6 years post op and life is good, looking back, some of the decisions I had to make were a bit difficult, such as the type of heart valve I should get to replace ...Read more
6 years post op and life is good, looking back, some of the decisions I had to make were a bit difficult, such as the type of heart valve I should get to replace my diseased bicuspid aortic valve. And the fear, most of which was natural, but not necessary. I wanted to be the same person after my operation as I was before. At a healthy 65 years old they wanted to give me a mechanical valve, but I loved the active life I was living and didn't want that to change. Not to mention those all inclusive holidays in tropical countries 🤔 So far, my bovine bio prosthetic valve has done exactly that. My recent physical did not show any change or deterioration at all and life is good. We are so blessed to live in a time, that most heart valve operations are no longer dangerous like they used to be, instead a operation completed daily. My suggestions would be to try to relax and accept the inevitable, and try to be as healthy and physically active, both before and after the operation. Embrace the operation that will save your life, and hopefully enrich it as well. all the best my heart friends, you can do this 🙏
Valerie Allen Thank you for sharing. I’m going to read this one when I’m frightened!
Rose Madura Great to hear from you Gerald! And your words of wisdom will help those in the waiting room.
Gerald Poulton Good for you Valerie, I read your story and it sounds like you have a bit of time yet, I would sugges ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Good for you Valerie, I read your story and it sounds like you have a bit of time yet, I would suggest you get out and walk every day, to build the lungs, it is amazing how much lung capacity you lose from the operation, so the more you can exercise the lungs before your operation, the better the chance of building them back up after, I was walking 10k a day when I went n and it helps 👍fear is normal, but sometimes the biggest fear is fear itself. Some have a harder time then others but I was amazed how fast recovery went, life is good
Gerald Poulton Thanks Rose, good to see you are still here and I assume doing well, I dont get here often but yes, i ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Thanks Rose, good to see you are still here and I assume doing well, I dont get here often but yes, it is good to pass on positive stories to those that still have to go through what we did. Take care
Valerie Allen Thanks Gerald. I need a knee replacement too, which hampers some activity but perhaps pool walking or ... Read more
Valerie Allen Thanks Gerald. I need a knee replacement too, which hampers some activity but perhaps pool walking or at least stepping it up a bit can be worked on.
Gerald Poulton Pool walking is a great idea 👍 then you get a bit more resistance with the water and it works your ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Pool walking is a great idea 👍 then you get a bit more resistance with the water and it works your lungs good as well, I cant emphasize enough how every drop of pre readiness, helps you come through both the surgery and recovery. An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure or recovery 😀
Hello all, its been almost 5 years since I had my bicuspid aortic calve replaced with a bovine bio prosthetic valve. life is great and at 70 I am so... Read more
Hello all, its been almost 5 years since I had my bicuspid aortic calve replaced with a bovine bio prosthetic valve. life is great and at 70 I am so grateful for the choices I made. I am just wondering how many with the same procedure, have either a yearly ultrasound or EKG. If so, which one do you have. Although I am doing great with no signs of failure, I like to be on the safe side and have the ultrasound every year, but my doctor does not always agree. thank you and all the best to all !
Rose Madura Hi Gerald, it's good to hear from you. I've gotten an EKG annually but not an echo. I see my cardiol ... Read more
Rose Madura Hi Gerald, it's good to hear from you. I've gotten an EKG annually but not an echo. I see my cardiologist in July and expect he'll order an echo since it will be 5 years next month. Hope all is well with you.
Gerald Poulton Hi Rose, good to hear from you and that you are doing great ! Time flies but life is good , thanks fo ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hi Rose, good to hear from you and that you are doing great ! Time flies but life is good , thanks for stopping by and saying hello, life is good, we are all blessed. Happy 5th
Civita Fahey Hi I have yearly US to check on the valve. I also have 4.1 cm aorta they check, but its been the same ... Read more
Civita Fahey Hi I have yearly US to check on the valve. I also have 4.1 cm aorta they check, but its been the same for 5 years now.
Gerald Poulton Hi and great news Civita, glad to hear your valve is doing great as well ! Thanks for the reply and h ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hi and great news Civita, glad to hear your valve is doing great as well ! Thanks for the reply and here is to another great year
Wow how time flies when your busy, happy and healthy.
Hello fellow heart people 😍 I was one of the lucky people to be born with a bicuspid aortic valve ...Read more
Wow how time flies when your busy, happy and healthy.
Hello fellow heart people 😍 I was one of the lucky people to be born with a bicuspid aortic valve which caused my aortic artery
aneurysm. 9 months ago, at the young age of 65 I had the full Sternotomy, a 🐂 Bioprosthetic valve installed and my aneurysm repaired. My operation went great as did my recovery. I suffered very little pain, much easier than anticipated or should I say, feared and other than discomfort the worst part about my recovery was my impatience to be well again. Sometimes the biggest fear is fearitselff.
So you ask why was I lucky to be born with a bicuspid valve. Well when my friends are having heart attacks and dying, that is something I don't really have to worry about. You see my arteries were clear, and after my surgery I asked my specialist, if they weren't clogged up after 65 years, do I have to worry about them clogging up now, his response was no.
So life is great and I am grateful. All the best to those of you that are awaiting surgery, my best advice is to be positive and embrace the operation that is going to save your life. We are so fortunate.
Phyllis Petersen Good to hear from you and that you are continuing to do well.
Lilly Black Gerald, congratulations on feeling well! I totally hear you. My arteries are clear as well. Yes you a ... Read more
Lilly Black Gerald, congratulations on feeling well! I totally hear you. My arteries are clear as well. Yes you are lucky that the BAV has not created additional problems. Some are not so lucky.....they have aneurysms elsewhere in their body, or they acquire infections in their heart, etc. But I hear you.....let's be happy and grateful when we can be, because those days are so precious! Don't worry....be happy!
Michael Eichhorn Thanks for posting Gerald! I am scheduled for surgery on May15th Aortic Anuerysm 4.9cm Ascending and ... Read more
Michael Eichhorn Thanks for posting Gerald! I am scheduled for surgery on May15th Aortic Anuerysm 4.9cm Ascending and Root. I also have chose Bovine instead of mechanical. Great to hear from those before me. Helps with anxiety for sure. Did you have Root repair also?
Gerald Poulton I had the valve replaced and the aortic artery aneurysm repaired. It is a complicated surgery but it ... Read more
Gerald Poulton I had the valve replaced and the aortic artery aneurysm repaired. It is a complicated surgery but it is also a surgery that is performed probably almost every minute of the day. They get lots of practice and know what they are doing.
