Had a wonderful day yesterday at the Hike and Bike event to help raise money for St.Mary's Cardiac Care. It was a day of celebrating heart health in all stages ...Read more
Had a wonderful day yesterday at the Hike and Bike event to help raise money for St.Mary's Cardiac Care. It was a day of celebrating heart health in all stages with family, friends and fellow Heart Warriors.
Graduation Day today from Cardiac Rehab. 12 weeks went by fast. What a great program with great caring people. The foundation is poured now I have to build ...Read more
Graduation Day today from Cardiac Rehab. 12 weeks went by fast. What a great program with great caring people. The foundation is poured now I have to build on this. Almost 5 months post surgery now. Thank you St.Mary's Cardiac Rehab Team. Thank You HVS community. đź«€
Sue Maize Fantastic Darrell—congratulations! Five months already, wow! You look great—continued strength an ... Read more
Hello Heart Warriors, Today marked my first day back to work! Tomorrow I'm 16 weeks post surgery. A little summery. 5:45 Ride 7.5 km to work Paced ...Read more
Hello Heart Warriors, Today marked my first day back to work! Tomorrow I'm 16 weeks post surgery. A little summery. 5:45 Ride 7.5 km to work Paced myself at work thankful that I am able to ease into things. 3:00 Ride back home. I feel great and so thankful for my Cardiac Team along with family and this site for information and support. I still have a month of Cardiac Rehab left and when that is finished I have to say I'm going to miss it. All the best to all you Heart Warriors in whatever stage you are at. Believe in yourself and know that your in good hands.
WEEK 9 Post Op Hello fellow Heart Warriors Things are moving along very well. Today was my first exercise class and it felt great. They kept a close ...Read more
WEEK 9 Post Op Hello fellow Heart Warriors Things are moving along very well. Today was my first exercise class and it felt great. They kept a close watch on me. They had me stay in my heart rate target range. Took a few blood pressure readings along the way. Using the elliptical and stationery bike. I am fortunate to have an elliptical at home to continue rehab at home. I also take rides on our city trails. It's hard to believe I could barely walk around the nurses station in the hospital without being exhausted. It's also nice to be able to work on my bikes out in the garage and have them ready once I get the green light to get on the real trials. 🚵 I will check out Brian's book recommendation as well. Thanks everyone here for your support and encouragement. 👍🏻❤️
Suzette Schear That’s awesome Darrell. Glad you’re doing well and making amazing strides in a safe way.
Diana Chamblin-Bevirt Great job Darrell, that must feel wonderful, and that is so encouraging to the rest of us!
Ana Brusso Great post Darrell. So glad you are doing so well. Continued good health and God bless you 🙏❤️ ... Read more
Ana Brusso Great post Darrell. So glad you are doing so well. Continued good health and God bless you 🙏❤️
Rose Madura Great report. You will be riding before you it
Daneen Douglas Great progress Darrell! It is hard to imagine where we were just weeks ago. You’ll be back on thos ... Read more
Daneen Douglas Great progress Darrell! It is hard to imagine where we were just weeks ago. You’ll be back on those trails in no time!
Valerie Allen I watched this yesterday. I had the same surgeon. It was an interesting podcast. Now I need to watch ... Read more
Valerie Allen I watched this yesterday. I had the same surgeon. It was an interesting podcast. Now I need to watch the movie.
Sue Maize That will be so neat for you Valerie! 🍠I feel chuffed when I come across a video on Youtube with ... Read more
Sue Maize That will be so neat for you Valerie! 🍠I feel chuffed when I come across a video on Youtube with my surgeon, but Netflix! Wow, that’s a whole other level! đźđź‘ŤđźŹ»
Darrell Malone @Valerie that is pretty neat that you have a personal connection. In my opinion I liked the intervie ... Read more
Darrell Malone @Valerie that is pretty neat that you have a personal connection. In my opinion I liked the interview better than the movie, I still enjoyed the movie though.
Valerie Allen Darrell, good to know! I think I am putting off the movie kind of subconsciously, as my surgery is st ... Read more
Valerie Allen Darrell, good to know! I think I am putting off the movie kind of subconsciously, as my surgery is still quite recent.
