About Me (In My Own Words)
(updated 8/31/24)
Hello, I'm Tyler Yoder, a 33-year-old musician, empath, and lover of all things creative and meaningful. Over the past few years, my life has been marked by an unexpected and intense journey through complex heart conditions and surgeries. On November 12th, 2024, I am scheduled for my third major open-heart surgery to address a pseudoaneurysm and remove four problematic stents from previous operations.
If you would like to learn more about my journey or feel moved to offer support, please visit my fundraiser page at fundrazr.com/tyleryoder. Your generosity will provide a much-needed safety net for unforeseen complications and assist with my living expenses during recovery. Every bit of support, whether financial or through kind words, means the world to me.
I was born with a congenital heart defect—originally believed to be a bicuspid aortic valve, but later identified as a rarer unicuspid valve condition. This defect has led to several complications, including aortic regurgitation, stenosis, and aneurysms. Despite these challenges, my love for music, deep appreciation for nature, commitment to mindfulness, and connection with my loved ones have been my anchors.
Surgery Timeline and Complications:
First Surgery (February 1, 2022): My first open-heart surgery involved replacing my aortic root and valve with a mechanical On-X valve and a portion of my ascending aorta with graft material. Although the surgery was successful, it was followed by a sternal infection and partial diaphragm paralysis, which impaired my breathing and prolonged my recovery.
Second Surgery (May 1, 2023): A routine follow-up revealed a pseudoaneurysm at the graft site from my first surgery, leading to a TEVAR procedure to place a stent. However, the stent shifted during the procedure, requiring four additional stents to ensure proper blood flow. This extended surgery resulted in a blood clot in my right arm, necessitating further intervention to prevent a stroke. Complications also included brachial plexopathy, causing severe nerve damage and pain in my left arm, and significant muscle atrophy that left my left bicep nearly non-functional for almost a year.
Additional Complications: In December 2023, I was diagnosed with Subclavian Steal Syndrome, which occurred when one of the stents kinked, blocking the brachiocephalic artery and forcing blood to flow backward to maintain brain supply. This led to dizziness, balance issues, and an increased risk of stroke. I've lived with this condition for almost a year, diligently seeking opinions and preparing for my upcoming surgery to address it. The ongoing nerve damage from brachial plexopathy has also been challenging, causing numbness, tingling, and pain that affects my daily activities and ability to play music.
These surgeries and complications have taken a significant physical and emotional toll on my life. I've faced numerous challenges, including emergency room visits, countless diagnostic tests, and over 24 days in the hospital. Despite the setbacks, I continue to find strength in my music, my relationship with Claire, and my community's unwavering support.
Moving Forward:
As I prepare for my third surgery, I approach each day with hope and resilience, determined to overcome these obstacles. My love for music, gardening, mindfulness, and spending time with my fiancée Claire and our cat Tahini keeps me grounded. Despite everything, I am committed to living fully, embracing each moment, and sharing my story to raise awareness and support for others facing similar health challenges.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. Your kindness and support give me strength, hope, and the courage to face the challenges ahead.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Philadelphia
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My surgery date is:
November 12, 2024
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
Atrial Fibrillation
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Valve Repair
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
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