From my research, on my journal, the On X is the best mechanical and the bovine the best tissue valve. May 15th is a good day and the first day of the rest of your life. All the best my friend.
Kathi Mancuso Hi Gerald!!
It was so good to see your familiar name and post along with all the newbie posts here . ... Read more
Kathi Mancuso Hi Gerald!!
It was so good to see your familiar name and post along with all the newbie posts here . Glad you are doing great. I am 7 months and my story is the same as yours! I chose the bovine also instead of mechanical. Surgery went great..... recovery a breeze.....and I am back being myself And am very grateful for my team at Loma Linda University!
Hello fellow heart people 😍 I was one of the lucky people to be born with a bicuspid aortic valve which caused my aortic artery aneurism. 8 months ago, ...Read more
Hello fellow heart people 😍 I was one of the lucky people to be born with a bicuspid aortic valve which caused my aortic artery aneurism. 8 months ago, at the young age of 65 I had the full Sternotomy, a 🐂 Bioprosthetic valve installed and my aneurism repaired. My operation went great as did my recovery. I suffered very little pain, much easier than anticipated or should I say, feared and other than discomfort the worst part about my recovery was my impatience to be well again. At one week post op I was having a picnic on the beach with my lovely wife, at 9 1/2 weeks I joined my family in a 10 K run, although my doctor had only cleared me to run one kilometer so I ran one then walked and continued to run and walk until I ran across the finish line.
At 13 weeks I was cautiously loading, unloading and stacking 3 cords of firewood, it just goes to show you how far one can recover, one step or one piece of firewood at a time. Now it has been 8 months and I just returned from a 50 minute jog, in preparation for the Times Columnist 10 K run in Victoria on the 29th. This time I will not be walking, I will be running all the way.
I was very fortunate in that I was physically active, was in good condition and had clear arteries when I went into surgery.
Why am I telling you all this ? Because I want you to know that for most, this operation is not nearly as bad as we all fear and there is hope to not only have an operation that is going to save your life but also to make you better and healthier than before. If you are facing surgery like I was, feel free to read through my journal and hopefully you can learn some things from my experience. A big thank you to all those who went before me and wrote your stories and positive thoughts and prayers for those who follow. 🙏👍
Gina Fiorentino Thank you for sharing. Most inspiring! I read one of your previous posts right before my surgery, and ... Read more
Gina Fiorentino Thank you for sharing. Most inspiring! I read one of your previous posts right before my surgery, and made it to the beach a week after surgery as well. It felt good to see the ocean, breathe in the salt air and feel the sun on my skin.
Marie Myers Amen and Congrats on your anniversary! It is truly an amazing journey...
I am approximatly 6 1/2 months post op for aortic valve replacement and aortic artery anurism repair. Last night I woke with the realization that something ...Read more
I am approximatly 6 1/2 months post op for aortic valve replacement and aortic artery anurism repair. Last night I woke with the realization that something had changed, the louder than normal heart beat that I have experienced since my operation seems to have gone. It would be particularly loud if I inhaled deeply and held my breath. I understood that this would not go away due to the cutting open of the pericardium, but I must say, I sure dont miss hearing it.
Toni Z That’s great to hear! I’m 4 weeks and it’s really loud. I hope mine will eventually quiet down ... Read more
Toni Z That’s great to hear! I’m 4 weeks and it’s really loud. I hope mine will eventually quiet down too.
Marie Myers I still have it, here at 11 months post op. Wish mine would disappear, but am thinking it is forever. ... Read more
Marie Myers I still have it, here at 11 months post op. Wish mine would disappear, but am thinking it is forever...I only feel it during a deep breath or while holding my breath.
Wow how time has flown. The energy has returned and the heart pounding has all but gone away. My blood pressure is again what it was post op, usally around ...Read more
Wow how time has flown. The energy has returned and the heart pounding has all but gone away. My blood pressure is again what it was post op, usally around 112/70. The best news is that my heart rate is gradually slowing down, usually the mid 60's and it even got back into the high 50's a couple of times.
I am not walking as much lately, work gets in the way but I have been doing a lot more jogging to make up for it. Between the jogging, carrying firewood every day and back to some light weight training, feeling great and life is good. I am blessed.
For those of you waiting for surgery or in early recovery, you can do this. It has not been near as bad as I feared or expected and it took me longer many years ago to heal from a broken leg and with less pain. Just remember to give yourself time to heal and when you are able do lots of walking or whatever exercise you can do and get your heart and lungs back in shape.
Leslie Bakos Nice update Gerald....glad you are wrapping up 2016 on a positive note.
Lilly Black Gerald, good to hear! I had a similar experience as well about 10 weeks out. My heart rate and BP lev ... Read more
Lilly Black Gerald, good to hear! I had a similar experience as well about 10 weeks out. My heart rate and BP leveled to my normal rate and BP which is about 60BPM 111/78.....on or about. No meds needed. Congratulations on a successful heart journey!
jackie Taylor so happy to read these posts. My surgery is January 4th and it is so encouraging to know you are well ... Read more
jackie Taylor so happy to read these posts. My surgery is January 4th and it is so encouraging to know you are well..Happy New Year.
I was in good physical health going into this operation and now with no diseased parts I am healthier yet. I had a bicuspid aortic valve and aortic artery ...Read more
I was in good physical health going into this operation and now with no diseased parts I am healthier yet. I had a bicuspid aortic valve and aortic artery aneurism. One of those congenital defects that we have no control over. I feel very fortunate in that my surgery and recovery has gone very well and I would like to state my appreciation to my surgeon and his team as well as the cow , no doubt a bull 🐂 That donated my new valve. I found the operstion and recovery far less than I anticipated or feared and my pain was minimal and actually more discomfort than pain. Yesterday and today I wore a holter monitor just to insure that all is well with my heart beat regularity, to give them something to look at I ran for 1/2 an hour and later stacked two loads of firewood into my truck and unloaded them as well. Living and loving life and wishing you all as smooth a journey as I have had. PS, a big thank you to the people that post here and offer their encouagenent and support, you all rock 👍
Lilly Black Great post! It's awesome to hear how well you are doing. I can relate. I feel healthier and younger t ... Read more
Lilly Black Great post! It's awesome to hear how well you are doing. I can relate. I feel healthier and younger than my fifties! You rock, Gerald....there's also something to be said about gratefulness. It gives you a zest for life. Thank you for bringing me back to a place where I would rather be😊✌️❣️
John Dodson Loading and stacking firewood, twow, hat’s really great Gerald, I’m looking forward to the advan ... Read more
John Dodson Loading and stacking firewood, twow, hat’s really great Gerald, I’m looking forward to the advancing weeks that is for sure. After AVR they found that I had a bi-cuspid valve, I think they could not tell because of all the calcium!
