karsten's Guestbook

Andrew Dial  Klara is SO right. Do tons of research and explore all options before making the decision that best suits your lifestyle. You MUST be your own advocate in this stage of your heart journey. 

Patricia Miller  Karsten- I am so sorry you are facing heart surgery decisions at your young age.  It is overwhelming, but you will find information on this site helpful and calming as you understand and consider your options.  I have found the video webinars educational without paralyzing me with fear.  I echo consulting w/ a second opinion.  It will help bring more clarity.  You will persevere and your elite level of training will carry you through this.  btw. Whistler is a beautiful place!  Honeymooned there almost 31 years ago. 

Rose Madura  Hi Karsten, I'm thinking that your athleticism will be helpful in your recovery.  Please keep us posted.

Barry Brasseaux  Hi Karsten, I understand where you are coming from.  It can be very stressful thinking about potential surgery.  You are obviously very healthy which will help a great deal in your recovery process.  I have been an avid cyclist for years and have competed in triathlons as well.  Please reach out if you have any additional questions.

Andy Teel  Karsten, I like you was in my 30's when I found out I had the same diagnosis as you. I was an avid Crossfitter and distance runner. I didn't compete but could have. I really did it all for the love of running and being fit.

Once I reached the point of moderate to severe RF my cardiologist told me to quit Crossfit and stop with any real heavy lifting. I could only do weights under my body weight. I was 36 and frustrated that they would not just do the operation.

I was seeing my cardiologist 2-3 times a year for echos and CTs and was supper frustrated that they wouldn't just do the procedure while I was in peak physical condition. I was totally asymptomatic so they though it best to wait.

I continued to run, and I ran well. I continued functional fitness but modified things like pull-ups and heavy squats to keep from stressing my aortic root that was mildly enlarged. I didn't feel like anything was wrong. This was my life for the next 7 years. (I am 44 this month)

I am 4 weeks post op with minimal AVR. My aortic root was not a concern to my surgeon so no repair there. I was back and forth on valves - I chose the Edwards Tissue valve. https://www.edwards.com/healthcare-professionals/products-services/surgical-heart/inspiris-resilia

I work for a NPO and travel to the developing world often. I can't really stick to a strict diet when in countries like Africa, India or Bangladesh. I am sometimes there for over 2 weeks. I am often away from solid medical facilities so there are many reasons why I felt avoiding anticoagulation was a good idea for me.

I waited until the last minute to decide because it was the toughest decision I would ever make. I may have to have another surgery - I may not but the valve I chose made the option for valve-in-valve a solid fix because it is designed to expand and receive another properly sized valve if lasts to the age where that type of surgery is a better fit for me.

As far as symptoms before surgery, I was starting to get PVC's (pre-ventricular contractions/arrhythmias) more often. I was finding myself taking deeper breaths whilst laying down, and I could tell that my "motor" was not as powerful as the previous years. Part of that was the fact that I was now in my 40's and not my 30's.

I was running right up until my surgery and did 3 runs the week before at good solid paces totaling 12 miles. I always made it my point to kill it at the cardio stress tests and the techs were always astounded that I was even a cardiac patient. :)

How I feel right now 4 weeks post op... I feel like I could run twice as far as I have ever run - probably because I have not been released to run yet :) Seriously, I feel strong inside - best way I can explain it. I can't wait to get back at it.

I'll also mention when I had my angiograms and chest CT's they showed 0% calcium blockages. I think that is due to eating well and exercise. My wife is actually a 3 time, full sternotomy and in 2008 she received a tissue valve (pulmonary) and she is still doing good 15 years later.

I think it is great that your team wants to go ahead and take care of the issue, you wont have to wait and go to bed every night for 7 years wishing they'd just get it over with so you can get back to your life.

You got this! You are strong and healthy. Do your research and go with where your peace is. Medical science is charging forward at hyper speed. Only in the last few years has the minimal AVR become an option. Who knows where things will be in just 5-10 years from now.

Grace & Peace

STEPHEN MORRIS  Karsten...I am also from Canada...Ontario. I was advised at my age that a mechanical valve would be best, but was still offered a choice. I was leaning towards bio valve. My case got more complicated and another surgeon was assigned.  He told me he only does bio valves. I asked about the recommendation from the last surgeon and was told that he only did mechanical...I assume it is what they are certified to do. I am older than you, but still worried about replacement. However, I was told, if it needs to be done again they can go through the groin...day surgery.