About Me (In My Own Words)
I have been reading many, many posts on this website for quite awhile, but have never posted my own story, because it wasn't really mine, but my 34 year old son's story. It began when he was born with a coarctation of the aorta. At age 2, he had his first open heart surgery to correct the narrowing. Life seemed normal for a long time, despite his need to take medication to control his blood pressure beginning at age 12. At age 29, his cardiologist suggested that he have a stent placed in his aorta to keep it open and also to prevent any aneurysms in the future. He did very well after the placement of the stent, however, he still needed his blood pressure medications. In February 2014, he became ill, which he thought was sinus infection. After a few days on an antibiotic, he felt better, but it did not last. The doc tried a different, stronger antibiotic which again gave him a few days of relief until again he was feeling miserable. Thru the month of March he continued to feel sick with lethargy, night sweats followed by uncontrollable chills, until he could barely get thru the day. As March turned into April, and with a big vacation coming up, he moved up a scheduled visit to his cardiologist for his routine checkup. Although his echocardiogram seemed fine, he mentioned his symptoms to the doc. Immediately, a red flag went up. He was sent for blood cultures within an hour and the result showed that he had endocarditis. A closer look at his heart showed that the bacteria had settled on his bicuspid aortic valve and it was flapping, meaning it could break loose at any moment causing him to have a stroke. Long story short, one year ago today, he had his second open heart surgery to clean up the bacteria and at the same time had his aortic valve replaced with a mechanical valve. He continued on strong antibiotics via a pic line for an additional six weeks. While the protocol no longer had required him to take antibiotics prior to dental work, I would urge persons to be diligent in taking them anyhow if they have had any heart procedures. My son had been to the dentist in mid-March, 2014, and I feel certain that that is how he got endocarditis. The illness certainly ruined his trip to Rio last year, I am happy to say that in January this year, he made the trip; tomorrow he is taking another trip to Hawaii; and next June he will marry the love of his life! I thank God everyday.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Middletown
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My surgery date is:
April 22, 2014
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Christopher Mascio
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My hospital is:
University of Pennsylvania Hospital
