I had aortic valve replacement on January 24th. They also did a graft on my aorta. I've been trying to get back into training slowly but each time I do, I ...Read more
I had aortic valve replacement on January 24th. They also did a graft on my aorta. I've been trying to get back into training slowly but each time I do, I sent up with sternum pain that lasts approx. three days. I would think by this time it would not be an issue. I read so many conflicting things. My regular cardio doctor says they are used to treating patients older than me (will be 60 in June) and less active. My heart rate stays pretty high for me and that is a concern. I want to be able to train and do another Ironman in 2018. I worry about what is normal for me as far as pain and recovery, what I can do without worrying about things. I have been walking long distances, have done a few spin classes which really driving HR up, some light weights at home. I have not even approached light running, cycling outside, or swimming yet because I'm afraid too based on discomfort I get from elevating heart rate doing the other things. No one seems to have any answers for me. I lost 3 days of work last week due to rib pain and spasms in my back. I did a sub 15 minute mile for 13.1 mile walk and light crunches on Saturday, felt good on Sunday and went forward with much needed housework. I think the housework was the kicker. Mon - Wed were very uncomfortable. I don't know how to start and how to finish any more and I worry that things might not be working properly.
Terrie Hodges Debbie ...I am new here...AVR 4/24/17...did you go to Cardiac Rehab? I would send Cathleen Dewitt a n ... Read more
Terrie Hodges Debbie ...I am new here...AVR 4/24/17...did you go to Cardiac Rehab? I would send Cathleen Dewitt a note on her Journal page...She is a nurse and 4 x AVR patient...+ personal trainer, fitness guru, cookbook writer+ great question responderšGlad you are asking and not suffering in confusion and silence...
Rita Savelis You sound in good shape but recovery is different for everyone. It's hard to say what is normal, exce ... Read more
Rita Savelis You sound in good shape but recovery is different for everyone. It's hard to say what is normal, except that sternum pain/awareness can last for a long time and it is easy to do something too tiring/strenuous. So you have to learn to understand your own body and where it is now. It is still so very very early after your surgery. Your body needs time to recover from the ordeal it went through. It is hard not to be impatient and to want to be just like before or better than before. I think this is especially hard for those in great shape and used to working out (doing Ironmans) etc. Be easy on yourself and you will see that you will be able to do all the working out you need, but maybe not exactly on your timetable.
Take care.
Paul Wells Could be that you re injure your sternum each time. There are about 5 steps to bone repair. It's not ... Read more
Paul Wells Could be that you re injure your sternum each time. There are about 5 steps to bone repair. It's not a simple thing. Even when the pain is gone doesn't nessasary mean the bone is ready for stress.
The high heart rate... That gets better but takes longer than you expect. Your heart can't maximize your new valve yet.
Lots of suture lines on your heart to heal. The heart needs to reshape itself, retime, rework electrical pathways around scar tissue. It's trying to understand the new chamber pressures and flow rates , the sympathetic, parasympathetic system are out of balance.
It's not as simple as some Doctors let on.
Take care.
The high heart rate... That gets better but takes longer than you expect. Your heart can't maximize your new valve yet.
Lots of suture lines on your heart to heal. The heart needs to reshape itself, retime, rework electrical pathways around scar tissue. It's trying to understand the new chamber pressures and flow rates , the sympathetic, parasympathetic system are out of balance.
It's not as simple as some Doctors let on.