Alex Hunt - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

August 3, 2021

Day 3 post surgery and I've just taken a whole mountain of drugs and shuffled 100m (or as I like to call it, doing a Justin Gatlin). I'm surprised how much it took out of me but it feels like progress.

Like | Peter Linn, Jay Heagerty, Patsy Stewart and 5 others like this

Susan Lynn Fantastic! That is progress, Alex! One day at a time - you'll see improvement. Keep up the good work! ❤

Marie Myers I am impressed you are even posting so early! Welcome to recovery!

Joseph Heinzmann Gatlin could do the 100, get lunch, and come back to see you at the finish line, right?

Richard Munson That was before his doping ban.

E Taub I too am impressed you are posting so early. You will be amazed on progress from week to week. I was collapsing into a chair after taking a lap around the ... Read more

E Taub I too am impressed you are posting so early. You will be amazed on progress from week to week. I was collapsing into a chair after taking a lap around the nurses station while at the hospital and was walking 30 minutes 3x a day at 5 weeks post op. You will get there soon enough. Keep on going! You've got this.

Ana Brusso Congratulations and welcome to recovery. Keep walking as much as you can, you will get stronger and stronger every day. Be patient with your body and listen ... Read more

Ana Brusso Congratulations and welcome to recovery. Keep walking as much as you can, you will get stronger and stronger every day. Be patient with your body and listen to it, if you need to rest, rest. This is not a contest, it’s a one day at a time. So glad you are doing so well. God bless you

Update posted on...

August 2, 2021

I survived the op! The first 24 hours were hideous. I'm now two and a half days out and feeling a bit more human. The valve ticks like crazy but I will get used to it in time, and will hopefully find a sleeping position where it's quiet. I'm hoping to get home before the weekend 🙂

Like | Michael Morrison, Rose Madura, Joseph Heinzmann and 9 others like this

Deena Elani FANTASTIC, Alex. It's over. What a thrill and a relief. Now for that sleeping position...try working with the pillows, you may need to ask for a couple more. Congrats!

Susan Lynn Yay! You did it, Alex!!! Welcome to recovery. Glad you've put this one in the rearview mirror and are on your way to feeling better. Walk. Rest, Repeat. ... Read more

Susan Lynn Yay! You did it, Alex!!! Welcome to recovery. Glad you've put this one in the rearview mirror and are on your way to feeling better. Walk. Rest, Repeat. You'll very likely be out of there before the weekend!

Rose Madura Wonderful news!

Richard Munson Maybe you can keep time with the ticking. A human big ben.

Alex Hunt Thanks everyone. Richard - I like your idea. Perhaps I should buy a cheap mechanical watch so I can blame the ticking on it!

Ana Brusso Hi Alex, great news and glad you are doing well. Remember is one day at a time. As Adam says, keep in ticking! God bless you

Richard Munson Alex, your sense of humor is in tact. A great sign. Keep ticking my friend. You’re on the mend.

Richard Munson Perhaps we can change the name big ben to big alex. Wonder how the queen would feel about that. Lol. Hope you are out of bed and walking around and enjoying ... Read more

Richard Munson Perhaps we can change the name big ben to big alex. Wonder how the queen would feel about that. Lol. Hope you are out of bed and walking around and enjoying life. In the states they try to get you up quickly, not sure about merry olde England.

Ross F Good news!!

Update posted on...

July 29, 2021

I've finally made my way to the top of the upcoming surgeries list! I am being admitted tomorrow afternoon for final tests etc. with the big event on Saturday morning. My wedding anniversary is in two weeks and my new baby is due in a month - I'm keeping my fingers crossed I get to experience both of them (and preferably not in hospital)! I am spending my last day of freedom going for a jog in the sunshine, having lunch with my wife and getting baby things out of the attic.

Thanks to this community for its support over the last couple of months. I shall let you know if I'm still ticking next week!

Like | Peter Linn, Shannon Gray, Rose Madura and 5 others like this

Richard Munson Be positive, man. You’ll be fine. I know, easy for me to-say, i already had it. Keep the faith brother. I’m sure you are doing what needs to be done. We are all pulling for you.

Peter Linn What Richard said! Will be with you on Saturday.

Mike Tirrell Best wishes, Alex. You will do great.

Rose Madura Wishing you a successful surgery and recovery with no complications. The odds are in your favor

Jay Heagerty Best wishes for a successful outcome. May God bless.

Susan Lynn Alex - The worst part is almost over - the waiting! It sounds like you're in great shape and have two major happy events on the horizon! I always recommend ... Read more

Susan Lynn Alex - The worst part is almost over - the waiting! It sounds like you're in great shape and have two major happy events on the horizon! I always recommend looking ahead to something you want to do - I find that it places the emphasis away from day-to-day recovery and toward a positive goal. You'll be surprised how much healing happens in the first few weeks - just take recovery at your own pace and resist the temptation to overdue it. There will be days you'll feel like a rock star and others when you feel exhausted - that's normal! Before you know it, you'll be celebrating your anniversary and new baby with a renewed appreciation for life and all the good things it has to offer! You've got this!

Adam Pick You got this Alex!!!

