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Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: August 27, 2023

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My Photos

Rich Butela added photos to a journal post
3 days ago (September 25, 2026)
Today is the 3 year anniversary of receiving my little piggy valve. This is a picture of me last Saturday completing a Savage Race. I hope this will encourage anyone who is wondering if there is life after this type of surgery. You Bet There Is !
❤️ Deena Z and Kate Griffith reacted to this
Deena Z
3 days ago (September 25, 2026)
Wow, looks intense. Get the Savage title. Is your heart in a high zone 4 or 5 throughout?!
Ana Brusso
2 days ago (September 25, 2026)
Congratulations Rich. Did you win? You are too much dear heart warrior, keep it going. 🙏❤️
Ana K
1 day ago (September 26, 2026)
Thank you for sharing this. It’s very inspiring. I have pretty much the exact same conditions as you. I have been worried that my life after surgery would never be the same. I have opted for ‘watchful waiting’ for now but I know I can’t wait forever.
Grace Mason
1 day ago (September 27, 2026)
Hi Rich, my heart surgery buddy! Looking strong in that savage race! Congratulations on your 3rd anniversary! Time does fly by. I can't believe it's already been 3 years either! I am glad to see you are doing great! I appreciate you dropping me a note. We were going thru... Read more.
Rich Butela added photos to a journal post
2 years ago (September 21, 2024)
Hi Everyone. Been a while since I last updated this page. I'm doing well and want to encourage anyone having to go through this. This is me, 4 days shy of my one year anniversary. Yes there is life after Valve replacement.
👍 ❤️ Rose Madura, Sean Adkins and reacted to this
Grace Mason
2 years ago (September 21, 2024)
Woot! Look at you Rich! We were going through recovery together, so it's great to hear and see how well you are doing. What kind of obstacles do you do in a savage blitz? Congratulations on your anniversary 💖
Ana Brusso
2 years ago (September 21, 2024)
Wow Rich, it's been a while. So glad you are doing great. Continued good health and God bless you 🙏❤️
Rich Butela
2 years ago (September 21, 2024)
Hey Grace. How are you doing ? You were a big inspiration for me after surgery. The blitz is 3 miles of cross country running, climbing walls, crawling under barbed wire, getting wet and muddy, a couple of rope swings and a big monkey bar obstacle. Challenging, but a lot... Read more.
Grace Mason
2 years ago (September 22, 2024)
That is nice to hear, Rich, I am glad that my story inspired you. I am doing great. I just had my one year follow-up and was told I can do anything I want, no restrictions. My valves are looking good 👍🏼 Your race does sounds challenging and fun, except... Read more.
J Alexander Lassally
2 years ago (September 22, 2024)
Hey there. It was so nice to see your update and shirt saying - indeed, failure is not an option for us !! I also want to thank you again for being a key advocate in getting that recliner lined up ahead of surgery. It was an essential part of... Read more.
Rich Butela added photos to a journal post
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Seven Weeks with my new Piggy valve. Feeling pretty good this week. My chest is still a little sore, especially around my solar plexus area. I think it's muscle pain from all the coughing I've been doing. My BP & Heart rate are holding steady. Still doing at least 2... Read more.
Valerie Allen
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
You look terrific! Glad you feel so too.
Jennifer Fuller
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
That must have made your pups so happy to take a walk with you! I'm a little over two weeks out, and I can't wait to feel normal. I'm foggy, and I seem to have the attention span of a preschooler.
Grace Mason
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Great news Rich and great picture 😀. Your pup looks like an older wise dude with half closed eyes, arm stretched along the back of the couch like a person would sit😄. Made me smile.
Deena Z
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Wow, you look great, Rich. What a relief that it is over, huh?! And your incision seems to be healing really well too.
Rich Butela
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Grace, that's Earl Grey, he is hilarious. He thinks he's a tiny lap dog. His newest trick he taught himself is how to open the back door to let himself and my other dog outside. It has a lever instead of a knob so he can turn it with his... Read more.
Grace Mason
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Earl Grey, love his name! He definitely looks like he is great entertainment ❤️😄
Rose Madura
2 years ago (November 16, 2023)
Rich, what a great update. Congratulations!
Richard Munson
2 years ago (November 17, 2023)
We love earl grey. Shadow says hi earl.
Delise Becker
2 years ago (November 17, 2023)
Wonderful news, Rich! You look wonderful. So glad to hear that you are feeling normal again.
Dennis Shaffer
2 years ago (November 25, 2023)
You look great, glad to know things are normal again! Good luck on the 8th!

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