Darrell Malone Valerie, the Netflix movie has a lot more content about his NHL career vs. his surgery and recovery. ... Read more
Darrell Malone Valerie, the Netflix movie has a lot more content about his NHL career vs. his surgery and recovery. I didn't see anything graphic. But whenever your ready or feel like watching it, it will be there. 👍🏻
Week 8 + 1 Day Post op. LONG POST SORRY So today was the beginning of my cardiac rehabilitation. The dreaded stress test. It went pretty good although with... Read more
Week 8 + 1 Day Post op. LONG POST SORRY So today was the beginning of my cardiac rehabilitation. The dreaded stress test. It went pretty good although with my hip issue once I have to start trotting I tap out. Every 3 minutes they increase incline and speed so 10 minutes I was finished. The cardiologist mentioned that my heart muscle has weakened a little in comparison to my echo at discharge to my recent one a couple of weeks ago. So I'm going to have appointment with my regular cardiologist and see what he says. Not sure if anyone has experienced this?
Overall I feel amazing. Been working around the yard trimming trees ect. Walking. Today I was cleared to ride my bike but ONLY on flat city paths NO mountain biking! Yet. So naturally I came home ate lunch and went for a ride. Felt good! Dog was not into having a selfie
Daneen Douglas Darrell, do they normally do a stress test at the beginning of cardiac rehab? I haven’t been sched ... Read more
Daneen Douglas Darrell, do they normally do a stress test at the beginning of cardiac rehab? I haven’t been scheduled for an echo since before surgery?? I’ve only had an EKG. is that normal practice?
Sorry about your hip issue. If I walk awhile mine aches and is annoying. Glad you can finally ride your bike. That must be nice for you! Sounds like overall things went well.
Hope you get some answers regarding your heart muscle weakness. Please keep us posted.
J Alexander Lassally It is rare to do a stress test at rehab - that is a theoretically academic approach to it. My program ... Read more
J Alexander Lassally It is rare to do a stress test at rehab - that is a theoretically academic approach to it. My program just threw me on a treadmill for 40 minutes ! ( I manage my own rehab now with a trainer and it is nice). The weakened heart muscle thing is hard to determine. Mainly Ejection Fraction is a popular metric post surgery, and it almost always increases in time. Good luck
Paul Lebel lol it's even harder to get BOTH dogs to look.
I started rehab late. Hated it, down in a smal ... Read more
Paul Lebel lol it's even harder to get BOTH dogs to look.
I started rehab late. Hated it, down in a small windowless basement with a bunch of old unfit folks. I finally told the guy that it was taking up my time on the bike trails and pool lanes. He let me off the hook ;-)
Darrell Malone @Daneen maybe the stress test is something my centre does but I've seen some others here have done st ... Read more
Darrell Malone @Daneen maybe the stress test is something my centre does but I've seen some others here have done stress test before. I think it helps set up my exercise program with a baseline 🤷‍♂️
As for the echos I'm not sure. Possibly due to my Ross Procedure the echos are standard practice for my surgeon.
Wish I had better answers for you. Will update as I navigate through this chapter. Be well
Yumiko Ishida Glad you are now allowed to ride your bike, Darrell! I assume all the muscles, including the heart, w ... Read more
Yumiko Ishida Glad you are now allowed to ride your bike, Darrell! I assume all the muscles, including the heart, will be weaker after a long period of relative inactivity post surgery. Hopefully it’s just a matter of having to strengthen it back up, and that of course takes time.
Daneen, I have done cardiac rehab at two separate places and neither of them did a stress test, but I’ve seen a few people on this site mention it, so I think it really depends on the facility. I believe a follow up echo is standard. Mine was at 3 months, and I was told it is going to be my new baseline.
Valerie Allen I didn’t do a stress test either. Great progress Darrell!
Sue Maize You’re doing amazing Darrell—don’t let a few adjustment hiccups discourage you! I’m just gett ... Read more
Sue Maize You’re doing amazing Darrell—don’t let a few adjustment hiccups discourage you! I’m just getting to this now, totally missed it as I was still out when you posted. How’s the rehab going at this point? I just booked my first appointment—at Southlake in Newmarket you have 3 appointments before the actual rehab begins: intro, stress test and track trial. Maybe stress test is an OHIP regulation?
WEEK 7 Post Op update Well I have to say that I don't really have a lot of news. I'm feeling great. In fact it is hard to believe that just 7 weeks ago I... Read more
WEEK 7 Post Op update Well I have to say that I don't really have a lot of news. I'm feeling great. In fact it is hard to believe that just 7 weeks ago I had OHS. I bought a new bike (Mountain E-Bike) Sunday and took it for a quick test ride much to the shagrin of some of my family members. I couldn't pass up this deal! My first pedal assist. Now it's parked in the garage I will wait until I get the green light. For now I continue to walk and drive my better half crazy. I thought my cardiac rehab was this week but it's next Wednesday first step will be the stress test.
Take care Heart Valve Warriors I hope your journey's are going well too. I do enjoy reading each of your updates and progress.
