Life is Why!
In January of 2012, I was 22 years old and a recent graduate from Texas State University with a Health and Fitness Management degree. I've been playing sports since I could walk and was currently in the best shape of my life. One night I was at my parents house in Clear Lake walking my dog and immediately received this tremendous pain in my chest that brought me straight to the ground. I was sweating and in pain during every breath I took... I had no clue what was going on. I'm 22 and in great shape, there's no way I'm having a heart attack... right?
Once I got to the hospital, they took a CT scan to see if they could tell what was going on. As soon as the test was done, the nurse told me that I needed to follow her as quickly as possible but she could not tell me why. I arrived in a room on the first floor and was told that a helicopter was waiting for me outside to take me to Memorial Hermann in downtown Houston. That's when your eyes might open up wide but if you know me, you know that I always look at the bright side in everything life throws at me... even in this situation. I was able to enjoy a helicopter ride from Clear Lake straight up I45 to downtown Houston :). Once I arrived and put into my room, I finally heard the news. My arotic valve had torn through 2 layers, with 1 layer holding onto my life (my arotic valve was currently bigger than my entire heart.) It was time for immediate open heart surgery to try and repair my valve.
I received a mechanical valve to keep my aortic valve in place and I was put on blood thinners, which I will take for the rest of my life. I went from 195 LBS to 161 LBS from the 11 days I was in the hospital. I was told that I needed to quit playing contact sports and lifting heavy weights, which was what I loved doing! Though my life has dramatically changed after my surgery, as I have quite a few restrictions, one thing never changed... the bright side in everything life throws at me. I was still alive, I was still the same person inside (except for my new mechanical valve :) ) but I was also given a different path. I was given the chance to share my story and encourage everyone to live happier and healthier lives, which is why I'm now known as "The Wellness Guy" ha.
I’m not just walking for me and my experience, I'm walking for those around me. I’m walking to support the American Heart Association and all of the great resources they offer to guide you to a healthier heart and life. Together, we can make healthier, longer lives possible for everyone.
Thank you in advance for your support!
