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Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: August 27, 2023

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Rich Butela added photos to a journal post
1 year ago (September 21, 2024)
Hi Everyone. Been a while since I last updated this page. I'm doing well and want to encourage anyone having to go through this. This is me, 4 days shy of my one year anniversary. Yes there is life after Valve replacement.
👍 ❤️ Rose Madura, Sean Adkins and reacted to this
Grace Mason
1 year ago (September 21, 2024)
Woot! Look at you Rich! We were going through recovery together, so it's great to hear and see how well you are doing. What kind of obstacles do you do in a savage blitz? Congratulations on your anniversary 💖
Ana Brusso
1 year ago (September 21, 2024)
Wow Rich, it's been a while. So glad you are doing great. Continued good health and God bless you 🙏❤️
Rich Butela
1 year ago (September 21, 2024)
Hey Grace. How are you doing ? You were a big inspiration for me after surgery. The blitz is 3 miles of cross country running, climbing walls, crawling under barbed wire, getting wet and muddy, a couple of rope swings and a big monkey bar obstacle. Challenging, but a lot... Read more.
Grace Mason
1 year ago (September 22, 2024)
That is nice to hear, Rich, I am glad that my story inspired you. I am doing great. I just had my one year follow-up and was told I can do anything I want, no restrictions. My valves are looking good 👍🏼 Your race does sounds challenging and fun, except... Read more.
J Alexander Lassally
1 year ago (September 22, 2024)
Hey there. It was so nice to see your update and shirt saying - indeed, failure is not an option for us !! I also want to thank you again for being a key advocate in getting that recliner lined up ahead of surgery. It was an essential part of... Read more.
Rich Butela added photos to a journal post
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Seven Weeks with my new Piggy valve. Feeling pretty good this week. My chest is still a little sore, especially around my solar plexus area. I think it's muscle pain from all the coughing I've been doing. My BP & Heart rate are holding steady. Still doing at least 2... Read more.
Valerie Allen
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
You look terrific! Glad you feel so too.
Jennifer Fuller
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
That must have made your pups so happy to take a walk with you! I'm a little over two weeks out, and I can't wait to feel normal. I'm foggy, and I seem to have the attention span of a preschooler.
Grace Mason
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Great news Rich and great picture 😀. Your pup looks like an older wise dude with half closed eyes, arm stretched along the back of the couch like a person would sit😄. Made me smile.
Deena Z
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Wow, you look great, Rich. What a relief that it is over, huh?! And your incision seems to be healing really well too.
Rich Butela
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Grace, that's Earl Grey, he is hilarious. He thinks he's a tiny lap dog. His newest trick he taught himself is how to open the back door to let himself and my other dog outside. It has a lever instead of a knob so he can turn it with his... Read more.
Grace Mason
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Earl Grey, love his name! He definitely looks like he is great entertainment ❤️😄
Rose Madura
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Rich, what a great update. Congratulations!
Richard Munson
2 years ago (November 17, 2023)
We love earl grey. Shadow says hi earl.
Delise Becker
2 years ago (November 17, 2023)
Wonderful news, Rich! You look wonderful. So glad to hear that you are feeling normal again.
Dennis Shaffer
2 years ago (November 25, 2023)
You look great, glad to know things are normal again! Good luck on the 8th!
Rich Butela added photos to a journal post
2 years ago (November 8, 2023)
SIX WEEKS ! Last week was rough. got a full blown cold (or flu or whatever it's called these days post covid.) Coughing , sneezing , runny nose, feeling run down. (even more run down than normal) . and on top of all that, I got stung by a wasp,... Read more.
❤️ Grace Mason reacted to this
Marie Myers
2 years ago (November 8, 2023)
Hope you feel better soon! Glad you aren't badly allergic to stings…
Ana Brusso
2 years ago (November 8, 2023)
Hoping you are feeling better. I'm allergic to wasp's stings and mosquitoes, I get hives. I stay away from crowds still, I also wear my mask wherever I go. Too many deseases out there. Feel better heart warrior 🙏❤️
Rose Madura
2 years ago (November 8, 2023)
Get better soon! That eye looks pretty nasty. I had the same cold like stuff recently and it lasted nearly 3 weeks! Hang in there.
Grace Mason
2 years ago (November 9, 2023)
Oh, Rich. I feel for you. I'm sorry you are feeling crummy and hope you are feeling better soon. Your Halloween wasp sting looks uncomfortable! My husband has similar reactions to stings and was stung in the face a few years ago. We said his face looked like a mug... Read more.
Deena Z
2 years ago (November 9, 2023)
Ouch, Rich, has to hurt to open and close your eyelid. Plus a cold. Not what the doctor ordered. That said, your BP is outstanding and your are doing really well as your go through your recovery journey. And this is what counts most.

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