Patient Story of Steven Mccormick

My Story

About Me (In My Own Words)

I have always been a healthy active man, however the past year my health declined rapidly. After many ER visit and Dr. appointments still no answers. Back in June 2022 I went into A-flutter, decided to do ablation a few weeks later as I was not willing to stay on blood thinners. The ablation was successful. I was released with the green-light that everything was fine with my heart. Still not feeling right I decided to seek out a cardiologist. Thankfully a landed with the best cardiologist and in Everett WA. He ran a bunch of test, nothing showing, he decided to go back to my medical record and look at my past. TEE from June and this is where he found I had mild aortic valve regurgitation. We decided to keep an eye on it it, and we were going to do a TEE every six month. My next TEE was March 3,2023 where Dr. Pouts determine that my regurgitation went from mild to severe in a matter of six months. He sent me back to the surgeon which I had already met previously, the appt. was set March 15,2023 (so that gave me a clue this was serious to see the surgeon that quick) this is where I found out it was critical to have my surgery right away. My surgery was scheduled for March 23. 2023. Needles to say not having much time to prepare or process (but that could have been a blessing as well)! I feel very fortunate as the surgeon and the PAs, that I spoke to that was in the surgery said it was a mystery how my aortic valve was actually pumping blood that it was calcium, and was adhered to my heart. I have no heart disease, no blockage, and no damage to my heart at all. I did decide on the biologic pig valve, knowing that being 50 years old it will more than likely need to be replaced, however, being such an active man I am not willing to be on blood thinners the rest of my life. I’m still processing and dealing with the emotional aspects of this surgery and understanding my change and outlook on life now, everything is so much brighter and I’m not taking even small things for granted anymore.
Thanks for taking time to read a small bio of my journey!
Steve