acting up, I was easily tired. I just couldn’t do the things I was used to doing. We have a lot of property with a big lake. It made me proud that I could take care of all of that on my own.

But when I started having heart problems, I didn’t know how we were going to keep the place up. Plus, the grandkids love to come out in the summer and swim. Being so sick, I was missing out on that, too.

So naturally, after my other good experiences at UVA, when it came time to have my aortic valve replaced, I knew I wanted to go back there.

Dr. Lim told me about a clinical trial of a new replacement valve that was going on. As it turned out, I got to be the first person at UVA to get this new valve.

I had no idea what a difference this procedure would make in my life. In what I am able to do and how much better I feel. I am back to being my old self, before these problems happened. I live on 35 acres and that’s a lot to take care of, but I do it myself. I’m able to water ski again with my grandkids and everything. My wife jokes that sometimes, I’m going to wear them out.

I’m glad my doctors got me into the trial to get this new valve. It’s working great. I understand not every hospital can do that. I think more people need to know about UVA.