Dan Fouratt Darrell, sounds like you are doing great. I am 9 weeks post OHS for a valve replacement. Like you ... Read more
Dan Fouratt Darrell, sounds like you are doing great. I am 9 weeks post OHS for a valve replacement. Like you I am just starting rehab with a stress test this Friday and M-W-F 7 am for the summer. Did you find it odd that the wait was so long? Good luck in rehab and in your recovery.
Darrell Malone At first I did wonder why so long. But now I think it's better, I feel ready for it. It must be the ... Read more
Darrell Malone At first I did wonder why so long. But now I think it's better, I feel ready for it. It must be the way it's done here as well. Have fun in rehab. Mine will be twice a week for 3 months.
Paul Lebel Have you considered a stand for your regular bike, so you could pedal in the safety of your living ro ... Read more
Paul Lebel Have you considered a stand for your regular bike, so you could pedal in the safety of your living room watching tv?
Sue Maize Amazing Darrell! You’re doing so well—your new bike is a great goal to look forward to. I want to ... Read more
Susan Lynn Keep up the great work, Darrell! That bike will be a great way to get back to life's great adventu... Read more
Susan Lynn Keep up the great work, Darrell! That bike will be a great way to get back to life's great adventures. Wishing you continued success with your recovery!
Dan Fouratt Darrell, Had the best questions asked at my stress test. "Are you familiar with the test?" A guy w ... Read more
Dan Fouratt Darrell, Had the best questions asked at my stress test. "Are you familiar with the test?" A guy who has had a bicuspid valve for over 30 years familiar with the test? She saw my face and answered her own question. Good luck on the test, I was nervous as I have held back some on my exercising in terms of slope.
Week 6 post op All going well each day. I would say I feel about 90% back to normal. Driving again so watch out ! Echo this Friday Couple of ...Read more
Week 6 post op All going well each day. I would say I feel about 90% back to normal. Driving again so watch out ! Echo this Friday Couple of more weeks before I go in for cardio rehab. First day is the Stress Test. Take care fellow Heart Warriors. One day at a time.
Daneen Douglas That is awesome Darrell! I think I feel about 70% at 4 weeks. One day at a time for sure!
Christine Maiorano Great news Darrell!!! Like you I’m 6 weeks post op and doing great, starting rehab in 2 weeks.
Suelynn Hanegraaf Same here, Daneen! Drove for the first time yesterday! Freedom. Feeling pretty darn good too. Startin ... Read more
Suelynn Hanegraaf Same here, Daneen! Drove for the first time yesterday! Freedom. Feeling pretty darn good too. Starting outpatient cardiac rehab in a week.
Week 5 post op. I have transitioned from days. Feeling great. Getting my step goal in everyday. I am able to do easy yard chores now but nothing crazy like... Read more
Week 5 post op. I have transitioned from days. Feeling great. Getting my step goal in everyday. I am able to do easy yard chores now but nothing crazy like mowing the grass that my son does. You start getting better and forget sometimes that oh I shouldn't try and move this! Still told that I can't ride my bike yet they tell me after 3 months. Eating and sleeping are back to normal however I'm still about 8lbs less then my pre op weight but doesn't seem to be a concern. All the best Heart Warriors stay positive and stay strong đź’Ş
Daneen Douglas You are rockin it Darrell! What is your step goal, BTW? So happy for you and your progress! Keep up ... Read more
Daneen Douglas You are rockin it Darrell! What is your step goal, BTW? So happy for you and your progress! Keep up the great work!
Valerie Allen You sound good! Keep up the great work!
Rose Madura Wonderful update. Listen to your doctors. You'll be able to ride that bike soon.
Darrell Malone @Daneen my goal is 8000 a day now. The reason I dislike walking and prefer to ride is actually due t... Read more
Darrell Malone @Daneen my goal is 8000 a day now. The reason I dislike walking and prefer to ride is actually due to a hip issue I have around 10000 steps I usually start to feel my hip acting up. also I don't do it all at once.
Daneen Douglas Yeah that makes sense. I can understand riding your bike will be helpful when you’re able. Hope you ... Read more
Daneen Douglas Yeah that makes sense. I can understand riding your bike will be helpful when you’re able. Hope you’ll be able to do that in the next couple weeks. I’m doing 3,000 steps right now and also not all at once. Was going to bump it up to 4,000 but have to get rid of this vertigo first! Seeing the docs today for my follow ups so we shall see.
Darrell Malone Hope that your appointment helps get your vertigo figured out. I have not had to deal with that. Keep ... Read more
Darrell Malone Hope that your appointment helps get your vertigo figured out. I have not had to deal with that. Keep doing what you can.
