Clay's Profile

Hi all. I've decided the best way to thank everyone who has shared their experience is to add my own. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur during a college physical. At the time, the doctor said I might have to do something in my thirties. I'm 47. 4 months ago, I was about 6 feet, 190, under 10% body fat, gym 5 days a week, jogging up to 2 miles, and never sick. I'd had periods during my life where fleeting irregular heartbeat at the gym would prompt me to the doctor where a full work-up would result in a diagnosis of excessive caffeine or stress. I'd lay off both and become asymptomatic again for the next few years. In August, I had a couple of episodes of irregular pounding heartbeat while lifting at the gym that lasted into the morning . I am not a power lifting grunter beast...but I like to challenge myself. I went to a rhythm specialist who eventually diagnosed me with paroxysmal afib unrelated to my valve issue. He referred me to a surgeon for the periodic check on my valve issue. Not so lucky this time. My aortic root has enlarged to 5.4. Time for new parts. Whaaaa? As a bonus for ordering now, I'll receive a modified maze procedure to combat the Afib...which is currently only provoked at the gym but I can anticipate it becoming more frequent and bothersome if left untreated. In the past 4 months I've been through the "why me" crying on the floor to the "why NOT me" thanking God I didn't blow my aorta on a weight bench. Staying out of the gym has kept my heart issues pretty quiet...but kept me miserable. I am past worry about the procedure itself and have total confidence in surgeon. I want to get this done and move on to recovery with whatever I get. However, I'm exhausted trying to make a decision regarding the choice of valve...mechanical or tissue. I'm at a "difficult age" again. Any input from you young middle agers regarding your reasons, experience, satisfaction, regrets, redos, etc. would be a Godsend. Thanks all!