About Me (In My Own Words)
Hi there, I’m a 48 year old blessed Christian man with a beautiful wife , 3 wonderful kids and I have had a rewarding career as a FireFighter for the last 20 years.
I’ve been checked my whole life for a heart valve issue because of my family history and a murmur doctors detected at a young age. The cardiac history is on my Dads side with my Grandfather passing away at my age due to an aortic aneurysm and my father has had 3 open heart surgeries for aortic valve replacements. At age 40 it was discovered that I appeared to have a bicuspid aortic valve with moderate regurgitation and moderate dilation of the ascending aorta measuring 4.4cm. Fast forward 8 years and I’ve recently been diagnosed with a semi bicuspid valve?…(maybe a tri-cuspid but leaflets are fused together and not closing properly ) causing moderate to severe 30% regurgitation with an aortic aneurysm- ascending aorta measuring 4.9cm now. It appears the ascending aorta has grown a 1/2cm in 8 years. I have met with two great surgeons for different opinions on the surgery options, techniques/procedures and valve options. Both surgeons have said I will need aortic valve replacement as well as the aortic root , ascending and arch replacement. Both surgeons have advised me not to wait for surgery and to book something in the next couple months based on my condition and family history. I’m hesitant on doing this right away because I’m still feeling strong with no signs or symptoms as I’m still working as a firefighter and a part time beekeeper. I have been told an ascending aorta that reaches 5.5cm is a benchmark for an aortic aneurysm to be taken care of immediately so I’m feeling like with mine being 4.9cm i will wait.
I would appreciate anyone’s feedback with any similar valve or aneurysm stories.
Thanks for reading my valve story!
Angus
Update… I’m now 50 and things have progressed with more shortness of breath doing minor activity, I’m light headed more and feeling faint. Aortic regurgitation is now in the severe category with an ascending aorta measuring 5.3cm. My latest blood work has revealed that I’m anemic with low hemoglobin, low red blood cell count and iron deficient. Looking forward to getting this surgery over with next week as I’ve decided on the On-x mechanical valve.
Any feedback on patient’s that have chose a mechanical valve and life on warferin would be much appreciated!
Thanks
Angus
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Niagara Falls, Canada
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My surgery date is:
January 6, 2026
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Tyrone David
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My hospital is:
Toronto General (Peter Munk Clinic)
