Wow. It's been a while. I had to get my account re-activated.
Good to see some familiar names still around.
Six years ago today, at the age of 29, I had my congenital uni-cuspid aortic valve replaced (porcine) along with my ascending aorta at UofM. My surgery was pretty lengthy and recovery was hard... but I am still amazed looking back at what a positive impact it has made on my life. I just wanted to pass this story on to those facing surgery.
I didn't realize how restricted I was due to my condition my entire life. I'd always been active but got tired easy and was always told by coaches that I was just lazy. Now six years post surgery, aside from the scar on my chest, I have very little to remind me of what I underwent and am more physically capable than I have ever been. I study Tai-Chi, Kung-Fu, and Brazilian Jui-Jitsu. I mountain bike, brew beer, work a demanding job, and am patiently expecting the arrival of my first born (any day now). For all accounts, I am a normal healthy dude (with a few small side effects but nothing worth noting unless you're curious).
Last checkup, I was told that my valve is still functioning as well as when it was installed and that they're "seeing them last longer and longer these days". After surgery, I was told I'd need to re-op maybe 8-12 years later. Here's hoping I can blow that out of the water. At least long enough for them to come up with a good non-invasive replacement option.
Anyway, I truly consider myself fortunate. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. I wish you all the best.
Cheers!
-Brian
Good to see some familiar names still around.
Six years ago today, at the age of 29, I had my congenital uni-cuspid aortic valve replaced (porcine) along with my ascending aorta at UofM. My surgery was pretty lengthy and recovery was hard... but I am still amazed looking back at what a positive impact it has made on my life. I just wanted to pass this story on to those facing surgery.
I didn't realize how restricted I was due to my condition my entire life. I'd always been active but got tired easy and was always told by coaches that I was just lazy. Now six years post surgery, aside from the scar on my chest, I have very little to remind me of what I underwent and am more physically capable than I have ever been. I study Tai-Chi, Kung-Fu, and Brazilian Jui-Jitsu. I mountain bike, brew beer, work a demanding job, and am patiently expecting the arrival of my first born (any day now). For all accounts, I am a normal healthy dude (with a few small side effects but nothing worth noting unless you're curious).
Last checkup, I was told that my valve is still functioning as well as when it was installed and that they're "seeing them last longer and longer these days". After surgery, I was told I'd need to re-op maybe 8-12 years later. Here's hoping I can blow that out of the water. At least long enough for them to come up with a good non-invasive replacement option.
Anyway, I truly consider myself fortunate. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. I wish you all the best.
Cheers!
-Brian