Rose Madura Great and encouraging post Gerald. Glad you are doing so well. Like John, they couldn't tell if I h ... Read more
Rose Madura Great and encouraging post Gerald. Glad you are doing so well. Like John, they couldn't tell if I had a bucuspid valve due to the calcification. I found out after the surgery. It seems it must be pretty common? At any rate, keep up the good work!
Gerald Poulton Thanks Lilly, glad to hear you are feeling so good, feel 50 look 50 👍
I find the walking fast or ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Thanks Lilly, glad to hear you are feeling so good, feel 50 look 50 👍
I find the walking fast or jogging or hauling wood, not only helps me keep my weight down but also helps me feel fit and great, You will be here soon Bob, did another cord yesterday and one more to do on the weekend, thanks Rose, a bicuspid valve is very common but the usually detect them earlier as a murmer if you do regular physical checkups.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Enjoyed reading your post.
Nice to also thank the donor of the valve!
Have no aspirations to load ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Enjoyed reading your post.
Nice to also thank the donor of the valve!
Have no aspirations to load firewood, but if I can "shop till I drop", life will be good.
Lisa Courkamp Thank you, for sharing Gerald! I hope your post op recovery is going very, very well! =)
It was 2 months for me on Wednesday and I am feeling GREAT 💪. I walk / mix jog 3 to 7 miles most days. The only residual effects from my surgery are the ...Read more
It was 2 months for me on Wednesday and I am feeling GREAT 💪. I walk / mix jog 3 to 7 miles most days. The only residual effects from my surgery are the scar on my chest which has healed up and the chest hair has grown back as well as my my lifting restriction. I would have posted a picture of my scar but last time I did that one woman asked if it could be considered scar porn 😀. The surgeons can do some remarkable things these days, the cow 🐂can or pig 🐖can provide you with new valve tissue but getting yourself in better heath and physical condition after surgery is up to you. I wish you all a successful surgery and a speedy, non eventful recovery.
YOU CAN DO THIS👍
John Dodson Gerald, what were your weight restrictions and for how long? Also, after doing your 3-7 miles, how f ... Read more
John Dodson Gerald, what were your weight restrictions and for how long? Also, after doing your 3-7 miles, how fatigued are you - do you lie down and take a nap, or just continue with your day? e.g. do you recover quickly? Thanks for the encouragement - it won't be long until I pop up on the "upcoming surgeries" list.
Gerald Poulton Hi John,weight restriction is not lifting more than 10 lbs and I think t goes till 3 months, I will b ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hi John,weight restriction is not lifting more than 10 lbs and I think t goes till 3 months, I will be careful after though because it takes 6 months for the sternum to completely heal. If you take rehad I am sure they will give you more guidance, because of my condition, activity and my past working in health clubs and as a fitness instructor, my Dr said he would sign me up for rehab if I wanted but he thought I would be bored..
As for the walking / jogging, up to about 4-5 weeks I would be a bit tired and nappy after but not now, I just continue with my day. I walk/run with a heart monitor and my pulse, which still runs a bit faster than before, recovers quickly. After the weekend hike I was feeling it but there were a lot of steep inclines and stairs and I dont think it bothered me anymore than it would have pre surgery. Life us good !
John Dodson Thanks Gerald, a lot of this stuff is probably covered in Adam's book, which I need to download. So ... Read more
John Dodson Thanks Gerald, a lot of this stuff is probably covered in Adam's book, which I need to download. So great to hear you're do so well!
Hello all, for those of you that do not know, I am 7 1/2 weeks post opp from a bicuspid aortic valve replacement and aortic artery aneurism repair with a full ...Read more
Hello all, for those of you that do not know, I am 7 1/2 weeks post opp from a bicuspid aortic valve replacement and aortic artery aneurism repair with a full Sternotomy. Today my wife and I hiked the Elk Falls canyon view trail. The hiking trail follows rivers, goes across a suspension bridge and works its way up paths and stairs increasing elevation to a lookout over the falls. Last week my internal medicine specialist gave me permission to start jogging again so we also jogged quite a bit of the trail as well. I had an ironman heart monitor watch prior to my surgery and I find this to be an invaluable tool post surgety to ensure that I am not overstressing my heart.
65 years young and living and loving life 💪
Gerald Poulton If your interested
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g181792-d4751695-Reviews-Elk_Falls_Pr ... Read more
Gerald Poulton If your interested
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g181792-d4751695-Reviews-Elk_Falls_Provincial_Park-Campbell_River_Vancouver_Island_British_Columbia.html
Elk Falls Provincial Park, Campbell River: See 558 reviews, articles, and 350 photos of Elk Falls Provincial Park, ranked No.1 on TripAdvisor among 47 attractions in Campbell River.
Melanie Alvarez Now to top it all off I'm getting really good head cold
Steve Farthing Sounds like a great hike. And another quick recovery milestone.
Scott BLAIR That is really a motivatong post. I am 5 weeks post mitral valve replacement. While I am doing fairly ... Read more
Scott BLAIR That is really a motivatong post. I am 5 weeks post mitral valve replacement. While I am doing fairly well in recovery I can't see myself hiking (what we call tramping in New Zealand) at 7 and a half weeks! Weldone.
Joey Hardee So awesome, Gerald! Thanks for sharing with us. It is quite inspiring.
Civita Fahey what kind of heart monitor is that Gerald. I find that the fitbits are not accurate when you aren't a ... Read more
Civita Fahey what kind of heart monitor is that Gerald. I find that the fitbits are not accurate when you aren't at rest.. I would like one that goes around the chest? Is that what you have? thanks
Rose Madura At 7-1/2 weeks, you are doing great! Congratulations.
