Dennis,
I had my AVR on March 3 and just started run/walk intervals at exactly 12 weeks out from surgery. In just 1-1/2 weeks, I am down to about a 14 minute ...Read more
Dennis,
I had my AVR on March 3 and just started run/walk intervals at exactly 12 weeks out from surgery. In just 1-1/2 weeks, I am down to about a 14 minute mile and am running a 5K in August!
I agree with Deb's comments below - cardiac rehab is so great, and if you follow the "rules," it is surprising how fast you'll be back to normal. In my case, I'm back to better-than-normal!
The idea of me running a 14 minute mile so soon after surgery is amazing. I had been a runner but was unable to run for a few years prior to my surgery.
Good luck to you and I hope you're back to running soon!
I am in my fifth week since AVR and MV repair and am very much looking forward to week 12 when I intend to start cautious running again. An initial goal of 14 minute miles sounds good, especially since it was what I was able to do immediately before the surgery. Thanks for your encouragement.
Hi Dennis. You will be amazed how fast your body heals, especially if you follow a mild to moderate exercise regimen. Exercise-induced stress promotes healing ...Read more
Hi Dennis. You will be amazed how fast your body heals, especially if you follow a mild to moderate exercise regimen. Exercise-induced stress promotes healing by initiating protein signalling cascades that have evolved over billions of years. Those same mechanisms that repair and remodel your muscles when you train also repair and remodel your heart after surgery. As a runner you know that starting at a very modest level and increasing your distance/pace/intensity just a few percent each day is highly effective. Just keep the increases small enough so any complaints your body makes are small, allowing you to make adjustments without harm. I did my first hike up a mountain 2 weeks post OHS, ran my first race at 4 weeks, and was playing competitive ultimate frisbee at 12 weeks and all that in my mid-50's. In my journal entries I noted several studies that demonstrate the importance of exercise in promoting healing. While I'm not a physician, I do recommend consulting your doctor regarding your post-surgery exercise plans. They are likely to be highly supportive (and happy to have a patient like you!).
You will be able to run as long/far as you want after the 12 to 16 week mark, assuming you don't have any set backs. I was downhill skiing at 12,000 ft above ...Read more
You will be able to run as long/far as you want after the 12 to 16 week mark, assuming you don't have any set backs. I was downhill skiing at 12,000 ft above sea level with no problems at 16 weeks.....and I skied hard. It was a true test for my newly repaired valves, and they did fine. Cardiac rehab is a real joy for anyone who likes being active. You get to try your new repairs while being totally monitored, so it is really fun to see how quickly your body recovers.
Godspeed and good luck!
Dennis Warner Deb,
Thanks for your encouraging note. Your recovery is very impressive. I look forward to cardiac ... Read more
Dennis Warner Deb,
Thanks for your encouraging note. Your recovery is very impressive. I look forward to cardiac rehab, as I have found over the years that physical therapists are the best medicine for rebuilding broken down body parts.
All the best,
Tony Copeland-Parker posted a note for Dennis that says:
Dennis
I was wondering and waiting for an update. Glad to hear you are doing well and well on your way to getting back to your passion of running. My AVR ...Read more
Dennis
I was wondering and waiting for an update. Glad to hear you are doing well and well on your way to getting back to your passion of running. My AVR surgery is set for next week so I hope to read more about you road back to the streets. I also will post updates.
Much success
Tony
Dennis Warner Tony,
Thanks for your original message. Until now, I have been too tired to handle emails. Good luc ... Read more
Dennis Warner Tony,
Thanks for your original message. Until now, I have been too tired to handle emails. Good luck with your surgery. I will keep you in my prayers, but know that you will be in good hands and with skilled surgeons. My own experience after surgery has been as follows: week 1 in the hospital; week 2 at home with lots of loving care from my wife to help me do everything I needed; week 3 (now) finally on top of the pain issue and beginning to return to some work at home on my consulting activities and finally having enough mental and physical focus to read and respond to emails. In addition, I am walking 2 miles daily and using the inspirator every few hours (to 2500 - 3000 ml). Every day my strength increases and I feel that I am becoming increasingly in control of my life again. I hope to begin cardiac rehab as soon as allowed (perhaps after 6 weeks) and I plan to begin running again after 12 weeks. I believe it is important to keep a positive outlook, sleep often, and follow the instructions of the physical and occupational therapists you probably will see in the weeks after the surgery.
