Steven's Profile

Hi, I share a very similar story as most of you. I was an Army Special Forces officer for 30 years and retired in 2018. I will turn 58 years old in November. I never knew I had a heart issue until right before I retired. I was diagnosed with aortic stenosis in 2017 and the Doctors decided to monitor it over time. I have heard that I have a bicuspid valve and that I have a normal valve that two of the three leaflets have calcified together. Needless to say, my aortic valve needs to be replaced. In April, I passed out after sprinting after our puppy and then passed out again in July at a fishing tournament. We decided after consulting with doctors to schedule the surgery for October 2, 2023. I debated a partial sternotomy over a full and in the end decided to go with the full namely because I was more comfortable with the surgical team. We are believing Christians and have prayed that God blesses the surgery, our surgical team, and we have no pain and an excellent recovery. I believe God will honor our prayers. I am looking forward to returning to bass fishing and enjoying my second lease on life. God bless.