Chris's Journal

Here is an update. Been a pretty rough 4+ weeks. Operation was on Tuesday and I went home on Saturday. Unfortunately I was having trouble breathing and talking so went to the local ER. I was admitted and they pulled 650CC of blood from my chest. Felt much better went home in 2 days after ensuring no infection. Then the AFIB started. Slow at first but it got progressively worse. They wanted to see me back at UAB to see what was going on. In clinic I having AFIB and they admitted me back into UAB. The next day, Friday, they Cardio Verted me back into rhythm. I went how the next day, Saturday. Unfortunately the next day I had some really bad AFIB and had to go to the ER, they administered meds and it came right down. The next day same thing happened bad AFIB went to the ER and more meds. Then UAB wanted me to return for additional testing. After a very detailed Echo and a TEE they believe it has to do with a leaky Mitral Valve that somehow was damaged in the original surgery. Later today I will have a clip placed on the mitral valve and hopefully it will fix my issues. While this has been rough I believe the team here at UAB is extremely professional and always making decisions on what is best for me and my health. The local ER at Eglin AFB has been very good as well. I am confident this will be the fix I need and be able to get back to an active life.