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Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: August 22, 2014

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Neil Collins got a guestbook from Greg Anslow

10 years ago (December 25, 2015)

Hi Neil, Your guestbook intrigued me enough to write you. I just had a bicuspid aortic valve replacement at St Pauls in Vanvouver BC on Dec 8. I am 58, and love to exercise. In fact I ran a 5k on the track the night before my surgery. I also... Read more.

Pino Correale

Hi Greg, speedy recovery by the way. One thing puzzled me in your story, how were you able to keep your heart beat at 130, was that pre-op or post-op.I think you said you were running ? that is great to have kept it at 130 bpm, I have tried... Read more.

Emily Rowley

What was you're heart rate Post-Op Pino?

Pino Correale

Hi Emily, post-op i always keep it where it should be. It's in the booklet that the hospital gives you upon your discharge. No, i was just puzzled how Greg would keep it at 130 running pre-op i imagine. That's the clarification that i was looking for.

Emily Rowley

Okay. I don't remember receiving a booklet when discharged, what does it contain? I remember a Nurse providing me with verbal instructions for my recovery. Post-Op (during my Hospital stay) I had a rapid heart rate, so they gave me beta-blockers.

Pino Correale

Hi Emily, i am quoting from the booklet.""Your exercise pulse should not be more than 20 beats per 10 seconds.........or 120bpm for the 4 to 6 weeks after surgery"" I hope that helps.

Emily Rowley

Oh wow, that does help. Thanks. Is it hard to keep your heart rate at or below that and what happens if it goes above?

Doran Herritt

Suggest all of you look into cardio rehab. They will monitor you during exercise and work with your cardiologist to allow higher heart rates. I am two months post op aortic replacement. I am cleared for 128 bum and they have asked for an increase. I started interval running on... Read more.

Doran Herritt

Bpm not bum

Emily Rowley

I will be looking into Cardiac Rehab. Despite my Cardiologist+Surgeon saying I don't need it and don't worry about it. When I go in for Pre-Admission Testing I can discuss with the Nurses about rehab. Might do it closer to home though. Also is there a specific heart rate to... Read more.

Sophia Ridley

Best check with cardiologist. I was told to continue as normal pre surgery, but then again my only exercise was my commute!

Mary K

I agree with Doran about Cardiac Rehab. They increased our exercise intensity over time, all the time keeping the heart rate within thirty beats of the resting rate.

Pino Correale

I am definetily in agreement with participating in the cardiac rehabilitation. I am 5 weeks post operative (AVR) and i am starting mine on Jan. 11/16. In my case the Holiday brake got in the middle. But i am going to do the full program !

Emily Rowley

I over done my exercising (collapsed several times) because I was so keen to recover, getting back to running.

Neil Collins got a guestbook from Bradley Lum

10 years ago (September 11, 2015)

Neil - I'm just seeing your note to me. Who is doing your Ross? It was definitely the way to go for me. I'm thankful this was an option. My doc says that I can do a half ironman by early spring. I'm 11 weeks out and am just starting... Read more.

Neil Collins

Thanks Bradley. It's great to hear success stories about the Ross. I'll send you an email. I have a ton of questions....

Neil Collins got a guestbook from Terrie Syvertsen

10 years ago (July 24, 2015)

Hello Neil. My name is Terrie and I just read your story and want to tell you to please look up Anthony Copeland- Parker's Journal on our site here as well as take one long look at his Photo section as this is a Man who had surgery when I... Read more.

👍 Mary K reacted to this

Neil Collins

Yes, thanks for responding. I did contact him a while ago and it truly is amazing what he has been able to do. I only wish! I am leaning towards the Ross Procedure but I haven't met the surgeon yet so there are many unanswered questions...

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