Picture: My Journey

~~brj1761~~
0
biggerthanyou
12/12/2012 - 08:57

I was born with Congenital Aortic Stenosis. Had my first open heart at the age of 5 weeks old, just had the aortic valve repaired not replaced. We knew it would have to be replaced one day so we knew it would eventually happen. Was in great shape growing up played sports, lifted, etc, I was asymptomatic. From 23-28 did 3 cycles, on my own will no one knowing! Guess you could say I tested the waters here on could it be done a person with a congenital heart condition taking anabolics and no negative effects?? Do I advise that, NO! I just felt after everything I had been able to do I would be fine. Its just like one of those things in life you are really confident about will be ok and Good Lord willing it was. He definitely has a plan for me to say the least. Well this summer was at a yearly check up and had echo done (later on heart catch to get a better look, and heart was/is in great shape the valve was just leaking some still and still narrow. As much blood flow was pumping up out was regurgitating back in and the valve diameter was small on top of that. So it was finally time to have it replaced as we knew it was coming we just didn't know when? On Aug. 20, 2012 I had a mechanical heart valve put it and here I am now 16 weeks later. Heart ejection fraction is superb, the heart is finally getting proper blood flow for the first time in my life (didn't think there was a difference here but there is my endurance is much higher, mind you I have nothing to compare it to at first I never had an efficient working aortic valve till now), valve is functionally properly and everything look great from a health standpoint!! Yes my cycling days are over since the surgery as I do have to take a blood thinner with a mechanical valve and anabolics and anticoagulants just don't mix well lol. I went with a mechanical valve (one of the new versions out st. judes regent) over the tissue valve because it will last me a life time and tissues valves (which require no blood thinner) wear out quickly, may only last 10-15 years. I will be 29 this coming Feb. you do the math, possibly 2-3 more operations or mechanical valve and just take a blood thinner pill for rest of my life?? It wasn't even a choice in my mind, my insurance paid for the one of the home testing kits so I can check my blood on my own and adjust my own dosage and not have to go to have labs done. Makes life much easier. My training has been all natural since my surgery and will be for the rest of my life. I will still continue to be apart of eroids nation. I do a lot of personal training and personal coaching outside of my job as a Nutritionist. And i have a few clients and good buddies who are serious into training that I still supply for. So I am still around in this area I just will never be able to jump on cycle again myself. Could I?? Who knows but I am not willing to test it this time as I know in my heart those days are over. I have a life long journey ahead of me, doesn't mean I wont stay involved in some way like I mentioned in this area and be a part of eroid nation helping others out here and there where I can!! The gains in this present picture are all natural from busting ass and consistent diet, and if I can maintain that look then that is fine with me and something I just have to accept. It sure beats the alternative ; )

Your Comment