Jason's Guestbook

Jason Leber  Hi Neil, thanks for the post. I'm at the 6 month mark and I am doing everything that I did before surgery. Physically I have no limitations, I go to the gym and lift weights 4-5 mornings a week, I ride my bike to and from work every day (20min each way) and I ride mountain bike on the weekends for my usual 2-3 hour rides with lots of climbing. The only sport I don't do anymore is road riding, I gave that up because of being on blood thinners. Its simply too risky. When I ride to work, I'm by myself and I take it easy. Road riding in a pack at high speed is pretty sketchy.

I wasn't given the option of the Ross procedure so I can't advise you there. I can say that I have no regrets getting the On-X and honestly after having had 2 surgeries my personal advice is to avoid going a route that guarantees further surgeries. In your case, I read that you do triathlons, I would say that being on blood thinners would mean no more road riding so that might be a decision you need to come to on your own. There are plenty of other sporting options so for me it was an easy decision.

Are you getting the surgery done in Vancouver or Victoria?

If you want to chat on the phone, just let me know. I'll answer any questions you've got about what you're facing. I had a hard time finding info for returning to exercise. I kept a daily journal about my exercise program which I would be happy to share.

All the best,
Jason

Neil Collins  Hi Jason, I'm starting to lean towards the mechanical. The good thing about triathlons is that they don't allow drafting which tends to prevent bunching in large groups. I will be having the surgery in Vancouver sometime in the Fall. I still need to get a CT scan before they book the surgery. I'm starting to get my head around having to go through this. I wouldn't mind chatting about how you are managing warfarin and activity. You can email me at jumpy737@gmail.com and let me know when would be a good time to contact you.

Neil

Jason Leber  Hi Kathleen, Thanks for the note and reminding me to update. It's been a while and honestly I have been avoiding it - although things are going really well. Hope life has been treating you well.
Regards,
Jason

Jim O'Brien  Best of luck to you, Jason. I know that you will come out of this stronger than ever. Thoughts and prayers to you for a smooth recovery.

Jason Leber  Thanks for sharing your story Yair. Great to hear that you were able to get out for a road ride at the 12 week mark, awesome! Can't wait to get to that point. I've heard about the banging sound from the valve but that's just something to get used to. I'll take that over the pounding pulse I have currently.
Regards,
Jason

Jason Leber  Hi Kathleen, I'm taking the same approach as you.....take it a little on the easy side to avoid injury - that's also why I've got physio today to work on my tight IT bands and sore neck.

I wasn't advised by anyone regarding exercise other than to say that I should be walking. I just went by how I felt and pushed myself accordingly. Every week I could feel myself getting stronger and by tracking my walks closely (pace, distance and heart rate) I could actually see the improvements which helped for confirmation and motivation. I am going to back off the jogging and do more on the bike only because of my soreness. The rehab consultation was the best thing yet for helping me determine how hard I should be exercising. I think you'll find the same.

You have enough experience in training that I think once you get your strength back you'll be seeing the improvements come quickly. Post some of your workouts and progress as well, it would be interesting to see what you and others are doing.
Regards,
Jason

Jason Leber  Thanks for the well wishes John, glad to hear that your recovery is going well. I'll keep you updated.

Jason Leber  Thanks Dorothy, I hope your recovery is going well. I'll be enjoying the VGH hospitality as you did. Can't wait for the excellent food :-)

Jason Leber  Thank you Joan, Tammy and Elaine. It's so wonderful to have these best wishes and prayers. You are all so kind.

Jason Leber  Glad to hear you're back home and on the road to recovery. I'm sure the 10 days in the hospital wasn't as you anticipated but glad they figured out the cause of your infection. Thanks for the kind thoughts, and best of luck with your recovery.

Elaine Foster  just saw you said your surgery is Friday. I will be praying for you. Best wishes for a good outcome.

Jason Leber  I'm from Vancouver.

I've been back and forth like you regarding which type of valve. Similar to you...I work in the trades (Automotive Tech) so the blood thinners is a bit of a concern, also because I really enjoy mountain biking and skiing. On the other hand I don't want to have more surgeries in the future as I figure the older I get the harder and more riskier they become. If I had a tissue valve now at age 40, I could be looking at another 2 in my lifetime....not certain I want to do that? That's why I'm leaning towards the On-X valve because my INR can be maintained at a lower level so essentially a compromise. I also heard that there is also a chance that blood thinners may be required with tissue valves but that may not be know until after the surgery. It's a really hard decision and one that I see a lot of people are back and forth on.

Great to meet you on here, let's stay in touch as we go through this adventure! all the best ~Jason

Joseph Ballett  I hear you i really don't want more surgeries either so i am looking into the future for my answer and placing my bet there , in the future they may not have to open me up. I am also hoping that the only blood thinner i will be on will be a aspirin. I'v been to the east coast but never the west i got to get there some time.

Cindy Coventry  Hi Joseph. Just reading your postings. I am from Edmonton Ab. Going for surgery Monday Mar 16. I was trying to find some info regarding the On-X heart valve. Any info would be great. Cindycov@shaw.ca
Thanks