I have been extremely happy with my surgery and recovery. I love cold weather and being outside, winter camping, etc. At rehab, they talked about not exercising/being ...Read more
I have been extremely happy with my surgery and recovery. I love cold weather and being outside, winter camping, etc. At rehab, they talked about not exercising/being out in the cold. I thought that was just during the recovery. Today, more than a year post-op, I could feel the cold air cooling my lungs - used to be one of my favorite things - but now it caused cardiac pain. I can\'t imagine that it will get better with time. It just feels like the mechanical valve gets cold. I will use a scarf to help warm the air I am breathing, but does anyone know if this gets any better? I was shocked to have such an emotional reaction today. I looked forward to the surgery, don\'t mind the meds, am healthier than ever before. But I\'m afraid this means the loss of one of my favorite things in the world. I am truly grateful that this is the first negative experience relating to my condition, but truly sad as well.