Ben's Profile

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Atrial Fibrillation

Member Since: June 26, 2025

Send Ben a Guestbook

About Me

I was diagnosed with mild Aortic regurgitation back in 2013, I experienced no symptoms until March 2025 when my heart went into Atrial Fibrilation, I had a cardio version that corrected it and I was ok for a few weeks until early June when I had some chest pain, oedema, shortness of breath, and a couple of syncopic events. That resulted in me being urgently admitted and monitored until the replacement valve surgery could be performed on 16th June. The surgery went well and I've been fitted with an On-X mechanical valve. I seem to be recovering well, I'm 10 days post op at the time of writing and am still experiencing quite severe pain around my sternum and ribs.
  • story1
    I am from: Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
  • story2
    My surgery date was: June 16, 2025
  • story3
    I was diagnosed with: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Atrial Fibrillation
  • story4
    My surgery was: Aortic Valve Replacement
  • story5
    My doctor is: Dr. Simon Ledingham
  • story6
    My hospital is: Freeman Hospital

Upcoming Surgeries

Don FitzGerald
Aortic Stenosis
August 11, 2026
Mary Jean Yarbrough
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
August 13, 2026
Kara Lee Ruckriegel
Aortic Regurgitation
August 13, 2026

Surgeon Spotlight

Dr. Castro is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 5,000 heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.