Team Sleep’s Todd Wilkinson recently had to undergo open heart surgery. The guitarist has already been discharged from the hospital and is currently recovering at home.

Wilkinson said the following:

“I got an infection when they cut my umbilical cord right after I was born. The infection went into my blood and I almost died. They said that I might not walk because the infection affected the bone in my left leg. It also damaged my heart.

Yesterday I had open heart surgery to repair my aortic valve and aorta. It was planned for a while. The doctors said that for basically my whole life my aortic valve has been leaking and the blood flow has been really inefficient. I think one of the doctors said that it’s been pumping at about 70% of capacity.

It’s hard to tell if this has been affecting me because I always think that if I’m tired or winded, I just need to try harder. Obviously I’m in pain and the recovery will be tough. They said that it will take 4-6 weeks before I can go back to work and about 3-5 months until I can be rigorously active, at which time I look forward to showing off my scar, surfing, and busting your ass at basketball if you step up. 💔❤️”

He later added:

“Made it home. Went for a walk around the block (the short way, I cut through the alley 😂). Physical therapist came by and said all the numbers look perfect. What’s left? Watch b-ball, read, and eat my cousin Angela’s lasagna for dinner. Feeling stronger every day. 💪❤️🙏”

[via The PRP]