Gerald Poulton Thanks people, I just want it to give hope to others👍You Can recover
hi Civita, yes mine has the ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Thanks people, I just want it to give hope to others👍You Can recover
hi Civita, yes mine has the chest strap and is very accurate unlike the wrist models, when I check it against my blood pressure monitor the pulse rate is the same, mine is like this, also good when not used for the heart monitor it is a great watch, stop watch etc.
https://www.amazon.ca/Timex-Ironman-Trainer-Heart-Monitor/dp/B001GWYACK
Maureen Sovern WOW, I'm 5 weeks and I'm doing 2 miles thinking I was a rock star lol....I'll have to step up my game ... Read more
Maureen Sovern WOW, I'm 5 weeks and I'm doing 2 miles thinking I was a rock star lol....I'll have to step up my game!
Gerald Poulton Hi Maureen, Recovery is different for different people, I was doing this regularly 2 months ago, and ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hi Maureen, Recovery is different for different people, I was doing this regularly 2 months ago, and jogging it before that, you are doing great, just dont overdo it. 👍
Rodney Barnes My surgery is scheduled for Nov 3. I am very active. I ride 100 miles a week and swim 4 hours each we ... Read more
Rodney Barnes My surgery is scheduled for Nov 3. I am very active. I ride 100 miles a week and swim 4 hours each week. I am concerned about my recovery and what level of activity I will be looking at.
Gerald Poulton Hi Rodney, you sound very fit so that helps a lot. Other issues are age and if you are on any meds. I ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hi Rodney, you sound very fit so that helps a lot. Other issues are age and if you are on any meds. It also depends what kind of surgery you need, non evasive, mini or full sternotomy etc. You probably wont be able to ride your bike or swim for a while.
Many of us have wrestled with this decision so I wanted to share an article that helped me make my decision. First I would like to say that a tissue valve is ...Read more
Many of us have wrestled with this decision so I wanted to share an article that helped me make my decision. First I would like to say that a tissue valve is not for everyone, a main concern is your age because they dont last forever but to me a bigger concern is your general physical health and condition. The manufactures say 10-20 years but that changes depending on your age as they degrade or calcify faster the younger you are. Although my cardiologist and surgeon recommended a mechanical valve for me, I chose the tissue valve and my research as well as my cardiologist and surgeon recommended the Edwards Bovine pericardial valve. I hope this helps but do the research as you get to live with your decision.You have to click on the url as it doesn't attach the complete article, Happy and healthy life to all of you 😍
They are also making great progress on the TAVR, Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, which may be an alternative to another OHS when my valce wears out in 25 years 🙏
https://www.drugs.com/news/study-tissue-heart-valves-seem-best-middle-aged-patients-59717.html
Kathi Mancuso Thanks !!!!! An Informative read!
I have my mind made up as of yesterday to a tissue Valve ......your ... Read more
Kathi Mancuso Thanks !!!!! An Informative read!
I have my mind made up as of yesterday to a tissue Valve ......your article just confirmed my thoughts.
Now wonder how I know which tissue valve to decide on ??????
Thanks again !!!
Gerald Poulton The Edwards Bovine seems to be amoung the best and most popular, also my surgeon is a real perfection ... Read more
Gerald Poulton The Edwards Bovine seems to be amoung the best and most popular, also my surgeon is a real perfectionist and that is the only tissue valve he will use, I suggest talking to your surgeon. Hope your operation goes great 👍
Craig Irving I'm 37 and I chose Edwards bovine over a mechanical valve. After the surgery my doctor said that he p ... Read more
Craig Irving I'm 37 and I chose Edwards bovine over a mechanical valve. After the surgery my doctor said that he put a monster valve in that could probably be TAVRed 4 times. I don't know about all of that, but I do know that the potential for better valves and technology is always possible, and I was most afraid that if I chose a mechanical valve that I could be stuck for life with an obsolete piece of equipment. Maybe a mechanical valve that is quiet and Coumadin free could come out, a Tissue valve that last forever, or biotech valves that use your own tissue are all possible on the horizon.
Gerald Poulton Good point Craig, I wondered what you chose, it will be very interesting to see what the future bring ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Good point Craig, I wondered what you chose, it will be very interesting to see what the future brings in the way of heart valves and procedures. There has been so much progress in recent years, The sky may be the limit.
John Dodson Thanks Gerald, great idea for a topic and of course very timely for me. The two valves my surgeon ta ... Read more
John Dodson Thanks Gerald, great idea for a topic and of course very timely for me. The two valves my surgeon talked about were the Edwards Bovine for tissue and the On-X for mechanical. I told him I was 99% sure I'd go for the tissue valve, but have until the day of surgery to change my mind. One interesting comment he made; he said he would not install a 19mm (the smallest) tissue valve, as tissue valves have some built in stenosis anyway and he felt not much gain by installing the smallest - so the choice is to enlarge the opening surgically (to go up two sizes) or install 19mm mechanical. I opted for the additional surgery... too weird expecting one valve and then getting another.
Craig here is a paper, it's a little dated, published in 2015, that reinforces your decision, titled: Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: Biologic Valves Are Better Even in the Young Patient -- it presents a number of new angles I had not considered.
http://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2015/03/03/09/28/surgical-aortic-valve-replacement-biologic-valves-are-better-even-in-the-young-patient
The current American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) guidelines recommend that biologic valves are reasonable in patients aged 70 or above (Class IIa recommendation), whereas a mechanical valve is reasonable for patients below 60 years of age (Class IIa recommendation) 1. While the guidelines make clear that patient choice and willingness to take anticoagulation should be the major factor in deciding valve choice, these two recommendations reflect the dominating dichotomy in surgical valve replacement – young patients preferentially receive mechanical valves while older patients receive biologic valves. We provide the rationale for consideration of biologic valves as a primary choice for aortic valve replacement in adults below 70 years of age. Majority of data on biologic aortic valve replacement derives from studies of stented porcine and pericardial valves – we limit this discussion to these valve types. Separate considerations may apply to other biologic valve choices including stentless xenografts, and human valves (autografts and allografts).
Gerald Poulton Hi John, smart Dr. I have heard of doctors putting in 2 small a valve and had to relace it. The advan ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hi John, smart Dr. I have heard of doctors putting in 2 small a valve and had to relace it. The advantage of the larger valve is if they choose to do a TAVR later but they usually try to put the same size or a size larger for maximum flow results. I too was 99% on the tissue but I did give serious thought and research to the mechanical and ONYX.
Craig Wise I also had the Edwards bovine AVR in May 2017.
Barbra Allen Thanks again Geraldine, very informative.
