Hopewell entrepreneur resumes active lifestyle after valve surgery
Top of his Game
Hopewell entrepreneur resumes active lifestyle after valve surgery
Some people dream about retirement. Not David Bregenzer. At 85 years of age, this Hopewell, New Jersey native still loves running the local oil company he founded in 1970. In fact, you’ll typically find him at the office six or seven days a week – unless, of course, he’s at his favorite golf club, working on his swing.
Aside from family, those interests represent the center of David’s life, so it was concerning, and downright crushing, when a serious heart condition diminished his passion for both.
Sidelined by Valve Disease
David has a long history of heart disease, but his health declined significantly after he was diagnosed with aortic stenosis. Among the most common valve disorders, this condition occurs when the heart’s aortic valve becomes stiff and fails to function properly, allowing calcium to accumulate inside the valve and blood to flow back into the lungs. As a result, the heart must pump harder and eventually weakens, triggering the onset of fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and other debilitating symptoms.
“I had a constant burning sensation in my chest and couldn’t walk more than 50 feet without stopping to catch my breath,” recalled David. “My lifestyle went down the tubes.”
Deprived of energy and agility, David struggled to leave the house. He went to the office less frequently and stopped playing golf altogether. Even the simplest of tasks, like taking out the trash, became a burden – both physically and emotionally.
A Different Kind of Surgery
Last April, David’s cardiologist, John J. Burns, M.D., F.A.C.C., a member of RWJ Physician Enterprise, part of RWJBarnabas Health, indicated that it was time to see a cardiothoracic surgeon, as his worsening condition could lead to permanent heart failure.
“I was devastated,” said David. “I pictured my chest broken up with six months recovery time. I didn’t know how surgery would affect my company or my life.”
Dr. Burns referred David to Leonard Y. Lee, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), also part of RWJBarnabas Health. Much to David’s surprise, and immense relief, Dr. Lee recommended a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.
Utilizing this breakthrough technique, which is performed at only a handful of New Jersey hospitals and differs from the more widely recognized transcatheter aortic valve repair (TAVR), Dr. Lee was able to replace David’s valve through a small, three-inch incision between the ribs instead of dividing the breast bone in the middle of his chest, as is done in conventional heart surgery. Minimally invasive valve replacement offers an equally effective approach to treatment – with faster healing, shorter hospitalization, and reduced risk for complications.
In Full Swing
On Thursday, July 7, 2017, David was admitted to RWJUH, where he received his new heart valve along with the opportunity to resume an active life.
“By Saturday morning, I felt like a new man!” asserted David. He was discharged from the hospital two days after surgery – and was at his desk doing his fuel oil company payroll four days after that. A few weeks later, he was on top of his game.
Along with treks to the office, David is once again enjoying time on the links at his golf course. “I’m playing 18 holes every week. My only complaint is that my legs are a little sore from all the walking,” he quipped.
“The new heart valve’s working great,” added David. “And I feel 15 years younger!”
For more information about the cardiac services offered by RWJBarnabas Health or to make an appointment with one of New Jersey’s top cardiologists, visit rwjbh.org/heart. For information about TAVR, visit rwjbh.org/tavr.