Chip Branam's interview
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How did all start?
Was healthy athletic 59 yr old with mild hypertension under control. Had sudden tearing pain in back and chest in the middle of the night. Fire rescue transported me to a good hospital which diagnosed me with aortic dissection within 30 minutes and was in surgery within 2 hours.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Definitely had a dissection but never had any indication that anything was amiss before. Once hospitalized they told me within about 30 min.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Cardiothorasic surgeon, cardiologist, nephrologist, interventional radiologist, Neurologist, Neurologist-ophthalmologist. Surgeon and interventional radiologist for grafts and stents.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Working a stressful firefighter job.. Had to retire early. Emotionaly all over the place: happy I’m alive, bitter that I can’t do many things I used to do, cry for no reason, yet so blessed to be here...
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Family and friends are sympathetic to the physical challenges but don’t begin to understand or appreciate the mental toll that it has taken. I try to be as normal as possible, and mostly succeed but there’s a lot going on inside.
What things have you stopped doing?
I was a runner for 35 years, not now. I walk only. No strenuous activity, No backpacking, weightlifting, skiing, moving furniture etc...
What do you think about the future?
All I read tells me that we don’t live much past 5 years post dissection. I am determined to beat the odds and survive until at least 80 years old..22 years post dissection/surgery.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
I had a 42 year career in the fire service that I really loved. I’ve traveled, hiked Appalachian Trail, scuba diver, father and grandfather and married my wonderful wife who has help me survive this thing. I’m still learning to live with my new normal.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I’m retired and have the means to travel more but have to restrict where and what I do due to my condition.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Interesting, exciting, very challenging, blessed, and hopeful for the future.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Know that the emotional roller coaster is normal and there are others that have survived this. Hang in there. It’s been getting better for me and I hope it continues.
