Darrell's Guestbook

Darrell Malone  Hi Scott,  things are going well thanks. I found and still at times when I get up quickly I will get a dizzy spell something that I  really did not get over concerned about. 

Darrell Malone  Hello. I wouldn't know what wait time there is. I did not have to wait when I had my procedure done. Have you asked your team if they can refer you to a surgeon who is experienced with the Ross? They can determine if you are a candidate for this. You are your own advocate and so researching all options for yourself is great. I wish you all the best. 

Darrell Malone  Hi Scott. I found rehab for me was challenging and got me off on the right foot. Maybe speak with them there and let them know that you feel like you could push a little more. Possibly try different machines? Sounds to me that your coming along well, maybe you hit a wall and they can increase your target a bit. I found the staff quite good there.  

John Cook  Scott, this is a lot how I felt on both 50mg and 25mg doses of Carvedilol.  I could get myself up to an RPE 4/5 walking on hills but it would jump to an RPE 8/9 in the space of a 5 bpms.  It felt like the beta blocker was limiting my ability to exercise more than my recovery was.

At 50mg, I had difficulty getting above 100bpm.  At 25mg, I had difficulty getting above 120bpm.

It was by complaining to my cardiologist’s PA about it and having my other blood pressure medications adjust that I got my dosage down to 12.5mg and keep my resting blood pressure under 120.  Now I can run, get my pulse up in the 140s, and feel like I’m at an RPE 6/7.

I actually had a serious argument about it with the PA about my exercising. She’s “old school” conservative in treatment and doesn’t want me running anymore -> ever.

My middle-aged punk comes out whenever someone says, “You can’t ____.” I tend to respond with a literal or metaphorical middle finger.

My surgeon & rehab physiotherapists are fine with my running.  I’ll be talking to my cardiologist directly about it in 2 weeks.

Since I personally don’t feel like I should be pushing myself harder than an RPE 6/7 just yet, I’m not asking for my meds to be adjusted any further.  Maybe when I hit my 1 year anniversary.

Darrell Malone  Hi Scott. I was discharged after 7 days. Early days of recovery were tough but they do get easier. You will be back to your activities before you know it. Just listen to your body. Everyone will recover different. All the best to you. Your in good hands

Scott Mills  Thanks Darrell. I’m a week out, so things are starting to feel more “real”. I’m expecting the first few days to be rough, and that after some of those tubes come out, it may get more comfortable. Fingers crossed, and thanks for the reply!

Darrell Malone  Thx. I follow you on Instagram. Your documentary is excellent. So thank you for sharing also. We are blessed. Here's to many more years of a healthy heart 👍🏻

Darrell Malone  Hello Sher, We have a few Canadians here. I have a bicuspid aortic valve that is not functioning so well anymore. I do not have an aortic aneurysm.
I read your story and thanks for sharing.
I wish you all the best.
I will try to update and hope my experience can help others.

Darrell Malone  Hello Sue. I just sat down after taking the dog out. Thank you very much for your prayers I am happy to receive them. I have a lot of different feelings now with how quickly I am moving towards surgery. One feeling I don't have is I am not scared.

Dr.Ashe has definitely made me feel that this decision is the right one as well as the timing.


Yes a Ferrari 🚘 lol I liked that. 👍🏻


Thanks for reaching out and again thanks for the prayers. I will try and do some updates.


Good luck with your journey. Chat soon

Sue Maize  Praying for my fellow Canadian valve brother this morning! 🥰🙏🏻 Please update when you feel up to it!