Marathoner, Jarrett Roberts, Discovers “Second Chance” After Heart Valve Repair
By Adam Pick on March 7, 2009
There is nothing better than waking up in the morning, putting on my robe and slippers, grabbing a cup of coffee, turning on my computer and reading an inspirational, patient story like the one below. Plus, Jarrett’s thoughts about the “waddling penguins” and the “Adam Tinmen” made me giggle. That said, I thought you might like to read about Jarrett Roberts. He writes:
Hi Adam,
Valentine’s day – with the emphasis on love and hearts – has taken on a new meaning to me and my wife as I am on day 22 of my “second chance at life” as I had my bicuspid aortic valve repaired by Dr. Bruce Lytle at the Cleveland Clinic on January 23, 2009.
Jarrett Roberts – Arctic Marathoner And Valve Repair Patient
I found it interesting (at the Cleveland Clinic) to be one of the younger patients in for surgery. The nurses were all excited that a 6′ 7″ marathoner – I’ve done 83 including Antartica in 2005 – was in for surgery (as they normally get the unusual heart valve cases that other clinics won’t touch).
My bicuspid aortic valve was accidentally discovered less than two years ago during a routine cardiac calcium CT that was misdiagnosed as an aortic aneurysm. The follow-up tests showed that the radiologist had flipped the numbers and I didn’t have an aortic aneurysm. However, I did have a bicuspid congenital defect of my aortic valve.
The cardiologists at the Cleveland Clinic were amazed that it hadn’t been discovered before, but after their tests said that the “mumur” was one that was almost impossible to detect. Sometimes medical screw-ups are a blessing in disguise. In October of 2008, I was given 9-12 months to live without correcting valve surgery.
I have found the biggest difficulty during recovery is wanting to do more than I should and holding myself back. However, from doing marathons, I know that I have a long road ahead and I will eventually make it to the finish.
I begin cardiac rehab next week and have re-read your chapter on that again for insights. I hope to rebuild my endurance to eventually do another marathon later this year or early 2010. Eventually I would like to finish my goal of completing a marathon on every continent and 100 career marathons. The Cleveland Clinic cardiologists said if I mainly walked them it shouldn’t be a problem, especially since I’ve did 83 marathons prior to the discovery of my bicuspid valve.
My wife Kara and I have already signed up for the Coronado Bridge 4-mile walk on May 17, 2009 in San Diego as my first official post surgery race. We are celebrating our five year anniversary and are staying at the Hotel Del Coronado for the weekend. It might be cool to get a group of your readers together for the walk. Just a thought.
I was curious. I have been a long time follower of John Bingham (a famous marathoner and editor of Runner’s World magazine) and am one of his “waddling penguins” (those of us marathoners at the back of the pack). Do you have an affectionate nick-name for us fans of your book and blog (i.e., Adam’s Tinmen and Tinwomen)? If not you should think about getting one for us.
Anyways, I just wanted to send a quick email thanking you for your great heart valve book and website which has been a tremendous help during the past six months. You helped my family and I know what to expect and make the “journey” less challenging.
Thanks again,
Jarrett Lee Roberts
50 State Marathon Finisher, Divemaster, CPA, Father of Two Active yet Wonderful Boys, Husband to an Incredible Wife and Bicuspid Aortic Valve Repair Recovering Patient
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Cindy says on March 8th, 2009 at 1:13 pm |
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Hi Jarrett, |
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Gregg Pearlstone says on March 14th, 2009 at 12:14 pm |
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I was recently diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve and a slightly enlarge aorta. I am interested in learning more about what to expect. I am to go in for either an MRI or CT scan to complete the evaluation of my situation. My current doctor also has me scheduled for follow up echocardiogram in 6 months to check for any more enlargement. I guess he wants to establish some sort of baseline. Any feedback anyone wants to share on this subject would be appreciated. I do intend to buy Adam’s book to better educate myself. Glad I came across his website while surfing for other information. I am also very interested to see the surgeon database. Assuming it will be a while before the list if built up enough for use. If I am mistaken, please advise. I am also curious as to other’s feelings about a second opinion. I am sure this is the right thing to do, just don’t have any experience with this from my past. Regards, Gregg Pearlstone |
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Winona Blake says on March 14th, 2009 at 4:36 pm |
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Hi Jarrett, |
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peter willard says on April 8th, 2010 at 12:16 pm |
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I would like to know what kind of valve jarrett roberts had put in.I’m 67 male and had a cow valve put in. |
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Jarrett Roberts says on May 15th, 2012 at 2:49 pm |
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Peter, It has been awhile since I have looked at this page, but I did not have a replacement, I had a repair (they use your own valve). I was hoping to get a repair and in 2009 only a handful of surgeons did them. I got my repair from the legendary surgeon Dr. Bruce Lytle who pioneered and perfected the repair surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Three years later, I am planning on doing my 90th marathon (seventh since surgery) in August 2012. Jarrett |
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Andre says on May 12th, 2014 at 3:11 pm |
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Hey Folks, I had a Bicuspid 2-leaflet Aortic Valve replaced two years ago. We had watched and monitored it for about 4 years to check the size and calcification. From my understanding, your Aortic Valve is supposed to be 2.5cm and mine was about 0.7cm. I never experienced any symptoms (Fatigue, tireness, shortness of breath, etc..), but knew I was close to that point. So, between myself, my wife, and my surgeon… the decision was made to replace it. I chose the Bovine Cow Tissue valve, because I wanted to go back to my normal health condition. ( i typically wake up every morning feeling great). The other choice was a mechancial valve, which is supposed to have longer life, but you have to take Cumadin everyday of your life, go for blood tests, bruise very easy, and possibly bleed excessively if cut. I did not care for all of that, so I chose the cow tissue valve. They typically do the Cow Tissue in older patients. I was 55, so a little young for that, but chose it anyway. Standard procedure before Open Heart, is to have another Heart Cath. The doctors like to check one more time what they are getting into. They check all the valves, muscles, and arteries. I was in good shape, other than my valve, and did not require any bypass grafts. The doctor did say my Aortic Valve was moving like concrete and was so calcified, that I had made a great decision to replace it. He said it would not have lasted much longer. My surgeon did a great job and my surgery was less than 3 hours. You are typically in ICU for a day , then a 5 day hospital stay. I went back to work after 5 weeks, but I recommend a good two months to really get back in the groove. Everyone is different, but the Open Heart Surgery is not a painful one to recover from. However, I did have a few quirky issues to deal with. My shoulder was sore for a while, I could not lift my head up all the way back, did not eat well, could not lay down in the bed very well, and I had a knot in my stomach. But over a few weeks, they all dissapeared in time. Just the opposite ….. We just brought my 81-year old Mom home from Triple Bypass last Friday. She is doing amazing. She is eating, laying in the bed sleeping great, no pain, walking laps, etc…. She is doing outstanding. No complaints at all. So do not be afraid….. they have the heart down very well and can do amazing things. Get that valve replaced and get on with your life. Take care and good luck, Andre’ |
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