Douglas's Profile

I have been an avid runner/athlete all of my life only to discover that my aortic valve was leaking at 72 years old. At the time of diagnosis I was 44 years sober from all alcohol and drugs. With my new founded sobriety I became re-energized to get back into sports like I had as a high school student. My interest then shifted to becoming a Chiropractor which went right along with my values of my sobriety and my athletic training. So after 44 years of a very clean lifestyle I was very surprised by my diagnosis of having a leaky aortic valve. After much research and investigation I went forward with a SAVR surgical approach to changing out my damaged aortic valve. I had a tough recovery because I discovered that I apparently had post perfusion syndrome after the surgery. I had to use a walker for almost four weeks and had to relearn how to spell my name. My hands and legs shook violently and I could not remember where the silverware drawer was in my kitchen. Fortunately, most of these symptoms have disappeared. Now at three months post recovery I am off of all blood thinners except 81 mg. baby aspirin therapy which I plan to stop when I attain six months of recovery from surgery. Aspirin is causing stomach upset and indigestion so my desire is to stay on blood pressure and statin medication for life but discontinue aspirin. Does anybody have any insight into this aspirin dilemma? Other than that, I am getting stronger every day. I am glad to be a part of this organization. Thanks