When I was 21, I developed bacterial endocarditis from an infection following dental surgery, coupled with a slight, as-yet-undetected congenital heart defect.  

As a college student and former competitive athlete, I was used to shrugging things off, including my initial symptoms of weak legs and night sweats. When my ankle swelled up and I finally got to the doctor, he immediately referred me to a cardiologist.I had heart valve replacement surgery the next day.  

Eleven years later, my surgical team in North Carolina replaced the first human-tissue valve with a porcine valve. It lasted another 11 years.  

When I went in for a third valve replacement, it didn’t go well. I had a heart attack and massive stroke, and they could only apply a temporary fix. I was put in an induced coma for 10 days and received specialized care for a month.  

A friend of a friend referred me to Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Pettersson1 cautioned me that it would be a risky procedure. The complex surgery involved removing valves and a stent and putting in a mechanical valve.  

I was blown away by the whole experience. It was first-class. Cleveland Clinic saved my life — and physically, I’m back to 100%.  

 

When Dixon Smith isn’t running or backpacking, you might find him skiing or bicycling with his wife, Madeleine, son Robert Jr. and daughter Eliza.  

Photo of Dixon Smith backpacking

Photo: Courtesy of Dixon Smith

Note

  1. Gosta Pettersson, MD, PhD, was Vice Chair of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.