Joey's Profile

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: June 28, 2017

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About Me

My parents were told when I was a toddler that I had a heart murmur. Our family doctor said it was something I might outgrow. However, I didn't. Doc's would hear it sometimes and sometimes not. I was having a physical for college baseball and was sent to a cardiologist to be cleared. That was the first time I had seen a cardiologist.. I followed up 5 years later and he asked me to come back "every 2 to 3 years". I pretty much did what I wanted athletically and in the gym. Worked hard on my tennis game and earned a ranking in my age division. After a knee issue, I got super-serious at growing my business and gradually stopped working out and playing tennis. In 2016, I had some chest pains and went to the hospital. After 4 days and multiple tests, I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve that's leaking, and an ascending aortic aneurysm. My cardio currently has me restricted from intense exercise. I can still walk on the treadmill and do other light cardio. I have been researching hospitals and surgeons.
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    I am from: Columbia, Sc, United States
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    My surgery date was: June 18, 2019
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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
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    My doctor is: Dr. Jeffery Gaca
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    My hospital is: Duke University Hospital

Upcoming Surgeries

Michael Zink
Aortic Stenosis
August 18, 2026
Debby Fort
Mitral Regurgitation
August 18, 2026
Namukasa Sharon
Atrial Fibrillation
August 20, 2026

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