Heather's Heart Valve Journal

Susan Smith posted a note for Heather that says: Heather, you are a good journalist. How nice to hear how well you are doing. Keep it up. Have a great day.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Heather that says: Heather,
Congratulations on your successful surgery. Any suggestions on your spasms? It sounds like you are doing all the right things: exercise, going to chiropractor, etc. I had spasms when I still had the tubes in, especially my right side....I found that icing that area helped with the spasms.
Thinking of you during your recovery.

Jim Jones posted a note for Heather that says: Heather
That is wonderful. Having the date really settles your mind down. Congratulations!
My best as you prepare everything for your date! Best.

Jim Jones posted a note for Heather that says: Heather
I second what Brian said. Right now I am 2 weeks after surgery and under a mandatory slowdown while my heart heals. I have run for 47 years. It is hard. But long term for you and me it is wonderful because it gets us back to the sport we love. Hang in there!

Brian Walsh posted a note for Heather that says: Certainly can relate on all accounts, especially missing running! The months leading up to my surgery and the post surgery were killer to me. It seemed like I saw more runners on the roads during this time then ever before. Enjoy the time off, you'll be back on the roads in no time and feeling better than ever.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Heather that says: Heather,
I had surgery Oct. 8 for an ascending aortic aneursym which my Mayo Clinic surgeon, Dr. Greason had monitored for 4 years. You might want to go to my site and read my story. I did have an aortic bicuspid valve which had some stenosis but they decided that when they fixed my aneursym it would tighten up my valve and I would have 15-20 years more on my aortic valve. It did not matter to me about the length of my incision. I just wanted the surgeon to be able to do what he needed to do. I do have an 8 inch incision and it is healing nicely. Good luck with your decision. Look forward to following your story.

Joe K posted a note for Heather that says: Hi Heather,
Yes this site is an amazing support system. And although I did not have the Ross Procedure I do know that having faith and confidence in your doctors is critical. Stay in that positive frame of mind. You are going to do great and recover completely.

Mitch Friedman posted a note for Heather that says: Hi Heather,

Good luck to your sister.

As I recall, I was given the green light to go back to running at 10 weeks post op. At the time, I felt that was too early for me, so I waited until 12 weeks post op. Started slowly, but gained it back fast and ultimately ran the half 8 months post op. It is hard to grasp from where you are sitting now, but if you strive to do something daily post op and look to build in very small, safe increments you will get to a point when you are ready to run again. No need to push it. I used to say slow and steady wins the race and a few of my friends got me turtle toys so I would remember.

Good luck!

Mitch Friedman posted a note for Heather that says: Hi Heather -

Welcome to HVJ! Glad my journal was helpful. A lot is possible post surgery. I ran so much I developed stress fractures. Comical really after OHS. Anyway, as you will hear a lot, the waiting is the hardest part. Then take your time getting back into shape. All the races will still be there in the future. And yes, you will feel AMAZING when you run post op. Good luck and let me know if I can help you in anyway. Also, I see you heard from Jeff Shebovsky and The Dixon family. All great people and very helpful.

Good luck,

Jim Jones posted a note for Heather that says: Heather
As a long time runner, I feel your pain! The only redeeming fact is that after surgery you will feel so much better when you run. I will be fixed 11/5 and I look forward to hitting the roads again and racing. Good luck with your next round of tests. Best.

Jeff Shebovsky posted a note for Heather that says: Hi Heather,
I got your message. I am glad my story gives you inspiration. If you want to talk, I am always available. Email me and I will send you my phone number. We can simply email as well. jshebovsky11@gmail.com

Adam Pick posted a note for Heather that says: Hi Heather,

Nice to meet you!

I'm a Ross Procedure patient. I had the Ross operation performed 7 years ago. I'm doing great.

To help you learn more about the Ross Procedure, you might want to watch these videos:

Peter Woglom's success story - http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2013/07/23/ross-procedure-video-paul-stelzer/

Educational Ross Procedure Webinar with Dr. Paul Stelzer - http://youtu.be/Vx77_ADyx3A.

I hope that helps!!!



http://youtu.be/Vx77_ADyx3A

Niki posted a note for Heather that says: My husband, Chris Dixon, had a Ross procedure on 2/27/2012. You will find his journal on this site. Jeff Shebovsky also had one in March of 2012.

Wishing you all the best!
Niki