Mark's Open Heart Surgery

I was first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation back in 2008. What followed was a stroke leaving me completely paralyzed on my right side. Slowly I recovered and came all the way back from the stroke but the AFib wouldn't let up. In 2015 I had an ablation which stopped the AFib for about 8 years.

In 2022 the Afib came back with a vengeance. Several cardioversions later it was decided to put me on a higher class / more powerful medication and that slowed the AFib down but still didn't fix it leaving me out of sinus rhythm and unable to function randomly making it nearly impossible to function day by day. The solution was another ablation but while getting a chest scan in preparation for that ablation, it was discovered that I had a pretty large aortic aneurysm which wasn't emergic but was serious enough to schedule an open heart procedure to cut out and replace the portion of the ascending aorta that has now grown far to large and potentially threatens my life.

If there is an upside, it is that this aneurysm was discovered in time to be fixed as if it would have ruptured undetected, it likely would have killed me almost instantly. it has also been decided that since my chest will be opened up, while they fix my aorta they will also do a "maze procedure" where they will create a pattern of scar tissue in the atrias (upper chambers of the heart). The scar tissue serves to block irregular electrical pathways and restore normal heart rhythm having the same impact as an ablation, in effect doing both procedures at the same time.

While I have basic insurance, with copays, deductibles and other uncovered expenses, getting this done will be well beyond my ability to cover it. The financial strain is greater because of the inability to work due to the period of time it takes to heal and recover from a procedure like this which could stretch out as long as three months.

Some good praying friends suggested that I should start this fundraiser to not only ease the financial burden but to let others know what's going on so they can pray and offer positive thoughts and encouragement. Thank you to everyone who shares this and helps out.