Got the a clean bill of health, tissue valve is functioning as it should be, off all meds and nice to be drivivg again. I got the okay to extend my daily walks ...Read more
Got the a clean bill of health, tissue valve is functioning as it should be, off all meds and nice to be drivivg again. I got the okay to extend my daily walks to over 6 miles and start jogging again but getting into it slowly up to the 2 month point. I guess it is hard on the sternum and we dont want to jog that loose, so I can be patient. I have said it before and will agsin for those who are pre surgery. It is not the same for all but for me this procedure has been relatively painless and WAY easier than I could have ever imagined😀 All the best to those going into surgery and to those already on the recovery road.
Beth Saunders Great job, Gerald! Very inspiring to read your journal. It has been only 8 days since my surgery and ... Read more
Beth Saunders Great job, Gerald! Very inspiring to read your journal. It has been only 8 days since my surgery and I am doing great pain wise- heart functioning well- but a broken bone has to be given time to heal and you do have to take it easy while it does. I am doing all the small exercises recommended by my physical therapist and they really do help! Congratulations on your wonderful recovery!
Michele Lamb Hi again I had open heart surgery with a tissue valve..
I am interested in the lung excersises you s ... Read more
Michele Lamb Hi again I had open heart surgery with a tissue valve..
I am interested in the lung excersises you say you did, as I do feel that I could benefit from this. I was Only given cardavascular advice, but as you say the lungs need to be revived after such extensive surgery ?
It was only a 5 km run which I had to walk because of my recent OHS but cancer like heart disease is also a good cause. Besides, how could you not be inspired ...Read more
It was only a 5 km run which I had to walk because of my recent OHS but cancer like heart disease is also a good cause. Besides, how could you not be inspired by Terry Fox. It makes me feel lucky to only have the problems that I have.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Fox
Terrance Stanley "Terry" Fox CC OD (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on an east to west cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over C$650 million has been raised in his name.[1]
Terry Fox
CC OD
A young man with short, curly hair and an artificial right leg runs down a street. He wears shorts and a T-shirt that reads "Marathon of Hope"
Terry Fox in Toronto during his Marathon of Hope cross-country run (July 1980)
Born Terrance Stanley Fox
July 28, 1958
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Died June 28, 1981 (aged 22)
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Cause of death Metastatic osteosarcoma
Education Simon Fraser University
Known for Marathon of Hope
Title Companion of the Order of Canada
Fox was a distance runner and basketball player for his Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, high school and Simon Fraser University. His right leg was amputated in 1977 after he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, though he continued to run using an artificial leg. He also played wheelchair basketball in Vancouver, winning three national championships.
In 1980, he began the Marathon of Hope, a cross-country run to raise money for cancer research. He hoped to raise one dollar from each of Canada's 24 million people. He began with little fanfare from St. John's, Newfoundland, in April and ran the equivalent of a full marathon every day. Fox had become a national star by the time he reached Ontario; he made numerous public appearances with businessmen, athletes, and politicians in his efforts to raise money. He was forced to end his run outside Thunder Bay when the cancer spread to his lungs. His hopes of overcoming the disease and completing his marathon ended when he died nine months later.
In addition to being youngest person ever named a Companion of the Order of Canada, Fox won the 1980 Lou Marsh Award as the nation's top sportsman and was named Canada's Newsmaker of the Year in both 1980 and 1981. Considered a national hero, he has had many buildings, statues, roads, and parks named in his honour across the country.
Terrance Stanley "Terry" Fox CC OD (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on an east to west cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over C$650 million has been raised in his name.[1]
I wrote this last night but the delete button is to close to the edit button 🤣
I woke up about 5:30 AM and I could hear my heart beating a bit eratically ...Read more
I wrote this last night but the delete button is to close to the edit button 🤣
I woke up about 5:30 AM and I could hear my heart beating a bit eratically and it would miss beats. I had Atril Fibrilation in the hospital for one day so I had my concerns. I got up and put on the blood pressure monitor I had bought pre surgery. The monitor claims that it also monitors for A Fib but it never had so I didnt know if it even worked. As it completed its third test, you can do one or three for a more accurate reading, I discovered that the A Fib detection did in fact work as it beeped and flashed A Fib 8 times after my test was complete. 😱 I posted a picture of this machine and highly recommend it for anyone going into OHS.
My regular Dr. was away so I saw another doctor who prescribed a blood thinner as a precaution and sent me off to the hospital lab to for an EKG and blood tests. As many of you know, you can feel your heart a lot more after surgery and at 12 noon, 5 minutes before getting called in for my test, I felt that my heart rate was back in sync and was beating regular and fine. The EKG will confirm that. I continued to monitor it through the evening and the following morning and I am still in sync.
So, I am happy to say that there were several positive points with this most recent bump along the recovery trail. First of all my heart is now in sync and doing fine, second I now know my AFib monitor does in fact do a great job at monitoring blood pressure, heart rate and A Fib and last but not least, I got to talk to my internal medicine specislist and my one month Echo I had a couple of days ago to test my bovine valve showed that it was working perfectly 😍
Wishing you all successful operations and only small bumps along the recovery trail.
Great news you are back in sync. I am going to have to get one of those monitors.
Lilly Black Glad to hear Gerald! It's also easy to freak out especially soon after surgery! I remember very well ... Read more
Lilly Black Glad to hear Gerald! It's also easy to freak out especially soon after surgery! I remember very well I felt everything.....but good that you checked on it and you're back in sync!
Carmen Yetman Have they not done an ablation for your AFIB while doing your OHS?
Gerald Poulton No and it is my understanding that they only do an ablation when they have confirmed that you have AF ... Read more
Gerald Poulton No and it is my understanding that they only do an ablation when they have confirmed that you have AFib and when medication does not work to control it. I did not have AFib before my surgery and only for about a day after my surgery and not since.
Carmen Yetman I see. Hopefully the meds will work for you. Have a joyful day!
Jill Krajnovich Glad your a-fib has resolved and that your new valve is working properly!
Jill Krajnovich Yes, it has. I had several episodes during the first month but it seems to have resolved. I have no ... Read more
Jill Krajnovich Yes, it has. I had several episodes during the first month but it seems to have resolved. I have not had any problems for 2 1/2 weeks. I was taking both metropolol and amiodarone to control the rhythm but finished the amiodarone on Tuesday so hopefully, the a-fib will not return.
Bob Gillespie I'm still on my regimen of Amiodarone from when I went A-Fib in the hospital. Hopefully it will stay ... Read more
Bob Gillespie I'm still on my regimen of Amiodarone from when I went A-Fib in the hospital. Hopefully it will stay in sync when I wean off.