Paul Lechiaro Best wishes Alex!

Tracy Fallu Sounds like you are enjoying the beautiful weather before having surgery. Your expert surgical team will get the job done while taking great care of you.

Alex Hunt Thanks everyone. I shall let you know how I get on.

Jim Archer Alex, Good luck, you will do fine, I had a similar procedure (Bentall) in April 2020.Through recovery, my health is restored, at 72!

Two weeks to go

Journal posted on July 14, 2021

Just over two week to go before my operation (hopefully). I had a minor surgery for something unrelated a month ago so the date depends on getting the first doc's agreement that I have healed well enough. I swing between being mildly positive about the whole thing to thinking "why on earth am I signing up for this?".

The recovery doesn't faze me too much, but the risks of the procedure itself do. This has been more of an emotional rollercoaster than the first 10 minutes of the film Up!

It has been helpful reading lots of success stories on here though and seeing so many inspirational people go on similar journeys and come out smiling. I am spending my last few days playing with my daughter and trying to prepare as best I can. Good luck to everybody whose surgery dates are coming up and to those on the other side. We can do this!!

Like | Amy K, Rose Madura likes this

Peter Linn Best energetic vibes being sent your way!

Deena Elani Hi Alex from USA! It is daunting, for sure, but the stats are so way, way in your favor for a successful surgery. Plus you are young and, more so, in great ... Read more

Deena Elani Hi Alex from USA! It is daunting, for sure, but the stats are so way, way in your favor for a successful surgery. Plus you are young and, more so, in great shape with your running. Those two factors will make recovery faster and easier. Hope to see a photo of you running along the side roads with beautiful, lush green fields on the road sides in the coming months! (#chariots.of.fire!) You totally have got this and would only say this is if I totally meant it. Godspeed!

Marie Myers I totally understand your feelings. One of the things i said the first day of recovery, was “what was I thinking to agree to this”! But the reality is, ... Read more

Marie Myers I totally understand your feelings. One of the things i said the first day of recovery, was “what was I thinking to agree to this”! But the reality is, i wanted to live and get better, so we do what we have to do. Like Deena said, you are young and in good shape, so you will do well. Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery and recovery!

Jill Boroniec I completely understand where you're at. Having just gone through this myself two months ago, I can honestly say that the pre-operative anxiety IS truly the ... Read more

Jill Boroniec I completely understand where you're at. Having just gone through this myself two months ago, I can honestly say that the pre-operative anxiety IS truly the worst part. If you're into mind-body medicine (and even if you're not), you may want to check out Peggy Huddleston's book and audio files ( https://healfaster.com/). I did this a few times per week in the weeks before my surgery and the morning of surgery and it helped a great deal.

Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster | A Guide of Mind-Body Techniques

https://healfaster.com/

Andrew T. Weil, MDAuthor, Spontaneous Healing Director, Program in Integrative Medicine College of Medicine, University of Arizona

Alex Hunt Thanks for all your good wishes guys. It's easy to obsess over the small risk of it going terrible wrong so I'm just going to put my faith in the medical team and hope for the best.

Update posted on...

June 12, 2021

Hi folks. I'm due to have AVR in the next two months and I'm pretty terrified. I'm 34 and for the last 20 years or so have been in excellent health. My passion is athletics and until December I was pretty good at it (1hr19 HM, 16:09 5k). My decline over the last 6 months has been breath taking (pun intended).

To complicate matters, my wife and I are expecting a new baby a month after surgery. The thought of dying in theatre and never meeting my son/daughter is hideous! I also get depressed looking at the impact this surgery seems to have on life expectancy for younger people (although I've seen the research that suggests this is less of a problem for bicuspid valves). All in all I feel like my life is falling apart! How do you guys deal with the anxiety?

Like |

Shannon Gray I can relate and wish for no one to experience these fears and debilitating anxiety. I failed miserably in controlling these with my surgery 5 years ago, but ... Read more

Shannon Gray I can relate and wish for no one to experience these fears and debilitating anxiety. I failed miserably in controlling these with my surgery 5 years ago, but please take from this amazing community helpful ways to manage through this. Now is the time to continue eating well, rest, meditate, walk, and do the the things that feel good and help you relax. You will come through this, and it will be a
Smoother process if you can take good care
Of yourself. Thinking of you!

Peter Linn Alex, I am right there with you. I have been working on the anxiety for a couple of weeks and it has reduced. This site has been a big part of that. Also, ... Read more

Peter Linn Alex, I am right there with you. I have been working on the anxiety for a couple of weeks and it has reduced. This site has been a big part of that. Also, I have looked at the research and the outcomes are actually very very good. Read the stories here, they are inspiring. You are in great physical shape, that is also a big plus. I expect to get through this and this community will be with you

WIll Montgomery Hey Alex, I was 43 when I had my bicuspid valve replaced. I went with a stentless porcine valve because at the time I was into contact sports like hockey and ... Read more

WIll Montgomery Hey Alex, I was 43 when I had my bicuspid valve replaced. I went with a stentless porcine valve because at the time I was into contact sports like hockey and didn’t want blood thinners. I was also stressed and wondered how I would get thru the recovery and EVER be myself after. My anxiety hit me (like a Mac Truck) the night before. It can be overwhelming. But as well as the super positive rates of recovery and success for AVR is the fact that you have a major additional advantage. Being someone into athletics and (obviously) having the mental toughness and motivation that drove you to do a HM is a big benefit. Adding to this what is waiting for you with a child on the way, you have profound levels of motivation to come out of this feeling better and stronger very quickly. Focus on your strengths, and your motivators and consider this another physical, mental and emotional challenge. You’ve met them successfully in the past and you will this time!

