About Me (In My Own Words)
I have been a very active person throughout my life. Played hockey and when my playing days were over, I transitioned to refereeing hockey which I have done for the past 25 years without any issues. 3 years ago, I had an episode of AFIB (first time ever) and was sent to the emergency room to have my heart shocked back into rhythm. I was referred to a cardiologist who did all the necessary tests and on my 43rd birthday was told that I had Aortic Stenosis that would need to be monitored but would need to have OHS to repair it withing 2 years. This came as quite a shock and was initially hard to hear. Fast forward 3 years and during my annual checkup was told that the Stenosis had reached the "Severe" stage and that surgery was recommended. After breaking the news to my wife, the tests and appointments seemed to come in short order, angiogram and then referral to Toronto General Hospital to meet Dr. Maral Ouzounian who is a world class surgeon who performs the Ross Procedure. it was a little under 2 months from cardiologist referral to meeting the surgeon and it seemed that surgery would be coming faster than expected.
As someone who has been heavy all their life and struggled with my weight, it was not a shock to hear that the surgeon wanted me to lose a few pounds before the surgery since we probably had a couple months before the surgery. (I had met the surgeon in November and due to the upcoming holidays if would most likely be January/February before the surgery was done. I was 334lbs). In late December I had experienced some chest pain one evening so I made sure to email the surgeons office to let them know. The phone call I received next was nothing short of jaw dropping. At this point I had lost 17lbs since seeing the surgeon. The coordinator from the office called and informed me that the surgeon wanted me to lose approximately another 65lbs before scheduling the surgery which seemed unreal to me.
I was offered a "prehabilitation" program which aims to maximize patient wellness before the surgery and I gladly accepted. I was willing to do anything and everything necessary to be as healthy as possible going into this surgery. I met with dieticians and part of the rehab team who provided me with both nutritional and fitness advice to aid in my weight loss.
As I type this story, I have currently lost 50lbs (which still seems crazy to say) and will meet with the surgeon in a couple of weeks at which time I hope to get a date for surgery.
I have heard other refer to this as a "journey" and that could not be more spot on. The emotional and physical toll that this takes on one's body and mind is unfathomable. There have been days when I just want to quit and not do it anymore but then I see the results and realize the hard work will pay-off with better health and recovery post-surgery
For anyone else who is going through this journey, please know that you are not alone and that someone out there is going through the same things you are. I urge everyone to join support groups either in person or online and find a forum to listen/ask/vent any feelings you are having with people who are experiencing the same things.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Orangeville, Canada
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
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My surgery was:
Ross Procedure
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Maral Ouzounian
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My hospital is:
Toronto General Hospital
