Eric's Journal

Hi, I'm a 54 yr old athletic man who found out last year that I have a regurgitating bicuspid aortic valve. I have been an avid cyclist for the past 12 yrs. I've ridden multiple 100 mile rides and even 205 miles in one day. ive Done Mtn bike Races Lasting Up To 8 Hrs. And for the past 5 years I've been racing Cyclocross. During a race last year I suddenly didnt have any power in my legs. And during the week I had numerous heart palpitations. So after tests, and more tests the found out the problem with my Aortic valve. Plus my mitral valve has sustained damage and needs to be repaired or replaced. I've always raced in the lower and slower categories and did ok, but never won any races. I just thought it was because I hadn't trained enough. So now I have an excuse.... Anyway my Dr wanted to postpone the surgery as long as possible as long as I was feeling ok. But lately I've started having more symptoms. So after the recent rounds of testing he decided it's time for the surgery. We've decided to go to Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale and have an initial consultation with the surgeon on January 8. I have a positive attitude about what's happening now and what is going to happen. I look forward to having the procedure done and continue on with the second half of my life. I don't look forward to the medical bills but fortunately I have insurance.