New member from Florids

[Brian B]

Hello all, first of all, this forum is fantastic. I have been looking for support through this ordeal and this is fabulous. I recently had an Aortic dissection and am recovering well so I look forward to Hoing the good men/women on this site in helping others cope as it has been a journey for me

 

[pellicle]

welcome aboard Brian

I recently had an Aortic dissection and am recovering well

good lord ... and you're here!

That's very favourable!

Best Wishes

 

[d333gs]

Wow , I just looked it up!. Can you tell us the story?

 

[Seaton]

Big welcome, Brian.
Great to have you here!

 

[Brian B]

Wow , I just looked it up!. Can you tell us the story?

I am 54, African American. No history.I was in really good shape. As a matter of fact preparing for a Masters Strongman competition. I was on the gym about to do a set, then I felt a sharp pain on my right side and it got vey hot. For a second I thought it was a heart attack but the heart is on the other side. I drove myself to the hospital about a mile away. I decided to go home and lay down. Maybe it will go away. The pain got worse. I asked my son to take me to the hospital as he was home. He took me back and they performed a boatload of tests on me and told me that my Aorta had essentially burst on me. I didn’t know what happened. They could not operate on me there because they did not have resources or the support, so they put me in a helicopter and flew me to a hospital about 20 miles away that specialized in cardio heart issues. My family told me I was on surgery for about 14 hours. They chose a mechanical valve due to my age. Now I have to take Coumadin, and a host of other meds for life. My wife helps out in this department. I also have to get my INR twice a week but now I have an INT machine for home testing. This experience has changed my life a lot. And have had to change a lot for me. It has been an ordeal and battle. Everything from depression to losing 30 lbs. But, I am well and getting better everyday. I went through Cardiac rehab and had Afib at first. I see my cardiologist Thursday for a monitor. This has rocked my life. I am sure I have left a lot out but not too much do I remember. Thanks.

 

[Brian B]

 

[Brian B]

The most painful part was the chest tibes that were inserted to drain fluid off. I could not get comfortable at all and went from the bed to a chair in the hospital room.

 

[Survived03]

You, my friend were given a gift of a second chance. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Lisa2]

Welcome, Brian! My, oh my, what a story. You truly did get a second chance. We’re glad you’re here.

 

[Lisa2]

The most painful part was the chest tibes that were inserted to drain fluid off. I could not get comfortable at all and went from the bed to a chair in the hospital room.

Sounds about right. Those chest tubes are the pits. You feel so much better when they come out.

 

[Brian B]

Yes, getting used to my new way of living was rough at first, but easily adjustable. I still enjoy things that I have before, IE...working on my classic car, etc. Just a little more smarter and more careful than I was before. I stay on schedule with my meds as well...I may have gotten 15 minutes of schedule but I have been very good with it. I purchased an Apple watch to monitor a few things, and I purchase an ID bracelet in case on an emergency and I am by myself. Lookin forward to answering some questions and helping others cope......

 

[Brian B]

Welcome, Brian! My, oh my, what a story. You truly did get a second chance. We’re glad you’re here.

Thank you so much, glad to still be here. My coworkers tell me the difference is night and day. The first day I came back I looked like hell, now I have some pep in my step and my skin glows......Thanks-

 

[Unicusp]

The most painful part was the chest tubes that were inserted to drain fluid off. I could not get comfortable at all and went from the bed to a chair in the hospital room.

Welcome! What a story. You were very lucky to have gotten correctly diagnosed quickly, unlike John Ritter. Maybe the entire medical community learned from that mistake. How long ago was your surgery? I totally agree on the chest tubes. From the pic, it appears that you 2 tubes? I had 4 tubes on my last surgery. Not fun, but very effective at quickly draining fluids.

 

[Superman]

Wow! That’s a heroic story! Can’t imagine. Congrats on making it through and glad you are able to join us!

 

[Chuck C]

Welcome to the forum Brian!

That is an amazing story. So glad that you are still here with us. Aortic dissection is very much a life threatening event, and we're happy that you are one of the fortunate ones.

 

[Beach77]

Wow! welcome to the forum! God has blessed you!

 

[Brian B]

Welcome! What a story. You were very lucky to have gotten correctly diagnosed quickly, unlike John Ritter. Maybe the entire medical community learned from that mistake. How long ago was your surgery? I totally agree on the chest tubes. From the pic, it appears that you 2 tubes? I had 4 tubes on my last surgery. Not fun, but very effective at quickly draining fluids.

I had 4 tubes there are 4 inscisions

 

[enkaynj]

Godspeed with your recovery Brian. Incredible story!