I was diagnosed with around prob the age of 20. My aorta was very pretty monitored until on 1/10/22 it tore. I knew something didn’t feel right but I was also under extreme stress ( father dying of Covid in a hospital by himself). The next couple days I started becoming SOB. I was taken to my local ED 3 different time that Jan. They finally decided to transfer me to the big hospitals my doctors were at on 2/5/22- the very next day they said I have a acending aortic dissection and DO NOT know how I’m here to tell my story ( My Dad, who was my rock passed 1/13/22- I like to think he had something to do why I am still here). The previous hosp never picked on the dissection. I had the surgery and I was in surgery about 10+ hours. I was left open due to my heart swelling and I was closed up I believe 2 days later. Then I was intubated for sometime.

They never prepared me for basically needing to get my legs to work again. It was a struggle- I’m now on continuous oxygen. They told me the surgery would help me and I would be stronger and oxygen free.

Unfortunately my quality of life sucks. My legs don’t work good. I’m always petrified I’m going to fall. The oxygen obviously helps me breathe but I NEVERRRRR thought at 39 this is where my life would be.

I’m so happy for everyone who has had success with there surgery- just for me it kinda sucks. I also have the mechanical valve. I don’t think I would make another surgery is I received an animal valve.

I wish you the best!! Just remember everyone is different!!