Yumiko Ishida Do you have access to a stationary bike? I imagine the bike restriction is similar to the driving res ... Read more
Yumiko Ishida Do you have access to a stationary bike? I imagine the bike restriction is similar to the driving restriction, in case of an accident, or maybe it has to do with the twisting motion? I’ve been having a foot issue that predates my surgery, so I can walk, and I did walk in the hospital, but mostly my form of exercise is on a stationary bike.
Darrell Malone @Yumiko I do not have a stationary bike but I do use an elliptical from time to time. It's nice and ... Read more
Darrell Malone @Yumiko I do not have a stationary bike but I do use an elliptical from time to time. It's nice and smooth I use it on the lowest setting. They don't want me to ride until 3 months in case I fall, I understand that. It's great to have an alternative though I'm glad you do also. Take care
Sue Maize You’re making wonderful progress Darrell! Well done! Think about a nice ride about mid-summer—I†... Read more
Sue Maize You’re making wonderful progress Darrell! Well done! Think about a nice ride about mid-summer—I’m sure there’s lots of great trails near KW. đźŠ
Day 28 Post Surgery Yes things move fast. I have mentioned before that walking is not a favorite activity for me, however I am walking everyday ...Read more
Day 28 Post Surgery Yes things move fast. I have mentioned before that walking is not a favorite activity for me, however I am walking everyday between 6000-10000 steps. Some I will do on the elliptical only on the lowest setting. Sleeping is getting better since I can side sleep sometimes so that helps. My energy is very good maybe because my appetite is much better and sleep is better too. I can't wait to get the thumbs up for getting back on the bike even if it's just the flat community trails. Take care Heart Warriors and good luck with your journey.
Sue Maize Wow, time flies! Wonderful progress Darrell—appreciate the update! You sound like you’re having a ... Read more
Daneen Douglas Sounds great Darrell! You’re doing awesome! I’m 16 days post op but only walking 3,000 steps righ ... Read more
Daneen Douglas Sounds great Darrell! You’re doing awesome! I’m 16 days post op but only walking 3,000 steps right now, but trying to increase a little each day. Maybe I’ll make it up to 6,000 by my 28th day!
I have been walking about 7500 steps a day now will try and increase a little as long as the body says so. I still do not ...Read more
DAY 21 after surgery
I have been walking about 7500 steps a day now will try and increase a little as long as the body says so. I still do not enjoy walking however! Appetite is almost back to normal and my senses are almost back to normal too. I found I was still foggy but it has seemed to cleared up. My focus is much better now. Sleeping at night is terrible yet. I'm not sure why? maybe the meds? I have an appointment with cardiologist this week so maybe I should ask him!
Overall I feel that I am improving everyday so that's the goal.
I hope everyone's journey goes well. Stay positive and the best advise here that is repeated many times over. Listen to your body.
Marie Myers Glad to hear things are going well with your recovery. Sleeping was tough for me also. It took months ... Read more
Marie Myers Glad to hear things are going well with your recovery. Sleeping was tough for me also. It took months for me to get back to better sleeping, and I think that happens to a lot of us..
Suelynn Hanegraaf Hi Darrell! I’m 21 days post-aortic valve “redo”replacement (full sternectomy) and I am taking ... Read more
Suelynn Hanegraaf Hi Darrell! I’m 21 days post-aortic valve “redo”replacement (full sternectomy) and I am taking two pleasant .7 mile outdoor walks a day. My meds were causing fatigue and thankfully my cardiologist removed one and split the dose on another. Maybe ask your cardiologist? I feel so much better during the day. Sleep is gradually getting better but my left back shoulder pain is the main cause along with side effects from the meds. I will begin 3 walks a today. You are motivating me!
Daneen Douglas That’s awesome Darrell! Continued recovery. Onward and upward! ❤️
Valerie Allen That’s an amazing amount of walking!
Rose Madura You are doing great! It wouldn't hurt to discuss that with your cardiologist. Sleep after OHS does ta ... Read more
Rose Madura You are doing great! It wouldn't hurt to discuss that with your cardiologist. Sleep after OHS does take time to get back to normal. Keep up the good work.
