MTV_WasMyBabysitter

Why did you choose the bovine valve rather than the mechanical? From what I understand the bovine will eventually wear out, leading to another surgery.

edit: Forgot to add that I hope you recover quickly.

Makes sense. I didn't know tissue valves can be used without anticoagulation. Good luck in med school! Any ideas as to what residency you're planning to enter or are you waiting to decide during med school?

How do we overcome this stereotype: if a person stays in the abusive relationship after recognizing they are being abused then they either deserve what they get, must somehow enjoy the drama, or must not want help?

I am currently dealing with a close friend whose spouse is abusive: she knows it's wrong and she keeps talking about leaving but doesn't. I am also a survivor of domestic violence and understand the excuses one makes for an abuser and the twisted rationales for staying and yet, when I tell her her life is more important than her marriage and she doesn't leave, I find myself falling back on the old stereotypes about women who don't leave. This frustrates me greatly.