I was feeling better than before I went into my surgery within a few weeks. I was running, swimming and biking within months and did a mini triathlon 10 months later. I have been > 15 months with this natural valve. You are younger, stronger, and at least as motivated as I was. Focus on those strengths. You will overcome and be a strong and healthy new dad!

Rose Madura The battle is in the mind. It's only natural to freak out. Know the facts, that the odds are in your favor. Your being young and healthy makes the prognosis ... Read more

Rose Madura The battle is in the mind. It's only natural to freak out. Know the facts, that the odds are in your favor. Your being young and healthy makes the prognosis even better. Try to focus on the positive things. Do things to distract your mind. When the baby comes, you will be feeling much better. God bless you.

Martin Smith 1) There are many success stories here on the forum. Reading them can be helpful.
2) I had been very fit and active in skiing and paddle sports. A few months ... Read more

Martin Smith 1) There are many success stories here on the forum. Reading them can be helpful.
2) I had been very fit and active in skiing and paddle sports. A few months after my Ross operation to address my BAV I was doing those activities again. And I'm much older than you, so you are well positioned to make an excellent recovery.
3) Try to equate the unpleasantness of your spells of anxiety with the painful parts of endurance training. You can endure those feelings and they WILL pass.
4) Allow yourself to experience fear and doubt knowing those feelings are temporary.
5) Try to view the surgical experience and recovery intellectually, not emotionally. Outcomes on BAV surgeries have very impressive success rates.
6) Expressing thoughts and feelings to a partner or close friend who will listen and not merely try to cheer you up.

Hopefully one or more of these strategies could be of help to you.

Nancy Denny Alex, all posts to you are so correct! I am 1 month out AVR. I am almost 60 years old.I used to run mini marathons like nothing. Who would of thought I had ... Read more

Nancy Denny Alex, all posts to you are so correct! I am 1 month out AVR. I am almost 60 years old.I used to run mini marathons like nothing. Who would of thought I had this inherent valve issue. I thank God every day that we found it in time. Look forward to return to awesome exercise and maybe a 6 pack one last time. Hang in, have faith, and be blessed with your newborn. You got this🙏🏻

Adam Pick Hi Alex, You are not alone. So many patients, including me, struggle with pre-op anxiety. Here's some information from. Dr. Gillinov that might help calm you. ... Read more

Adam Pick Hi Alex, You are not alone. So many patients, including me, struggle with pre-op anxiety. Here's some information from. Dr. Gillinov that might help calm you. I filmed this video awhile back but all of the information is still very valuable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRt6mCFj74M

Dr. Marc Gillinov Addresses Patient Fear & Anxiety Before Heart Surgery

https://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com -- Dr. Marc Gillinov, from The Cleveland Clinic, addresses patient concerns related to fear and anxiety prior to heart va...

Alex Hunt Thanks guys. This has really helped. Still terrified but it's good to know I'm not alone.

Peter Linn Great video. While there are different types of OHS, I have read that most (when elective not emergency) have success rates in the high 90’s. I am less ... Read more

Peter Linn Great video. While there are different types of OHS, I have read that most (when elective not emergency) have success rates in the high 90’s. I am less terrified of surviving and far more terrified of either post op pain or not being the same afterwards…being permanently altered in a negative way. I have good days and bad days. Some days I just want to cry. Other days I am strong and feel highly optimistic.

Alex Hunt I share your fears Peter! The way I am trying to rationalise that risk is to think about what my quality of life would eventually be without the op.

Joe Tarango Good morning Alex, I will keep you in my prayers. I had my bicuspid aortic valve repaired in August of 2020 and a baby soon after. My anxiety stays with me ... Read more

Joe Tarango Good morning Alex, I will keep you in my prayers. I had my bicuspid aortic valve repaired in August of 2020 and a baby soon after. My anxiety stays with me today but I actively try to focus on God through prayer, family and exercise/work projects. This community helped me tremendously in my preparation and continued strength. Alex, you got this and will be strong enough to raise your baby up soon.

Rita Savelis You are terrified, because it is terrifying. Your feelings are normal and real. Expressing them is good. Breathe. It's hard. And then you get through it. One day at a time. Wishing you peace.

Peter Linn How are you doing Alex?

Alex Hunt Hi Peter. I totally missed your reply, sorry! I'm still pretty nervous about the procedure but I'm feeling more relaxed about recovery. I have 3 weeks to go ... Read more

Alex Hunt Hi Peter. I totally missed your reply, sorry! I'm still pretty nervous about the procedure but I'm feeling more relaxed about recovery. I have 3 weeks to go and if anything in getting more nervous! How are you getting on?