About Me (In My Own Words)
I was born with a functionally bicuspid aortic valve, which, for most of my life, had no effect on me (except for a heart murmur.) For years, I have known that I had aortic regurgitation, and that I would eventually need surgery, as the regurgitation gradually got worse. Finally, in January 2011, at age 61, I had an aortic valve replacement. I opted for a tissue valve.
Now I am trying hard to regain my aerobic fitness. My recreation has been hiking, backpacking, climbing mountains; during the week, I do Stairmaster workouts.
Potentially, I should be able to do better than before the surgery. However, I'm still at maybe 75% of where I was. My cardiologist says I'm "off the charts" for someone my age; but the "charts" are based on the average person of my age, which unfortunately means sedentary people. And I was doing a lot better before my surgery. So, that doesn't tell me very much!
I'd like to hear from other patients who are dealing with this. I don't know how quickly one can expect to progress, so I don't know whether to be pleased or frustrated!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Anchorage, Alaska
