Aortic Valve Repair
It's hard for 30-year-old David Mitre to believe it really happened.
Less than a year ago, he struggled with shortness of breath, fatigue,
and leg swelling - all signs of heart failure, but today he is playing
ball with kids.
David is on a new journey in life thanks to the care he received in 2013
from the cardiac team at Kaweah Delta Medical Center. It's the only
medical center between Fresno and Bakersfield to offer full-scale cardiac
care for patients before, during and after surgery.
While lying in his hospital bed recovering from an aortic valve repair,
Mitre said it became clear to him he would have to live his life differently.
"I had to ask myself questions about my health to be sure I would
prevent another procedure in my future. Even though I felt pain, I couldn't
just like there," he said.
After several weeks of therapy in the rehabilitation hospital, Mitre found
himself strong enough to pursue his education at San Joaquin Valley College.
His dream? To earn a master's degree in business.
"It's been a blessing and a great change," he said of his
health. "I am on a road that isn't easy but it can be done."