About Me (In My Own Words)
I am a sixty-two-year old man, who until six years ago, had a life long avoidance of medical check ups or health worries. Following the sudden and tragic death of my extremely fit twenty-seven year old son-in-law while running in a half marathon, I promised my family to be better attentive to my health. After a visit to my primary care doctor, I was referred to a cardiologist. I wasn’t surprised when I was diagnosed with hypertension and high cholesterol, over the years I paid little attention to staying fit, preferring time spent at a restaurant to time on a treadmill. Nevertheless, I was shocked to discover that I had moderate aortic stenosis and a heavily calcified bicuspid aortic valve. I was struck by the irony of having a stiff valve, while a contributing factor in the death of my son-in-law was floppy valves and mitral valve prolapse.
I heeded the warning shot and despite a job that requires extensive overseas travel, with the encouragement and support of my wife and family, I managed to change my diet and get in better shape. Learning to love time on a treadmill equal to time in a restaurant wasn’t as hard an adjustment as I imagined. Giving up the salt shaker and eating healthy was much more challenging. I remained virtually symptom free until six months ago. Then the real journey began. My surgery is scheduled for July 5. I look forward to feeling more energetic, though I hate the thoughts of surgery and recovery. However, thanks to this excellent site and the journals and stories presented here, the shroud of mystery has been lifted and I know what to expect.
UPDATE
The replacement valve, a Saint Jude Trifecta tissue valve, worked great for three years. In 2020, my symptoms returned and were more pronounced as the valve started failing. I had a second surgery on November 17. The doctor and staff were amazed because the Trifecta valve was in such a poor state. Other than a hospital lock down due to a Covid outbreak, my stay was fairly short and unremarkable. Recovery was quick, except for soreness around the sternotomy. I feel energetic and optimistic. Once again, this resource was a great help as I prepared for a second surgery and recover. Thank you once again !
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
-
I am from:
Mineral, Virginia
-
My surgery date is:
July 5, 2016
-
I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
-
My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
-
My surgeon is:
Dr. John Kern
-
