Car Crash Saved My Life
6 May 2005
I was in a car crash January 24, 2002 and as a result underwent heart surgery. During the process of assessing my condition and diagnosing my symptoms a CAT scan revealed that I had an ascending aortic aneurysm (7.2 cm) and that my aortic valve (bicuspid) had been badly damaged and had to be replaced. Since I was completely asymptomatic prior to the accident the consensus of medical opinion concluded that the crash had created or aggravated the aneurysm which in turn had damaged the aortic valve.
This was not an immediate diagnosis. Following the accident I was transported to a local hospital for observation and despite numerous tests including a CAT scan of the chest, was not diagnosed with the aneurysm. I was discharged 24 hours later only to return in less then 8 hours with a bleed in one of my eyes and a severe concussion not previously diagnosed. Though I continued to complain of chest pains, no further discoveries were made about my most serious condition. One day later, I was in a seated position at home and bent over laterally to reach for a magazine on the floor. I lost consciousness and I stopped breathing momentarily. Fortunately, my wife is a PA (Physicians Assistant) and suspecting my heart, she phoned the doctor and asked for an emergency CAT scan of the chest. The results of the CAT scan confirmed her suspicion that I had an aortic aneurysm. This meant a third trip to the hospital for a four-day stay filled with many tests. Finally, a TEE confirmed the need for surgery. However, the treating cardiologist felt I should wait five to eight years before having the surgery and commented that I asked too many questions... this prompted my wife and I to search for a new cardiologist.
During our search we consulted with Dr. Dody in Salt Lake City Utah, the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH and Dr. Tom Martin (who studied at Cleveland Clinic) at the University of Florida/Shands Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. While I ultimately chose Dr. Martin for a formal consult and the surgery, each of the other professionals we contacted during this period were extremely helpful and understanding, and added critical information that helped my wife and I make an informed and intelligent decision — I have the utmost respect for Dr. Dody and the thoracic team at Cleveland Clinic. All of these professionals suggested surgery sooner rather then later with Dr. Martin being the most emphatic (without being alarming).
I decided to take their advice and my surgery was scheduled for April 4, 2005. Dr. Martin thought that the intervening time would give my wife and me the opportunity to continue our research. After much research, we chose a homograft replacement valve from CryoLife, Inc. A homograft is a human valve which is cryogenically treated after it is donated. Dr. Martin was very pleased with the potential performance of this valve and thought it was a good choice. As it turned out my ascending aorta would have to be replaced form the aortic root to the arch. Dr. Martin indicated this would be replaced with Dacron.
When surgery day finally came, my wife and I were as mentally prepared as we could have been. We had spent the intervening time researching the procedure and the valve choice. We underwent numerous tests to ensure that the surgery was necessary. And I had donated three pints of my own blood in anticipation of the surgery. Although the surgery lasted a little longer then expected (9½ hours), everything went well and Dr. Martin (and his team) turned out to be an absolute artist. I have had no physical setbacks or problems with the valve or the Dacron aorta; in fact one "echo" technician commented that if they did not know my history they never would have known that the valve they were seeing was not my own!
The thing that bothers me is the changes in my life caused by these events. I have had to discontinue some of the activities I used to enjoy (weight lifting and rigorous exercise) and must keep my stress levels to an absolute minimum. Other forms of physical activity have to be closely monitored to prevent over exertion — my golf swing has certainly not been improved. Also before the operation I had never been sick "a day in my life" and avoided medicines like the proverbial plague. I am now on two blood pressure medications, a cholesterol medication, and aspirin therapy. Not extreme by any stretch of the imagination, but a BIG change for me.
I do feel very lucky to be alive and happily share my story with you. I would strongly suggest three things to anyone forced to contemplate this surgery: 1) consider a homograft (the longevity of these valves is reportedly similar to or better then other replacement valves); and 1a) if you do consider a homograft, ask your doctor to consider or at least contact CryoLife (they will call and talk to you about their grafts and send you information with which to make your decision); 2) consult with as many physicians as you like without delaying unnecessarily the medical attention you need (good physicians will answer your questions and respect a well informed patient); and 3) be ready for changes (recovery prospects can be very good under the right conditions, but you will have to make changes — you may have to give up some of those old bad habits and with the help of family find some ways to work around other new restrictions).
I wish each of you the same kind of family support I enjoyed. In addition to the physical help they provide during your convalescence their love and mental strength can help pull you through some tough times. But don't underestimate the power of your own attitude and heart — once a gifted surgeon has done their work it is your mental attitude and heart that will get you through this!
Discussion, comments, or questions: Dan Rotermund
© Copyright 2005 Dan Rotermund
All Rights Reserved - Fair Use
acknowledged