Sue Maize That’s amazing Darrell! Kudos to Dr. Ashe and to you for doing the work! Keep checking in! 🙌🏻 ... Read more
Sue Maize That’s amazing Darrell! Kudos to Dr. Ashe and to you for doing the work! Keep checking in! 🙌🏻
Awesome job!! I am also having a hard time sleeping. Thanks for sharing that. Glad you are doing gre... Read more
Awesome job!! I am also having a hard time sleeping. Thanks for sharing that. Glad you are doing great with everything else
Day 14 after surgery I am now able to walk further without stopping My appetite is better My senses are coming back to normal, taste, smell Had ...Read more
Day 14 after surgery I am now able to walk further without stopping My appetite is better My senses are coming back to normal, taste, smell Had a minor setback last week but got that all sorted out with a visit to the family doctor. Incision is healing really well. Still not sleeping great at night. Things move fast in recovery and I can't wait to get back on my bike because I really am not a fan of walking.
I hope everyone's journey is going well.
Ana Brusso Congratulations Darrell. You will be riding your bike in no time, just be patient and take it one day ... Read more
Ana Brusso Congratulations Darrell. You will be riding your bike in no time, just be patient and take it one day at a time. God bless you 🙏❤️
Grace Mason Great post Darrell. Glad to hear you are doing well.❤️
Sue Maize This sounds amazing Darrell—you are definitely getting better with each day and it won’t be long ... Read more
Robert Miller Sounds like you are doing well. Looks like you are doing mountain biking. That's harder on your chest ... Read more
Robert Miller Sounds like you are doing well. Looks like you are doing mountain biking. That's harder on your chest (lots of vibration) and falls can be bad. So make sure you wait 12 weeks or whatever your doctor tells you.
Hello HVS I got to come home yesterday and it felt great. Since my surgery I have definitely had good, bad and ugly days. The ugly for me was the ...Read more
Hello HVS I got to come home yesterday and it felt great. Since my surgery I have definitely had good, bad and ugly days. The ugly for me was the bowels but finally seems to have worked out (no pun intended). The bad I would say was just being at the hospital I was inching to get home. The good I would say was great to. I had a great support team in the hospital who new what they were doing. My surgeon I would say has great knowledge and instincts who is very reassuring when sometimes you might feel overwhelmed. My family support was great too always by my side. My wife especially even dealing with her own challenges is literally my strength and rock.
Side Note- Has anyone experienced their senses being super sensitive. Smells can be overwhelming, temperatures, taste, sight like can't focus long with phone (maybe a good thing) and even just emotions?
Hello HVS. Doing pretty good. Sure takes a lot out of you. I've have been up for walks. I did have some nausea but I think I'm on the right track.
Susan Dunne Heart valve warrior. Glad to see you are doing well. I had my surgery FEb. 19 and I am doing great ... Read more
Susan Dunne Heart valve warrior. Glad to see you are doing well. I had my surgery FEb. 19 and I am doing great ...so will you be. Take things as they come. Don't try to rush them. Time has really improved things with me and it will help you heal too. You made it. Keep us posted on your recovery. 👍🙋
Have catheterization scheduled March 8. Boy am I nervous about this due to the fact I will not be knocked out. Although I have read the information booklet ...Read more
Have catheterization scheduled March 8. Boy am I nervous about this due to the fact I will not be knocked out. Although I have read the information booklet it doesn't really help with my anxiety because it's just a booklet after all!
Pam Dahl My husband had this last week and did great. Luckily they went through the wrist. He said he didn†... Read more
Pam Dahl My husband had this last week and did great. Luckily they went through the wrist. He said he didn’t feel anything and the procedure itself was only about 20 minutes. Best of luck to you.
Darrell Malone Thank you. All the best to both of you as well
Darrell Malone Well that step is done. All went well. Easy Peasy. Was worried for nothing. Staff was great. Didn't ... Read more
Darrell Malone Well that step is done. All went well. Easy Peasy. Was worried for nothing. Staff was great. Didn't really feel anything.
Hello, I joined here a
little while back. So grateful to have a site like this. I have been
hesitant to post anything. I am getting much closer to having ...Read more
Hello, I joined here a
little while back. So grateful to have a site like this. I have been
hesitant to post anything. I am getting much closer to having my bicuspid
valve taken care of. Still have some test to do. Because of this
site I have a much better understanding and have been able to make more
informed decisions a long the way so far. Thanks to all the Doctors here,
Adam and all the other folks having gone through or are like me starting this
journey.
Hello, I joined here a little while back. So grateful to have a site like this. I have been hesitant to post anything. I am getting much closer to having ...Read more
Hello, I joined here a little while back. So grateful to have a site like this. I have been hesitant to post anything. I am getting much closer to having my bicuspid valve taken care of. Still have some test to do. Because of this site I have a much better understanding and have been able to make more informed decisions a long the way so far. Thanks to all the Doctors here, Adam and all the other folks having gone through or are like me starting this journey.