Bob Fessler I left the hospital on Amiodarone after having afib for several hours. I am now off that drug and ha ... Read more
Bob Fessler I left the hospital on Amiodarone after having afib for several hours. I am now off that drug and have had no problem. So it can be okay. Hopefully Bob, your experience will be like mine.
Barbra Allen Happy to hear your A-Fib problem is resolving. Hope it continues to stay in sync.
I would have never believed that the operation and the recovery would be as smooth as it has been. 4 weeks today and no pain, good appetite, sleeping well ...Read more
I would have never believed that the operation and the recovery would be as smooth as it has been. 4 weeks today and no pain, good appetite, sleeping well and life is good. I have also gained back the 60% lung capacity that I lost from the operation. My sternum is obviously healing well and I can clear my throat or cough without any concern. I had my bicuspid aortic artery replaced and my aortic aneurism repaired. As you can see my sternotomy scar is s also healing well and the chest hair s growing back.
I have now been walking about 4-5 miles a day and feel all the better for it. The worst of it now is some boredom sitting at home and not working, although today I am smoking up some candied salmon so that will keep me busy for a while with some tasty healthy snacks along the way.
I chose the bovine tissue valve and unlike Bob I have no animal instincts other than the ones that I had prior to the surgery. I had my echo yesterday to ensure that the valve is working properly and will get my results on the 18th when I see my internal medicine specialist and get the OK to drive again.
All in all this experience has been at least 10 times easier than I expected and the degree of fear I experienced pre op was understandable but not warranted.
A big thank you to those who went before me and posted their experiences on here and I can only hope that my experience and postings help others waiting their operation.
Clayton Mcarthur Would that be called salmon crack,a big favorite in Milwaukee
Gerald Poulton Not sure but it is salmon that I cure in a maple syrup and brown sugar brine and then on my smoker w ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Not sure but it is salmon that I cure in a maple syrup and brown sugar brine and then on my smoker with apple chips and I baste it with maple syrup while it is smoking, takes about 4 hrs on the smoker
Carmen Yetman Happy 4 week birthday to you Gerald. Thank you for sharing your experience. I can't wait to have th ... Read more
Carmen Yetman Happy 4 week birthday to you Gerald. Thank you for sharing your experience. I can't wait to have this whole ordeal done and over with and go on with my life.
Lilly Black fantastic news, Gerald! I don't know what line of work you are in, but if that were me, I would not r ... Read more
Lilly Black fantastic news, Gerald! I don't know what line of work you are in, but if that were me, I would not rush back to work. Chill, relax and keep walking! you are doing great!
Bob Gillespie You were and have been my inspiration Gerrie, I so appreciate your sharing and encouraging words.
Gerald Poulton Cheers Bob, thanks Lily, actually work from home and a 4 day week but not in a hurry, will talk to th ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Cheers Bob, thanks Lily, actually work from home and a 4 day week but not in a hurry, will talk to the doc on the 18th so probably 2-4 weeks yet. Health comes first
Dorothea Sautter Waiting to get a date for my AVR and root replacement OP. Reading your post is a real stress relief, ... Read more
Dorothea Sautter Waiting to get a date for my AVR and root replacement OP. Reading your post is a real stress relief, thank you!
Gerald Poulton Thanks Dorothea, you are so VERY welcome 👍 that is why I post, to bring knowledge and hope to thos ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Thanks Dorothea, you are so VERY welcome 👍 that is why I post, to bring knowledge and hope to those in the pre op state and those in the first part of the recovery stage. I know that the operation and recovery can be a daunting fear and I am thrilled if I can lesson that fear for others.
I just got back from my walk, walked for over an hour, along the ocean and then back home. Yesterday I did another 40 minutes in the evening with my wife but ...Read more
I just got back from my walk, walked for over an hour, along the ocean and then back home. Yesterday I did another 40 minutes in the evening with my wife but today I may rest up.
Needless to say I am feeling great. My lung capacity is now about 90 % of what it was when I went into surgery and that feels good considering I had lost 60 % the day after surgery. I have not taken any pain medication since the hospital except for the occasional Tylenol extra strength for an aching back, a bi- product of the surgery I am told. While in the hospital I did come down with duodenitis which caused me to throw up twice, I think that also caused my one day bout with Atril Fibrillation but all cleared up now.
I am fortunate that I have slept in my bed on my back and on both sides since the day I returned home on day 4. I am now pretty well sleeping through the night and that feels good to.
I am also so fortunate to have a loving wife who was by my side all the way and took time off work to care for me until Monday.
I am blessed.
Abdulrasaq Tajudeen You're surely blessed! i love reading success story like yours, I'm happy for you. Wishing you best e ... Read more
Abdulrasaq Tajudeen You're surely blessed! i love reading success story like yours, I'm happy for you. Wishing you best ever.
Jill Krajnovich Wow, you have done great, Gerald! I am 5 weeks post surgery and although I feel I am doing well, not ... Read more
Jill Krajnovich Wow, you have done great, Gerald! I am 5 weeks post surgery and although I feel I am doing well, not quite as well as you! I am still having trouble sleeping through the night as I wake up and my back and shoulders are stiff. Other than at night, I have not had much pain but I still am having difficulty getting a good night's sleep!
Gerald Poulton I used to find that I would wake at bout 3:30 and not fall back to sleep, once in a while I would us ... Read more
Gerald Poulton I used to find that I would wake at bout 3:30 and not fall back to sleep, once in a while I would use an over the couner product called "sleepeze" and it worked really good to keep me asleep and sleep in. I saved that for when I feel or felt a bit run down tomorrow r really just needed a good sleep, worth a try.
Lilly Black Great news, Gerald! keep up with walking ...and water....drink water while you walk :o) I found walk ... Read more
Lilly Black Great news, Gerald! keep up with walking ...and water....drink water while you walk :o) I found walking helped me recover much quicker. I hope you have a quick recovery!
