Martin's Guestbook

Hi Martin, I had a plan before surgery and I told the doctor to fix that valve, stuff the heart back in my chest and I'll handle it from there. I walked constantly in the hospital and resumed as soon as I got home. I was at my gym 9 days later to start leg work, elliptical and light upper body but nothing that would pull on my sternum. I never asked my doctor for any rehab direction. I promised my cardiologist to go to cardiac rehab and I went 1 day. It was too tough walking that slow on a treadmill. I gradually started lifting heavier when I was confident the sternum had fused. Martin, i was very driven and after the doctor did his job it was time for me to do mine. I imagine your doctor is concerned with blood pressure from straining under a heavy load. Proper breathing and exercise technique should great reduce that. At 62 and multiple orthopedic surgeries I focused on moderate weight performed at a slower  cadence which stimulates great time under tension. I started incorporating isometrics and time static contractions. I can go on and on but if I can offer any experience or advice Martin I'd be glad to do so. 

Good Morning Martin.......Well I got my UofM estimate......cost of the procedure and hospital stay 488K however because I am an out of pocket payer it was discounted to 174K payable up front before the procedure....unfortunately both are out of reach and so back to the ON wait list I go.

Hey Martin thanks for reaching out. Yes Dr Ashe in Kitchener is an experience Ross Dr and that is where I learned of the procedure. I met with him in June and he thought maybe September then but still nothing. I went to UofM for a consult and they can do it Dec 27th however I have no coverage in Michigan so I would have to pay. I am waiting for their estimate but I am certain it will be out of reach. I have researched OHIP assistance for out of country procedures but I do t think I will qualify so I guess I just wait.