About Me (In My Own Words)
My heart story began in 2012-2013 when I was diagnosed with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). My heart used to frequently race at 200-220 bpm. I ultimately had two catheter ablation surgeries. My first was unsuccessful at a smaller local hospital. I was then referred to Dr David Wilber at Loyola University Medical Center where he successfully fixed my PSVT. It was during this timeframe that I was also diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (MVP).
The second chapter of my heart story began in 2016. After a routine checkup, my cardiologist told me he had bad news to share. On a day I will never forget, he shared I had developed severe mitral valve regurgitation that needed surgery sooner rather than later. I was blessed to find Dr Marc Gillinov at Cleveland Clinic, who successfully repaired my mitral valve robotically on 5/17/2018. I am so thankful to Dr Gillinov and his team! The months following I completed phase 2 cardiac rehab. Although it was not all a smooth road to recovery. I had bouts of afib, PACs/PVCs, chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. After a battery of tests, my heart checked out normal. I stayed patient and most of these issues have gone away over time.
I am an avid runner and as part of my recovery plan was determined to get back to running. I spent the past 15 months building strength and endurance. I successfully finished the Chicago Spring Half Marathon on the one year anniversary of my mitral valve repair in May 2019. I then went on to finish the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2019. This was my seventh full marathon, and by far my most meaningful.
Looking ahead, my heart story is not finished yet. I have one more heart issue that was discovered this year. I have a 4.5cm aortic root aneurysm that we are in watchful waiting mode on. I am consulting with Cleveland Clinic and may need a future aortic root repair surgery. This has me anxious, especially with so many heart surgeries, but I am thankful that I am in good hands with Cleveland Clinic.
I am so thankful that I found the HeartValveSurgery.com website. I appreciate Adam Pick providing such helpful information, as well as the great community dialog!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Congerville , IL
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My surgery date is:
May 17, 2018
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
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My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic
