Randy's Guestbook

Hi Randy, from a Calgarian! My physiotherapist had a tissue Mitral Valve and then when that failed after about 15 years had a mechanical valve put in. It would not be my choice but he is content with it. If you want to speak with someone who could give you his first-hand impression I could put you in touch. BTW, who is your surgeon? Cardiologist?

Randy, Hello from a fellow Canadian! I'm a lifetime fitness addict who underwent a Ross procedure almost 2 months ago in Ontario. I opted for the Ross as a solution to stenosis in my bicuspid aortic valve, stenosis which had accelerated during the past year. Recovery is progressing, but there have been several challenges. My expectations were reasonably ambitious as I got off to a great start after early release from the hospital. Recovery, however, has been something of a two-step-forward, one-step-back kind of thing. I sympathize with your disappointment at perceiving that your athletic lifestyle is threatened by your present condition. You didn't mention, however, how long you're post-op, but it sounds as though it's at least several months. Part of my own disarray during recovery has been in contemplating sports lifestyle changes that I might have to make if my original ambitions about paddling, portaging, and skiing prove unrealistic. We humans are adaptable creatures, though. When Covid hit and forced postponement of my surgery, I decided, or rather, my sons decided to dig up a used guitar from somewhere and encouraged me, good old Dad, to start learning to play guitar. Needless to say, I'm a slow learner. My fingers are slow learners, too. But has the guitar ever given me a fantastic new perspective! I just wish I'd worked out less and got an earlier start on learning to play! Best wishes out there in Alberta, Randy!