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Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: August 27, 2023

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Rich Butela posted an update

2 weeks ago (September 25, 2026)

Today is the 3 year anniversary of receiving my little piggy valve. This is a picture of me last Saturday completing a Savage Race. I hope this will encourage anyone who is wondering if there is life after this type of surgery. You Bet There Is !

❤️ Deena Z and Kate Griffith reacted to this

Deena Z

2 weeks ago (September 25, 2026)

Wow, looks intense. Get the Savage title. Is your heart in a high zone 4 or 5 throughout?!

Ana Brusso

2 weeks ago (September 25, 2026)

Congratulations Rich. Did you win? You are too much dear heart warrior, keep it going. 🙏❤️

Ana K

2 weeks ago (September 26, 2026)

Thank you for sharing this. It’s very inspiring. I have pretty much the exact same conditions as you. I have been worried that my life after surgery would never be the same. I have opted for ‘watchful waiting’ for now but I know I can’t wait forever.

Grace Mason

2 weeks ago (September 27, 2026)

Hi Rich, my heart surgery buddy! Looking strong in that savage race! Congratulations on your 3rd anniversary! Time does fly by. I can't believe it's already been 3 years either! I am glad to see you are doing great! I appreciate you dropping me a note. We were going thru... Read more.

Rich Butela posted an update

2 years ago (September 21, 2024)

Hi Everyone. Been a while since I last updated this page. I'm doing well and want to encourage anyone having to go through this. This is me, 4 days shy of my one year anniversary. Yes there is life after Valve replacement.

👍 ❤️ Rose Madura, Sean Adkins and reacted to this

Grace Mason

2 years ago (September 21, 2024)

Woot! Look at you Rich! We were going through recovery together, so it's great to hear and see how well you are doing. What kind of obstacles do you do in a savage blitz? Congratulations on your anniversary 💖

Ana Brusso

2 years ago (September 21, 2024)

Wow Rich, it's been a while. So glad you are doing great. Continued good health and God bless you 🙏❤️

Rich Butela

2 years ago (September 21, 2024)

Hey Grace. How are you doing ? You were a big inspiration for me after surgery. The blitz is 3 miles of cross country running, climbing walls, crawling under barbed wire, getting wet and muddy, a couple of rope swings and a big monkey bar obstacle. Challenging, but a lot... Read more.

Michael O'Connell

2 years ago (September 22, 2024)

Keep it going!

Grace Mason

2 years ago (September 22, 2024)

That is nice to hear, Rich, I am glad that my story inspired you. I am doing great. I just had my one year follow-up and was told I can do anything I want, no restrictions. My valves are looking good 👍🏼 Your race does sounds challenging and fun, except... Read more.

Sean Adkins

2 years ago (September 22, 2024)

Awesome

J Alexander Lassally

2 years ago (September 22, 2024)

Hey there. It was so nice to see your update and shirt saying - indeed, failure is not an option for us !! I also want to thank you again for being a key advocate in getting that recliner lined up ahead of surgery. It was an essential part of... Read more.

Rich Butela posted an update

2 years ago (March 24, 2024)

Hey Ya'll, tomorrow it will be 6 months since getting my new "Pig" valve. I feel very good, everything seems to be back to a pre surgery state. Since I was pretty much asymptomatic before surgery, this is a good thing. I'm able to jog and lift weights again, which... Read more.

❤️ Michael Morrison, Susan Lynn and reacted to this