Ben's Profile

I was diagnosed in August 2014 when my internist listened to my heart and heard a murmer. I went through testing including a TEE where it was found that not only was my mitral valve leaking, but my aortic valve was also leaking more severely. I sought a second opinion from a second cardiologist, Dr. Charles Levin, from Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, who said my heart was healthy and he did not recommend surgery yet but advised routine monitoring. When I went back in 6 weeks for another echocardiogram, he found my heart was slightly enlarged and my diastolic BP was low, classic signs that surgery was needed. I am thankful that Dr. Levin knows Dr. William Ryan at Baylor Heart Hospital, who will be available on the day of my surgery to be performed by Dr. Brinkman. I worry that I will not be the same upon going through this surgery but I have my new wife, Shelley (we were married on Feb. 1, 2014) who will be by my side at every turn and trusting in God.