Chris's Posts

Friday was the 10-week mark after my Mitral valve repair. I've really happy with my progress. Since week 5, I've been riding my bike a lot (my preferred form of exercise). I learned early that it results in less heart "flutter" than walking, so I've done more of it. It also lets me exercise longer, which seems to boost my recovery. At this point, I can stand on my pedals and do the uphill pushes the way I'm used to. I can also mow my hilly yard (slowly), and handle some yardwork in the summer heat. I'm almost back to the performance I had before surgery. I still have a little ways to go, but I know I'll be good-as-new in a month or two. To anyone in the planning or recovery stages: remember to PUSH YOURSELF after your doctor says it's OK. The recovery may seem slow while it's happening (mine has), but it will be done before you know it!

Status update! Today is the 4-week mark after my robotic mitral valve repair. I am recovering very well, and am resuming a mostly-normal life. Here is a quick overview of my progress. Week 1 - my "critical care week". I dealt with medications. pain management. walking in the house, body temperature fluctuations, and heart rhythm anomalies. Collecting pulse / BP / weight / other stats for my doctor. Lots of protein drinks post surgery. Thank goodness for my wife and family helping at this point. Week 2 - "finding normal". My medications were reduced. Continued walking inside and started walking outside (3-400 ft). Continued protein suppliments. Doing simple exercises - arm / shoulder / neck /torso rotations, walking up/down stairs, even some sit / stand / squats, very slowly. Week 3 - "side effect reduction". I started using my sports watch to track my pulse while walking. I found that a certain pulse (or higher) caused me to have irregular heartbeat. So I began to push that boundary, a little at a time. Longer walks or faster pace. Things are starting to improve. I went to a computer store to browse one day and really over did it by staying too long. My stamina needs improvement. Week 4 - "building strength". This week has been all about pushing myself (gently). One day I walked 4+ miles across multiple walks. Another day I went to the hardware store for beetle traps and put those in my yard. Yet another day I cleaned my outside air condition with some spray cleaner and a brush. Perhaps the best news for me personally...I was able to do a short ride on my bike yesterday! It was only first gear, and I used my watch to keep my pulse below 120bpm. But still...an amazing victory for me. I know everyone's timeline is different, but I think the message is the same...keep pushing foward in a way that makes sense for you.

I'm at T+11 days after my robotic mitral valve repair. Saw my surgeon's nurse today. Everything is looking good medically--I'm down to 1 prescription and 3 OTC medications. I'm increasing the number and length of my "rehab walks" each day. These are very slow and controlled walks--not a normal fitness pace. Today's milestone: 1 mile across 3 walks!!!