Rafael's Profile

Diagnosis: Pulmonary Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation

Member Since: December 15, 2014

Send Rafael a Note

About Me

I was born in 1978 back in sout America Venezuela. My mom keep asking to the doctors why my boy didn't cry why my boy didn't cry...and then ...the rum around with me straight to the intensive care units. Long story short I was diagnosed with heart disease pulmonary stenosis. 2 years later my mom toke me to Houston to the best doctors in that time lechman and coolers team and wallaaa. I wroup with this litter scar in my chest they open the pulmonary valve and close a hole in my heart . With no complications until a year ago that I started felling short breath and alot palpitations. Here I'm wanted to run 5k. Or more, do cycling, sports in general, be able to carry my son without palpitations, play with him soccer without fell tired and people stop asking why your are breading like that...I'm freak out...but if I survive on my first surgery when I was 18 months old...34 years ago...why not this one..? Is new for me...and is normal fell lost and when I share what happens to me with my friends. .. seeing people reaction is hard...like poor baby...I strong men with fait and I will success.
  • story1
    I am from: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
  • story2
    My surgery date was: June 23, 2015
  • story3
    I was diagnosed with: Pulmonary Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation
  • story4
    My surgery was: Pulmonary Valve Replacement, MAZE Procedure
  • story5
    My doctor is: Dr. Brian E. Kogon, MD William B. Keeling, MD
  • story6
    My hospital is: Emory Hospital Atlanta, Georgia

Upcoming Surgeries

Jane Schappell
Aortic Stenosis
May 13, 2026
Margaret Devenney
Aortic Stenosis
May 14, 2026
Chris Freyer
Mitral Regurgitation
May 15, 2026

The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide

This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.

Adam's Video Library

Adam's Video Library

Learn about heart valve surgery and patient success stories at Adam's video library.