Vickers discloses surgery, disorder

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Brian Vickers has made tough decisions and taken some difficult steps, which he hopes will assure his return to NASCAR Sprint Cup racing in 2011.

Vickers, speaking Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway, said he underwent surgery to repair a hole in his heart on July 12. A stent was inserted in his left leg the next day to help correct a blood-clotting problem that was diagnosed in May.

In addition, Vickers said he was diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome, a rare condition in which blood clots – called deep venous thrombosis (DVT) – occur in the iliofemoral vein due to compression of the blood vessels in the leg.

Vickers, 26, said he decided to have the surgery in part because it improved his prospects for a long-term recovery and return to competition.

“My decision was this: If I had the operation and something went wrong, God forbid that I die ... I feel pretty good about where I’m going next, so I’m OK with that,” he said.

“My other option was not to close it and run the risk of a stroke. How I made the decision ... I would rather die than have a stroke. I don’t want to live like a vegetable.”

Vickers would have to be cleared by NASCAR officials before returning to the track. He acknowledged Saturday he has not spoken with anyone at NASCAR about that.

In fact, Vickers said he expects to keep taking Coumadin – a blood-thinning medication – until at least Jan. 1. The first event of the 2011 season is the Feb. 12 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway.

But Vickers insists his recovery is on track and that he will be able to drive the No. 83 Toyota for Red Bull Racing next season.

“About three weeks after the heart surgery I was in Aspen biking with some friends. So, I feel good,” he said. “I’m probably going to be in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life when I come back racing.

“I’ve missed being in a car, missed doing 200 mph, missed banging fenders with guys I love and hate.”

Vickers’ health problems first became evident in early May while he was in Washington, D.C. He began having chest pains during the night.

The following day, the pain intensified and Vickers, on the advice of his doctor in Charlotte, went to an emergency room at a Washington hospital.

Blood clots were found in Vickers’ left leg and in both lungs. He was released from the hospital May 14 and returned to Charlotte. He had experienced more pain the next day and went to Carolinas Medical Center.

On Mayt 21, Vickers announced at Charlotte Motor Speedway that he would not return to racing for the remainder of the 2010 season. He began an extensive round of testing to determine the cause and extent of the problem.

Even then, Vickers said wasn’t sure how to proceed.

“I started off wanting to go to every race and then I realized, ‘Why am I here?’ ” he said Saturday. “I had the opportunity of a lifetime to do some fun stuff I’ve always wanted to do and I’ve tried to do that.”

In the months since, Vickers said he has learned a lot.

“No matter how healthy you are, anything can go wrong,” he said. “I have a new appreciation for life.”