John's Profile

I am a 41 year old father of 4. I was pretty much what most would consider physically fit with a somewhat strenuous job and an active lifestyle that included the gym 4-5 days a week after competing in a natural bodybuilding competition in 2014. In October of 2016 I was having severe chest cold like symptoms that sent me to the emergency room one Sunday afternoon. I was diagnosed with pneumonia and 2 weeks later with reactive airway disease (onset of asthma) when my breathing was still labored. I knew something else was wrong as I had no energy and a cough that would not go away. I asked to see my primary care Dr again and for him to look further. He set me up with an echo of my heart after hearing a swooshing sound in my heart. November 8th I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve and an aortic aneurysm of 6.1cm. I was and am extremely lucky that I had the symptoms to get looked at, as a lot of people do not get that chance. I am looking forward to learning more about LIVING with a mechanical valve and educating people on aortic aneurysms