Local man meets team who created his heart valve replacement
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV) -An Overland Park man is officially back home after an emotional trip to California. Daryll Johnson traveled more 1,500 miles to meet the team that hand-sewed his heart valve.
His second replacement in 15 years.
Daryll’s daughter Laura says, “When he had an experience in his follow-up annual visit where they did an EKG (electrocardiogram), it revealed he had a leaky valve. They said not to worry there’s a TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedure.”
After a successful procedure in February, Daryll was invited to the headquarters of Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine to meet the team responsible for saving his life.
“They were just so loving and so kind,” Daryll said as he fought back tears. “So overwhelmingly enthusiastic and I am that kind of guy anyways, so I just responded, and it was exciting to say the least.”
Daryll has lost over 20 pounds and has made lifestyle changes to honor the work put into making his heart valves.
With a renewed look on life, Daryll also advocates for awareness and treatment options.
“If you feel dizzy, if you feel faint, if you have any concerns check in with a cardiologist. Check in with your primary doctor and let them know,” he said.
“We are on cloud nine,” Laura explained.
To mark the momentous occasion, she surprised her dad with his dream car in California.
Daryll is set to welcome his first grandchild in July—a moment he did not think was possible before his heart valve replacement.
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