About me
About Me
I am a husband, father, and ordinary guy learning how to build a meaningful life around some extraordinary health challenges.
My health changed gradually and then, seemingly all at once. Over the years, I have experienced a stroke, persistent atrial fibrillation, heart failure, severe aortic stenosis requiring a TAVR heart-valve replacement, kidney disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and severe arthritis that has made walking difficult. Even after successful procedures and treatments, fatigue, lightheadedness, limited mobility, and uncertainty remain part of my daily life.
Along the way, I have lost more than 100 pounds, adopted a low-sodium lifestyle, and started working toward rebuilding my strength and independence. Progress is rarely a straight line. Some days bring noticeable victories, while others require me to slow down, rest, and accept what my body will allow.
I created He’s Knocking on My Door to honestly share that experience—the medical challenges, daily frustrations, healthier choices, lessons learned, occasional humor, and small victories that keep me moving forward. I’m not writing as a medical professional or someone who has everything figured out. I’m simply sharing what it is like to live through it, one day at a time.
The Health Conditions I Live With
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
I live with persistent atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm that is present essentially all the time. It affects how efficiently my heart works and contributes to my increased risk of another stroke. I take medication to reduce that risk and help manage my heart rate.
Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)
I have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, commonly called HFpEF. My heart’s pumping strength can appear normal on an echocardiogram, but the heart muscle does not relax and fill as effectively as it should. For me, this can mean fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, sweating, and difficulty tolerating physical activity.
Aortic Stenosis and TAVR
I developed severe aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve that restricted blood flow. In December 2025, I underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR. The procedure gave me a new heart valve, but recovery did not instantly return my life to normal.
Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB)
Following my TAVR, I developed a left bundle branch block, which changes the way electrical signals travel through my heart. I also have an implanted loop recorder that monitors my heart rhythm and has recorded occasional pauses.
Exertional Lightheadedness and Fatigue
Physical activity and heat can bring on episodes of significant fatigue, sweating, tunnel vision, and lightheadedness—sometimes to the point where I feel close to passing out. These symptoms affect how much I can safely accomplish and require me to plan activities carefully.
Previous Ischemic Stroke
I experienced an ischemic stroke in 2020 that affected my ability to communicate. The experience remains an important part of my medical history and is one reason managing my atrial fibrillation and stroke risk is so important.
Mild Pulmonary Hypertension
I have mild pulmonary hypertension, meaning the blood pressure in the vessels connecting my heart and lungs is elevated. This may also contribute to my limited tolerance for exertion.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
I live with stage 3a chronic kidney disease, along with atrophy of my right kidney. Kidney disease makes managing hydration, sodium, blood pressure, heart failure, and medications more complicated because changes that help one condition can sometimes affect another.
Type 2 Diabetes
I manage type 2 diabetes through medication, weight loss, nutrition, and regular glucose monitoring. It is one more reason I pay close attention to what I eat and how my overall health is changing.
High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
Hypertension and high cholesterol are also part of my health picture. Both require ongoing monitoring and treatment because of my history of heart disease and stroke.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
I use CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Consistent treatment is especially important because untreated sleep apnea can place additional strain on the heart and may aggravate rhythm problems.
Severe Hip Arthritis and Limited Mobility
I have severe osteoarthritis in my right hip and moderate arthritis in my left. Walking can be painful and difficult, and I currently use a walker. The arthritis makes exercise and cardiac conditioning more challenging, but improving my mobility remains one of my most important goals.
Obesity and Major Weight Loss
I began this part of my journey weighing right around 400 pounds. I have since lost more than 100 pounds and continue working toward a healthier weight. The weight loss has helped, but it has not erased the other medical conditions or the physical limitations that come with them.
The Emotional Toll of Chronic Illness
Living with serious health problems carries an emotional burden that can be difficult to explain. Constantly worrying about symptoms, hospital visits, test results, and what the future may hold takes a toll. Questions about whether my health will improve, how much independence I may lose, and even how long I will live are never far from my mind. That uncertainty can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. Caring for my emotional well-being is therefore an important part of learning how to live with my medical conditions.