Timothy's Guestbook

I understand I will need open-heart surgery for either a mitral valve repair or replacement. My next event is a TEE this week. Do you have any suggestions about what forums I should join or where to look for learning? I haven't yet found much, but your listing showed activity a day ago, and you seem to have had an experience similar to what I now face. 

-- Steve

Hi Timothy, 

I had an aortic valve replacement late 2020 (sternotomy required).

6 weeks post surgery I was back in the gym lifting light weights.

12 weeks post surgery I was doing a light bench press.

6 months post sternotomy I was back to lifting the weight I used to prior to my surgery (eg. 100kg+ bench press)


I am only 21 so I’m sure my age helped with a quick recovery, but I can say that you will be back to your previous exercise capabilities in no time!  

Hello,

I agree with Adam: good stretching helped. I like Pilates and the movements helped significantly during the first few weeks, until full motion came back. I also liked to write down what I could achieve daily, in order to do a little better the next day while being reasonable.

Blessings, Go Blue!

David

Timothy,  I didn’t start full golf swings for 4 months after surgery.  I believe it was core building exercises that really helped the process…Little by little until you fully regain your full strength and flexibility!

Timothy, best wishes! I bet you'll do fine, better than you expect. I had mitral regurgitation, had surgery in September 2021. I recovered quickly, had very little discomfort. All the stuff in the hospital wasn't nearly as scary as I had anticipated.  

Hello Timothy,

Best to you on your surgery and recovery.  You are in great hands.  My sternotomy has given me no issues and I am very active, swimming, skiing, hiking, etc.  The scar is minimal as well.  You’ll recover great at your age!

I expect you will do fine. If you can get a recliner chair to have for a couple weeks post op, it might help you be more comfortable. It helped me a lot. My sternotomy  is no problem and the scar is minimally noticeable. I’m 8 months post op. I’ll be looking for you posts. Best. 

Hi Timothy! Seems like our valve issue similar, I have moderate to severe regurgitation and I think both my leaflets are severely prolapsed; also degenerative valve disease. And, strangely enough, I was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI. :) My understanding is that almost every degenerative mitral valve should be able to be repaired; I think replacement occurs more in severe damage from rheumatic fever or severe calcifications...I'm sure there are exceptions. I am scheduled to have my surgery in Feb. In my research I learned that when doing a sternotomy, most cardiac surgeons use wire to tie the sternum back together. I found a surgeon who puts plates and screws, and this allows patients to have less restrictions with movement and lifting during the recovery time. Once the sternum heals completely, I do not know what the "strength" of the sternum is in wires vs. plates and screws, but I imagine the plates and screws would keep the sternum pretty solid. So, maybe something to look into if you are worried about longterm capabilities. I don't know know yet whether I will need a sternotomy, the surgeon is hoping to do it minimally invasive, but he wants to see me in person first before he decides (I currently live in FL but will be going to IN for the surgery.