From Marathoner to Hospital: A Runner's Remarkable Recovery Journey

David Szeremet, an avid runner from Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, is no stranger to long distances, logging up to 50 miles a week and completing over 70 marathons throughout his life. Known for his tenacity and grit, David has paced other marathoners while braving tough conditions, from intense sun to challenging winds. However, an unforeseen health crisis would put his running passion to a harrowing test.

The Early Signs

For decades, running had been a source of joy and accomplishment for David. He took pride in his impressive mileage and was an inspiration within the running community. Yet, starting in December 2023, David felt a marked change. During his runs, he began experiencing heavy breathing and intense fatigue that he could not shake off. Despite the symptoms, he initially ignored them, applying the age-old athlete’s mantra to “just push through.” But soon, ignoring these warnings would prove dangerous.

By early January 2024, things took a turn for the worse. Accompanied by fever rising to 103°F, David found himself bedridden and without the strength to take a few steps. Concerned, his wife, Cheehee, took action and rushed him to St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s emergency department. It would be a decision that ultimately saved his life.

The Diagnosis

Once admitted, medical professionals conducted a thorough examination and quickly identified the gravity of his condition. David was diagnosed with a serious bloodstream infection, which led to several critical health issues including a stroke, minor heart attack, atrial fibrillation, and septic shock. The medical team discovered the cause: endocarditis, a life-threatening condition affecting his heart.

As a result of this alarming diagnosis, it became clear that David would require heart surgery to replace his damaged aortic valve. Although the news was daunting, the renowned team at St. Elizabeth’s Florence Wormald Heart and Vascular Institute was ready to act, guided by the skilled surgeon Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang.

A New Beginning

In January 2024, Dr. Castillo-Sang performed a complex surgery to replace David's diseased valve with a bovine heart valve. This microinvasive procedure – which is relatively rare and performed on only a few patients each month – gave David a fighting chance for recovery given his athletic lifestyle. Dr. Castillo-Sang explained the specifics: “David had the worst valve I’ve seen in my 14 years as a cardiothoracic surgeon. We chose the bovine heart valve to avoid the need for lifelong blood thinners.” This vital choice allowed David to dream of returning to his active life sooner.

Post-surgery, the recovery journey proved challenging. Despite the successful operation, David faced a lengthy rehabilitation process that included a specialized cardiac rehab program. He was weak, having lost 45 pounds and a significant amount of muscle mass during his hospital stay. Initially, the simplest tasks left him winded.

The Road to Recovery

Determined not to let his heart condition define him, David set incremental goals. During his first week home, he struggled to walk even a quarter mile. Yet, through commitment and consistent effort in his rehab, things gradually improved. Within two months, he found himself jogging again, and by September – only nine months post-surgery – he reached an astonishing milestone of running 40 miles weekly.

On October 20, 2024, David achieved a monumental goal: he completed the Columbus, Ohio half marathon, finishing 8th in his age division. This triumphant return to running stood not only as a testament to his resilience but also as a crowning moment in an extraordinary journey back from the brink of despair.

Words of Wisdom

Reflecting on his near-fatal experience, David offered valuable advice to fellow athletes. “I almost paid the ultimate price by stubbornly trying to sleep off a deadly infection,” he cautioned. “Don’t make the same mistake. Seek treatment whenever something feels off.” Grateful for the exceptional care he received, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation: “I’m so grateful for the team at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. They not only saved my life but also helped give me my active life back.”

David's experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to one's body and the invaluable role healthcare professionals play in ensuring recovery and a return to what we love. For more information about heart and vascular services, visit St. Elizabeth Healthcare.