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Here's a health update on Gregory Case from the man himself (looking good on his first day of rehab).

As many of you may know by now, Monday, May 9, 2015, while working out on a treadmill at our home, I began experiencing serious chest pains. Those symptoms were later diagnosed as (Type 1 or “A”) aortic dissection (the most severe type). According to Mayo Clinic’s Web site: an aortic dissection is a serious condition in which the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart, tears. Blood surges through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate (dissect). If the blood-filled channel ruptures through the outside aortic wall, aortic dissection is often fatal. And according to Wikipedia, an aortic dissection is a medical emergency that can quickly lead to death even with optimal treatment (40% of patients are dead before they reach the hospital).

After spending about 2 hours in a Pueblo West Emergency Unit, I was then taken by ambulance to a Pueblo hospital and spent 20 hours waiting for medical staff to attempt to diagnose what I had. Once it was diagnosed, it was determined there was no surgeon in this area to operate on my now known condition (they feared my heart vessels would rupture) and was taken by helicopter to a Colorado Springs Hospital (an hour north).

I had emergency surgery within hours. The surgery lasted over 8 hours. They shut down the blood to my brain for 31 minutes, 7 minutes longer than they wanted and they still did not repair all the vessel damage.

I stayed in the hospital for 8 days and was released a little over 4 weeks ago. I recently had my first follow-up meeting with the surgeon. The chest X-rays looked good. The good news is that I did not have a heart attack, in fact, my heart is in great condition.

None of the medical staff is quite sure why this happened. This condition can be related to family history and chronic high blood pressure history, neither a factor in my life. The staff however believed that my regular working out saved me.

I recently finished a 3 week home health care program, which included visiting nurses, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. Right after completing this program I woke up at 5:00 AM with chest pains. Paramedics were called in and while they did not find any heart event, they strongly recommended I get further tests at the Pueblo ER (the same hospital I was in just 4 weeks prior). While in the ER they ran all sorts of tests, including a CAT scan (this test can let the doctors see the condition of my aorta). Fortunately, all tests showed no signs of any heart or aortic dysfunction.

The good news is that I am seeing slow progress each day (much slower than I would desire but progress nevertheless) what has been frustrating has been putting up with the side effects of medications. It is really taking a toll on my recovery.

Last week I started a 12-session cardio-rehab program. I am hoping that will increase my cardio endurance. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I will be feeling better and able to work longer hours and to start enjoying life again.

I believe your many prayers and good thoughts were also key. Elena and I have been so moved by those who have contacted us with your well-wishes, thoughts, prayers, calls, texts, hand written notes, get-well cards, and social media updates. We have been overwhelmed by the love and care you have shown us. Thank you.