Regards,
Dennis
Hi Dennis
I have no doubt at all that you will return to running and be able to do more marathons. One caution though ... be patient with yourself. Do not ...Read more
Hi Dennis
I have no doubt at all that you will return to running and be able to do more marathons. One caution though ... be patient with yourself. Do not overdo. Too many people have set back their recovery a bit by doing too much too soon. Best wishes,
Hi Dennis
I was told by my doctor that being a runner was why I had such a good fast recovery from AVR, aneurism repair and one bypass. I walked a 5K one ...Read more
Hi Dennis
I was told by my doctor that being a runner was why I had such a good fast recovery from AVR, aneurism repair and one bypass. I walked a 5K one month after, a four miler two months after and ran a 5mile race three months after. This was all under the supervision of my cardiac rehab team. I also ran my first ever marathon thirteen months after. It was Grandmas in 4:16. I will celebrate my 5th year anniversary on April 27. My goal ths year is to do my first half iron. Just do a lot of walking as soon as possible after surgery, then after three months when you are healed up you will be ready to run.
Best wishes and lots of prayers,
Dennis Warner John,
I very much appreciate hearing of your experiences. I hope that I will be as fortunate with my ... Read more
Dennis Warner John,
I very much appreciate hearing of your experiences. I hope that I will be as fortunate with my recovery.
Hi Dennis,
I had my aortic valve replaced 8/2/13. I am not a serious runner like you but did one marathon and a few half marathons. I would say you will be ...Read more
Hi Dennis,
I had my aortic valve replaced 8/2/13. I am not a serious runner like you but did one marathon and a few half marathons. I would say you will be running in 4 months and between 6 and 8 ready for a marathon. I just finished an hour long spin class. I work out at a gym 5 or 6 days a week. I easily do 10 miles on a bike in 30 minutes. And I am 61. Yes I feel very confident there are more marathons in your future. And if you do NYC in November I am a volunteer at the finish line. I almost was going to run but I am not passionate enough a runner any more.
Dennis Warner Joe,
I am impressed with your recovery. You must be one tough guy. Thanks for your words of encoura ... Read more
Dennis Warner Joe,
I am impressed with your recovery. You must be one tough guy. Thanks for your words of encouragement.
Dennis
I have run 7 half marathons and one full. I am not fast...never was. I had open heart surgery for a new aortic valve and aneurysm on Jan 9, 2014. I am not back ...Read more
I have run 7 half marathons and one full. I am not fast...never was. I had open heart surgery for a new aortic valve and aneurysm on Jan 9, 2014. I am not back to totally running yet but I can walk 5 miles at a 4.0 incline at a 14-15 min/mile pace so I feel I will get back to running. I am registered for a half in October...the people at rehab say that is more than possible.
Dennis Warner Clare,
You say that you are not fast, but anyone who can walk 5 miles on a 4% incline at a 14-15 mile ... Read more
Dennis Warner Clare,
You say that you are not fast, but anyone who can walk 5 miles on a 4% incline at a 14-15 mile pace is doing very well. I will use your experience as a goal for my own recovery.
Dennis
I am from: Falls Church, Virginia
I am in my fifth week since AVR and MV repair and am very much looking forward to week 12 when ... Read more
I am in my fifth week since AVR and MV repair and am very much looking forward to week 12 when I intend to start cautious running again. An initial goal of 14 minute miles sounds good, especially since it was what I was able to do immediately before the surgery. Thanks for your encouragement.
Dennis