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Diagnosis: Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: December 7, 2014

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Mark Alafita uploaded a photo

10 years ago (February 1, 2016)

What a difference 365 days make. A year ago, I was getting my aortic valve replaced at the University of Michigan. 9 months later, I was hiking 12 miles in Sedona AZ. I want to thank the numerous folks on this site who kept my fears at bay, answered

👍 Gary Stripling, Tammy Pilcher and reacted to this

Whitney Nelson

That's awesome!! Congratulations on your recovery!

Liz Burroughs

That's so great!! Congrats!!

Anonymous

Looks like you are having more fun in Arizona! Congrats!

Robert Frederick

Very encouraging!

Mark Alafita uploaded a photo

11 years ago (January 29, 2015)

Quick question on dog walking post-op...see comments below.

Mark Alafita

Quick question for the group regarding dog walking post-op. I've been trying to get as much dog walking in with my Golden Retriever before surgery next week. My question is: How quickly were you able to get back to walking your dog, and are there any tips you can offer... Read more.

Kathleen F.

Interesting - I'm one month out from surgery and I hadn't thought about getting one of those leashes, I see them attached to runner's belts to keep their arms free to run. I miss walking my 70 lb. dog too; he's also a bit of a puller but getting my... Read more.

Clay Rowe

Great photo Mark!

Tammy Pilcher

Beautiful photo, Mark!

Jim Kelly-Evans

Nice photo. I have to pull my 13-1/2 year old guy around at this point.:)

Jason Leber

Hi Mark, we sent our dog away to "camp" for the first month. I was able to walk her (40 lb cattle dog) after 4 weeks using a torso leash. I'm pretty sure that I could've walked her after the 2nd or 3rd week point but she doesn't pull. I... Read more.

Bob M

Ready for the puppy bowl

Michael Meyer

Mark: I have a 38 pound Brittany and she pulls a lot. Presurgery I used a regular collar. Post surgery I used a chain prong training collar. My kids and wife always had to use this type of collar as they could not handle her otherwise. She follows the lead... Read more.

Daryl McCallum

Mark we have a doberman that came home to us 5 days post OP, and my wife was the trainer for the first 2 months as I wanted to be careful as they had to open me twice. Once I felt comfortable I walked him slow for 3 months but... Read more.

Daryl McCallum

Mark read your post about the recliner, and I thank god I had one, as I slept in it for a month or more as I was so uncomfortable in bed. I had the power recliner and that was great for me. Also I made decision on the valve....my doc... Read more.

Mark Alafita

Thanks all, for the write ups and advice. And yes, Daryl, I got the power recliner ready for me at home!

Meredith Bray

I was home for at least two weeks before I was up to dog-walking speed and stamina. I'd be very wary of anything that might jerk you around, torso or otherwise.

Lenore Mitchell

Great photo of your Golden, Mark. I have a Border Collie, and since I live alone, he stayed with my daughter's family for about a month post op, in fact he just came home with me. He doesn't pull at all on leash, but he does expect me to throw... Read more.