About Me (In My Own Words)
I was training for the Sandman Triathlon scheduled for October of 2014. My cousin is a veteran competitor of triathlons, and he had challenged me to join the race. I had been feeling fatigued more lately, and thought an exercise program was just what I needed. I began training with some friends, and made real progress with improving my swimming, cycling, and running time.
For a routine checkup, I went to my regular doctor, who for unknown reasons, had closed down shop. I found a new physician, and on the intake exam, he found a subtle heart murmur. I had never been diagnosed with a heart problem in the 50 years of my life, and I was a little surprised at the finding. The subsequent 2D Echo showed moderate to severe aortic valve regurgitation and a dilated aortic root. Also, the ascending aorta was on the upper limit of normal. Trans-esophageal echocardiogram confirmed the findings, as did CT scans of my chest. A nuclear stress test showed no abnormality otherwise-- my coronary arteries were working fine, and the ejection fraction was confirmed as normal. I even went to the Cleveland clinic for a second opinion, and had a complete workup to include a stress treadmill echo-cardiogram. I was still in good shape from the training and went right up to 14 METS with no problem. The Cleveland Clinic cardiologist agreed with my first cardiologist in Virginia Beach that no surgery should be done at that time.
On February 2, 2015, I accidentally aspirated a huge 1400 mg fish oil pill and could not breathe. I was able to sort of self- Heimlich and regained my airway, but my life changed on that day. Not being able to breathe is a horrible feeling. The lack of oxygen caused chest and jaw pain, so I went to Emergency and had another chest CT scan with another heart workup. Thankfully, nothing had changed and I was fine. I even went back to work and kept my pager on the whole time. At follow up with my regular doctor, he mentioned an incidental finding on my chest x-ray. Two mid back vertebrae had old compression fractures. We surmised that maybe an old motorcycle injury had been the cause for the compression, but not for the valve problem. Nor was the valve problem very likely to be congenital-- a bicuspid aortic valve is always a congenital defect, but mine is tricuspid, which is normal. An infection was the most likely cause of my valve defect-- the third leaflet was blowing back and dysfunctional.
At a routine echo-cardiogram a few days ago, a third cardiologist has recommended more studies with evaluation of my entire aorta, and is being extra cautious. Most people feel better after the surgery and my fatigue would be expected to improve, but we are hesitant to proceed with surgery. Biological heart valve replacements last only 15 years and an eventual replacement valve would be likely. Alternatively, a mechanical heart valve would last forever, but would require ongoing blood thinners. It's a tough choice. I am happy to put that decision off for now.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. none none
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My hospital is:
none
