Rich Bugay’s years of suffering were marked by constant discomfort, difficulty breathing, and an unusual burning sensation in his mouth. To manage this distress, he relied heavily on cough drops. Alongside these issues, he experienced extreme fatigue that made even basic tasks, like walking, a challenge. Despite these significant symptoms, Bugay struggled to find a diagnosis that could explain his condition.
Early medical consultations focused on gastrointestinal issues, leading to a colonoscopy that ruled out many potential problems but did not reveal the underlying cause. Doctors considered gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as a possible explanation for his symptoms, but despite trying various treatments for GERD, Bugay saw no improvement in his condition.
In search of answers, Bugay turned to the Mayo Clinic with the help of a friend. He and his wife traveled from Escanaba, Michigan, for an appointment with Dr. Houssam Halawi, a gastrointestinal specialist. Halawi’s evaluation went beyond the standard procedures; he listened to Bugay’s heart, suspecting that his symptoms might be linked to a broader issue.
This thorough examination uncovered a serious problem: a seven-centimeter aortic aneurysm, a condition that poses a high risk of rupture. The echocardiogram also revealed that Bugay had bicuspid aortic valve syndrome, a congenital heart condition affecting blood flow. These findings suggested that Bugay’s symptoms, particularly his fatigue, could be related to this condition, while some symptoms, like the burning mouth, were likely unrelated.
Following the diagnosis, Bugay underwent successful open-heart surgery to address both the aneurysm and the faulty heart valve. The operation and recovery went smoothly, and a year later, Bugay reported feeling significantly better. He attributes his improved health to the additional tests and the subsequent treatment, expressing deep gratitude for the medical care that extended his life and improved his well-being.
