David's Profile

In 1976, when I was 12 years old I took a trip to the ER for a sports injury. The ER doctor discovered that I had a heart murmur and referred me to a cardiologist. After a series of tests at Stanford, I was told that I was born with a bicuspid valve and had aortic insufficiency. I have maintained a relationship with a cardiologist over the years and have stayed active by participating in marathons, triathlons and recently took up hiking Mt. Whitney for the past five years. Well during my annual doctor visit in March, she wanted a CT scan to get a better look and measurement of my aortic root. Though I knew this day was coming (originally told I would need a valve replacement before I was 40 and will be 50 in July), I was not prepared for the wave of emotions that came with the news that it was time to get my valve replaced. I’m extremely lucky that my wife of 25 years is a cath lab nurse and started the research of which surgeon we would pick. See my journal for the next chapter of my journey.