elisseo chiodi - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

902 days ago

Hi all, I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve when I was 3 and have been fit and healthy plying soccer every year since I was 5. I am now 21 and a recent ...Read more

Hi all, I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve when I was 3 and have been fit and healthy plying soccer every year since I was 5. I am now 21 and a recent checkup in June found my aortic valve leak to go from mild towards severe. I had no symptoms and it was quite the shock as I enjoy being very active playing soccer and going for runs, walks etc. I have just had my aortic valve repair surgery on the 24/11/21 and it was a great success and I am recovering well in hospital. I have just found this great community and was wondering if there is anyone in a similar position with any tips on post op? Also what it is like with exercise and activities etc. post aortic valve repair as mentioned I enjoy being quite active and playing soccer etc so I would love to try to go back to a similar lifestyle once I have fully recovered. Thankyou all for listening to my story.

Rose Madura Welcome to the site. I'm glad your surgery was a success. I'm much older than you and undoubtedly ... Read more

Rose Madura Welcome to the site. I'm glad your surgery was a success. I'm much older than you and undoubtedly less active however, I think a good piece of advice is to listen to your body and don't rush your recovery. It will come and before you know it, you will feel better than you've ever felt. There are many young persons who lead very active lives post surgery. Best wishes to you and please keep us updated.

Marie Myers Good advice from Rose. I had a bicuspid valve and 2 aneurysms replaced at age 63. I had been pretty a ... Read more

Marie Myers Good advice from Rose. I had a bicuspid valve and 2 aneurysms replaced at age 63. I had been pretty active before my surgery, playing tennis and horseback riding. I was lucky to have an uncomplicated surgery and recovery, and so felt well enough to return to work part time in 8 weeks. I also started cardiac rehab at 3 weeks post surgery, and that helped with building my stamina and confidence. After a year, I felt everything was back to normal, and returned to playing tennis and riding. You have to go by how you feel, and what your doctors say. Better not to rush yourself to meet any self-imposed timelines. Wishing you all the best!