Bob and Linda Gleason

Linda's Story

MY HEART STORY

Robert J. Gleason Princeton, NJ

All of my life, I had been able to maintain good health, stay physically fit and most of the time, mentally sound. I was active in sports, throughout my life, from high school and college and well into my forties. In fact, I never had any kind of major illness, never was in a hospital. Broke my ankle a couple of times playing basketball, but that’s about it. I am 52 years, young. (10-11-47)

Around the beginning of 1998, I began experiencing an occasional chest pain, which was precipitated by neck and shoulder pain and my head would feel as if I had "pins and needles". Since it occurred only occasionally I ignored it for months, until one time these symptoms included my inability to keep my balance, and I began to sweat profusely and actually lost control of my body. I was alone at that time and found myself with a fear that I had never experienced before. I knew at that time I needed help. Several more experiences occurred I realized that the frequency of these was increasing.

First, an electrocardiogram, then an echogram and the following were revealed. I had an ascending aortic aneurysm, which measured 5.6 cms, and my aortic valve was bicuspid with moderate regurgitation. (Bursting level for aneurysms is 6 cms)

After almost a full year (my wife says it was longer) of putting off a much needed operation, experiencing a continual fear, more so in having the required surgery, I took the steps to find a surgeon with whom I was comfortable and scheduled my surgery for "the repair of my aortic aneurysm" and a mechanical valve implant. Note I said "repair of my aneurysm."

After surgery, my wife was informed that the surgery went well, the aneurysm was repaired and the new valve was implanted. The surgeon’s assistant informed her of what was done. It was only until I was in the ICU for some 12 hours that we were informed that my entire aorta, root and arch, was removed, and replaced with a Dacron tubing, which required my carotid arteries and sinus nodes to be reattached to my "new aorta". It seems the aneurysm was well beyond bursting level and virtually irreparable. Aneurysms are nothing to fool with.......treatment of an aneurysm includes monitoring, to only a degree; repair via surgery is imminent.

This was done on November 4, 1999. Today, after almost ten months, I find myself with problems and symptoms that I can only relate to my surgery. My valve is working just fine.......(clicking away) I was lucky; not to have one of the St Jude’s recalled valves. My cardio has told me that my valve (St Jude’s) is one of the loudest he has ever heard.

I continue to experience balance and vision problems, which I personally feel are related to the carotid artery reconnections. I have also been diagnosed with possible atrial fibrillation and I have been on beta-blockers to control my heart rate and rhythm. I am concerned about prolonged atrial fibrillation as I am at risk for atrial enlargement, meaning less efficient blood pumping. This might rather be sinus tachycardia, which may be the result of the reconnected sinus nodes. My cardio does believe the latter, but advises me he’s not 100% sure.

Blood testing and the taking of coumadin is tolerable and basically, save for one or two times, my INR levels have been in range. Of course, I get into panic mode when the levels are out of range.

So here I am. I have met some wonderful new "heart friends"........ people who have helped me when I am down and depressed....... people who I try to help in any way I can. While the surgery has definitely changed my life, the relationships I have made here in this forum, has also changed my life. If I have one bit of advice to offer, whether one is pre-op or post-op, it is to make sure you have an excellent support group around you at all times. Family, friends and heart-friends. Your heart-friends will understand your trauma, your family, friends and business associates will try and you must have patience with them, for sure.

After all, it’s great being alive......... and being an Honorary Texas Ranger!

Bob Gleason