Gerald Poulton Thanks Liky, I couldnt agree more, I am sure I drink a gallon of water daily, especially now, I want ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Thanks Liky, I couldnt agree more, I am sure I drink a gallon of water daily, especially now, I want tp eat and drink everything I can get in my mouth, I guess I am healing and need the fuel. Hmm maybe splurge tonight on a glass of wine before bed 😀Cheers
Lilly Black absolutely! enjoy the vino....it may taste a bit strong, as it did for me at first. I did not have an ... Read more
Lilly Black absolutely! enjoy the vino....it may taste a bit strong, as it did for me at first. I did not have any wine for at least 3 weeks after surgery! cheers
Barbra Allen Wow you are a inspiration for others. Enjoy reading your post
Mark Hall Glad to hear this Gerald! I'm looking forward to taking hikes with my mp3 player loaded with Sousa ma ... Read more
Mark Hall Glad to hear this Gerald! I'm looking forward to taking hikes with my mp3 player loaded with Sousa marches and earbuds in my ears! That puts me in "cruise mode" every time! Something about stepping "in cadence" does it for me. Since I don't know when my surgery will be, I will use the time well, and "step to the beat"!
Nancy James You make it sound easy Gerald!! Congratulations on your fast recovery. I had a question. I had read ... Read more
Nancy James You make it sound easy Gerald!! Congratulations on your fast recovery. I had a question. I had read a few places that people used a recliner after getting home and I don't have one so I wonder if it is necessary to buy one before I have my surgery on Sept 26th. I have a really great comfy chair with an ottoman that I think may be okay - the problem I noticed when I tried out a couple of recliners is that it took so much strength for me to pull the wooden handle and then leveraging my weight to get the foot extension back down...so I don't want to buy the wrong thing...any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Duodenitis, Duodenitis is the inflammation of the duodenum, which is the first segment of your small intestine. It is what connects your stomach to the rest ...Read more
Duodenitis, Duodenitis is the inflammation of the duodenum, which is the first segment of your small intestine. It is what connects your stomach to the rest of your digestive system.
Less common causes include:
being placed on a breathing machine
extreme stress caused by major surgery, severe body trauma, shock
I wanted to share this with you because I came down with it on day 2 after my OHS. Day 2 I could no longer eat, had pain in my stomach area and eventually started throwing up. They thought it was a nauseous side effect of one of my medications. I couldn't eat much and was released on day 4.
At home that night I had stomach pains and once again started throwing up.
The next day I went to my Dr office and he sent me to the emergency ward. Small time hospital and a young new doctor but she was relentless. I spent 7 hours in emergency but they finally gave me an MRI and detected the inflammation. A simple pill was given to me which shut down the stomach acids and is allowing it to heal. The doctor could not link the duodenitis to my surgery but when I researched it I found the answer. My regular Dr. also understood the connection when I had my 2 week check up.
Your surgery may cause you to be nauseous but it should not leave you with stomach pain.
Knowledge is strengnth
Jennifer Barnett Interesting information Gerald i didn't realise this could happen.
Paul Jenkins I didn't know that. Thanks for the update.
Laura Jacobs Interesting indeed! Nice to know for the future. Thanks!
Barbra Allen I just finished reading your post and the site for gastritis/duodenum inflammation. Thank you again. ... Read more
Barbra Allen I just finished reading your post and the site for gastritis/duodenum inflammation. Thank you again. I believe this maye be my problem. I take aspirin and steroids. A year ago I had a bilateral lung transplant.
2 weeks today since surgery and feeling great 😀My post op appointment with my Dr also went great. Yesterday my wife and I walked for about 45 minutes. I ...Read more
2 weeks today since surgery and feeling great 😀My post op appointment with my Dr also went great. Yesterday my wife and I walked for about 45 minutes. I didnt push ii and we took a few sit breaks, I didnt feel that I needed them but took them anyways just to be cautious.
I am going to try to complete this walk every day now as my wife will be going back to work next week. It keep me in shape and it will help pass the long lonely days. This may seem a lot but pre surgery I was walking about 10 km every day abd last year we would be jogging it.
If you are pre surgery and able, I cant stress enough the importance of walking or being in shape. It makes such a huge difference in how you not only respond to surgery but how well you recover. OHS is hard on everything but also your lungs, it is hard to believe but in that 4+ hours of surgery you lose 35 - 60 % of your lung capacity and it can take 3+ months to recover and that if you work at it. Personally at 65 and in good shape, I lost 60% lung capacity and after 2 weeks I have gained back 10% of that loss.
Joey Hardee Awesome update, Gerry. You are inspiring me. :-)
So great to hear you are doing so well so quickly. ... Read more
Joey Hardee Awesome update, Gerry. You are inspiring me. :-)
So great to hear you are doing so well so quickly.
Paul Jenkins You're an inspiration Gerry. Keep on getting better!
Jennifer Barnett That's amazing you walked that far only 2 weeks post op keep it up it will help you so much. At 2 we ... Read more
Jennifer Barnett That's amazing you walked that far only 2 weeks post op keep it up it will help you so much. At 2 weeks post op I was still in hospital not able to walk far and only slowly around the ward. My two A fib episodes didn't help and being so sick with the bacterial infection before surgery obviously impacted on my recovery fitness.
I didn't realise that about the lung function being so effected by the surgery might explain the difficulty with deeper breathing and some breathlessness after surgery. The impact of OHS is all starting to make sense now.
11 days since OHS. I had a very good day today, working in the back yard for several hours with my wife, watering plants etc. Yes I am on light duties and ...Read more
11 days since OHS. I had a very good day today, working in the back yard for several hours with my wife, watering plants etc. Yes I am on light duties and no I dont have the energy that I used to, but I would never have believed how good I feel, no pain and on the road to recovery. I was looking forward to my operation date and moving forward with recovery, it is way better than I expected.
I wish you all the best !
Craig Wise Excellent!! Don't over do it.
Slow and steady. Peace to you.
Gerald Poulton Thank you, good advise and I will heed it
I did great with the surgery. Dr was amazed. Only in the hospital until day 4 and then home. I had a couple sleepless nights in the hospital at the end, stomach ...Read more
I did great with the surgery. Dr was amazed. Only in the hospital until day 4 and then home. I had a couple sleepless nights in the hospital at the end, stomach problems, which they thought was the medicines they were giving me. Today would have been day 6 more bad stomach pain so little to no sleep. Nothing seemed to help the pain so today went to my doctor who sent me to the emergency ward. 7 hours in emerg and they finally discovered by doing a cat scan that every thing was fine with my surgery except I somehow developed a swollan Duodenal gland which the stomach acids were burning up. Now I have acid blockers and a sleeping pill to catch up on lost recovery time.
If in doubt, get checked out.
Laura Jacobs Sounds awful Gerald...hope you are feeling better soon.
