- Aortic Dissection
- Interviews
Victor's interview
How did all start?
April 14, 2019, about 1 AM tossing and turning in bed after long day at work. (had several cups of coffee and an energy drink during the day) I suddenly felt a very sharp pain in my back that felt like a circle. I though I had messed up my back, has happened before. after 2 hours and 2 flexural later, no change in pain. Pain actually got worse. wife drove me to ER, I walked in, then lights out, My 11 YO daughter reminds me that my BP that morning in admission was 250/180. 3 days in ICU and 5 days in hospital room. The doctors had trouble with the BP meds and sent me home with their best guess. a few weeks later and several falls from light headedness.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
yes, was diagnosed in ER
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
hypertension, aortic dissection & aneurism and a prolactinoma (pituitary gland). meds to control BP and meds to control prolactin / testosterone levels.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
still looking
What have been your biggest difficulties?
the feelings that I feel in my chest. anxiety, fear, mentally wrapping my head around it and survivors guilt.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
family is great! My 15 yo son is overly protective. If I pause, laugh, cough, he asked if everything is OK. My wife is full of fear of loosing me. My daughter (11) always wants to be by my side. Friends and extended family ask how I am doing.
What things have you stopped doing?
drinking caffeine, working (temporary),
What do you think about the future?
worried. if my aneurysm gets bigger I will have surgery, before it bursts.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
2008 and 1998 both birth of my children.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
do what I want and not have to worry about overdoing it. I enjoyed being capable of doing household jobs, repairs, etc.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I am the fun loving, positive guy, who loves being the photographer for everyone.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
not sure yet. I am here to get advice.
