Army Strong

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Early June 2014 I came down on orders to Korea from the Army, 13 years of service.  All at the mercy of the 3RD infantry division, Fort Stewart, Ga..  During my out process a PA by the name Mr. Blue told me I had to see a specialist due to my high blood pressure......oh hell whatever.  I was young, 38, ran a 14 min 2 mile.  Past every PT test ever given.  I wanted to leave Fort Stewart, 1 year tour in Korea and my family and I would be on the move to another exciting adventure.......

 

September 28, 2015.....I walked down the sidewalk of the Soldier center, discharged papers in hand, and a tear streaming down my face.  I had been medically retired due to having an aortic root Anurysm ( acsending).  I had found out when it measured 4.6 cm, and doctors said....it's fine, live normal, no ristrictions.  But don't lift more then 50lbs......

 

February 16th 2016, ready to install hardwood floors in my living room around 8-9am.  Slight chest pain, told my wife I was going to get some tylenol.  Moments layer I was screaming in pain.  I awoke a day later after open heart surgery to find out I had dissected from my neck to my waist line.  

 

I live.......

 

The only advice I was given that stuck with me is "you will know" when the dissection occurs.  I knew.  There are no signs, no symptoms and even a healthy in shape Soldier couldn't escape this horrible disease.