I did great with the surgery. Dr was amazed. Only in the hospital until day 4 and then home. I had a couple sleepless nights in the hospital at the end, stomach ...Read more
I did great with the surgery. Dr was amazed. Only in the hospital until day 4 and then home. I had a couple sleepless nights in the hospital at the end, stomach problems, which they thought was the medicines they were giving me. Today would have been day 6 more bad stomach pain so little to no sleep. Nothing seemed to help the pain so today went to my doctor who sent me to the emergency ward. 7 hours in emerg and they finally discovered by doing a cat scan that every thing was fine with my surgery except I somehow developed a swollan Duodenal gland which the stomach acids were burning up. Now I have acid blockers and a sleeping pill to catch up on lost recovery time.
If in doubt, get checked out.
Richard King Hi Gerald, sorry to hear about the wrinkle but I'm really glad they figured it out and you doing well ... Read more
Richard King Hi Gerald, sorry to hear about the wrinkle but I'm really glad they figured it out and you doing well now.
rich
Gerald Poulton Thanks Richard, I think tye real important issue i forgot to mention, it was a long day, it caused me ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Thanks Richard, I think tye real important issue i forgot to mention, it was a long day, it caused me to have am extreme puking session in the hosptipal, I think that brought on my first A Fib session which passed over the evening,
I also had the same at home and could immediately feel my geart irregular and out of sync. Good thing the dr, kept me on the pills as a precaution, took one and felt the chest pounding relax and lome back into sync.
Well tomorrow is finally the day, I had my EKG and blood tests today and am ready for tomorrows surgery. I have gone through all of the stages since my cardiologists ...Read more
Well tomorrow is finally the day, I had my EKG and blood tests today and am ready for tomorrows surgery. I have gone through all of the stages since my cardiologists said, its at the point when you need surgery, and now I am just ready to get my new aortic valve and artery replaced and start my recovery. So up and at the hospital at 5:30 AM tomorrow and on with the first day of the rest of my life 👍
Jennifer Barnett Good luck with the surgery, it can be a bit tough in the days after surgery but once you get walking ... Read more
Jennifer Barnett Good luck with the surgery, it can be a bit tough in the days after surgery but once you get walking and eating again you improve. I am now 9 weeks post op after a mitral valve replacement and have been feeling pretty good of late. Just make sure you rest up well before returing to work or doing anything energetic. It's important to take care of yourself after this surgery.
Good luck to you.
Cindy Williams You will do great! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow 💖
This was provided to me by my surgeon, it suggests buying a blood pressure machine for post surgery, anyone have the same? My blood presuure is great but I ...Read more
This was provided to me by my surgeon, it suggests buying a blood pressure machine for post surgery, anyone have the same? My blood presuure is great but I assume it changes after surgery and is a good idea to monitor it.
Marie Myers I think it is a great idea to monitor your BP at home both routinely and if you are having symptoms l ... Read more
Marie Myers I think it is a great idea to monitor your BP at home both routinely and if you are having symptoms like dizziness or fainting.
Catie B It's a good thing to have, Gerald. I'm still using mine. I purchased a push-button wrist version.
Bobbi Rockey Its a great idea. I still have mine and use it almost two years later.
Absolutely. I have one as well
Gerald Poulton Thanks I found and bought one that also has Atrial Fibrillation screening because from what I have re ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Thanks I found and bought one that also has Atrial Fibrillation screening because from what I have read this can be quite common after AVR surgery, thanks for you experience
Just 5 days left till surgery. I have a steep driveway that may take me a while to manuver and there are hills no matter which way I go, so We were on the search ...Read more
Just 5 days left till surgery. I have a steep driveway that may take me a while to manuver and there are hills no matter which way I go, so We were on the search for a good used treadmill for the condo beginning of my recovery. Who knows we may also jog on it in the winter. It was a great deal and the lady rarely used it, sad to say the fate of most exercise equipment but it saved me a lot of money instead of paying for a new one. I like the built in heart rate monitor, not to mention its location, in front of a 55" TV 😀
Catie B Good for you, Gerald! I hope it will help much.
I think clear artweies are a biggie as well as being in shape, this was the chart that they present at Victoria Jubilee, usally it shows your clockage but in ...Read more
I think clear artweies are a biggie as well as being in shape, this was the chart that they present at Victoria Jubilee, usally it shows your clockage but in my case all clear
11 days till surgery, I continue to walk to keep myself and my heart in shape for surgery and recovery. Last year I would be jogging it but yesterday I did ...Read more
11 days till surgery, I continue to walk to keep myself and my heart in shape for surgery and recovery. Last year I would be jogging it but yesterday I did a brisk walk for 10 kilometers, it took me an hour and 40 minutes. Then when my wife got off work, she wanted to jog so I walked another 5 kilometers which took me another 50 minutes. Not only am I feeling good but I am also shedding a couple extra pounds.
I can only think that I am able to do this with a 0.6 cm2 critical valve because I have stayed in shape and that my angiogram revealed no artery blockage at all.
Bob Fessler Hey Gerald...you'll do just fine. I'm also 65 and my valve opening was 0.55 and I had no blockages ei ... Read more
Bob Fessler Hey Gerald...you'll do just fine. I'm also 65 and my valve opening was 0.55 and I had no blockages either. Surgery 9 days ago and I'm up and running...knock on wood. Being in shape will help a lot. Good luck.
Heath Knight Awesome keep it up. Good luck with your surgery.
Gerald Poulton Thanks Bob and others, it is great to hear support and from others who have gone ahead of me. last ea ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Thanks Bob and others, it is great to hear support and from others who have gone ahead of me. last eay of work tomorrow, down to 6 days till S day and anxious to get it done and be recovering.
Way to go, I am not far behind you, they say the first day is the honeymoon day when you find out you made it, look forward to hearing more of your recovery, ...Read more
Way to go, I am not far behind you, they say the first day is the honeymoon day when you find out you made it, look forward to hearing more of your recovery, thanks for sharing
At a healthy 65 years old they wanted to give me a mechanical valve, but I loved the active life I was living and didn't want that to change. Not to mention those all inclusive holidays in tropical countries 🤔
So far, my bovine bio prosthetic valve has done exactly that. My recent physical did not show any change or deterioration at all and life is good. We are so blessed to live in a time, that most heart valve operations are no longer dangerous like they used to be, instead a operation completed daily.
My suggestions would be to try to relax and accept the inevitable, and try to be as healthy and physically active, both before and after the operation. Embrace the operation that will save your life, and hopefully enrich it as well.
all the best my heart friends, you can do this 🙏