Jim's Posts

It was just over a year ago that Jim had surgery to replace his aortic valve. And the way he was body surfing in Ocean City MD, you'd never know how sick he was last year. He gets his blood taken for INR levels every 3 weeks now. He joined a gym to continue rehabilitation. He still has range of motion issues with his left leg, knee and ankle being stiff. But it hasn't stopped him from hunting, fishing, camping, yardwork, house renovation and battling the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. He recently told a family member he felt he was at 95% of his old self, so that's pretty good! I hope these updates have helped people going through this (I know I read through many many updates with what to expect at different points of recovery). Good luck if you are facing this surgery, I hope things go well for you!

Today is 6 months post surgery. Jim has been back to work for 4 months now, getting back in the swing of things, and even getting some overtime hours. He finished up cardiac rehab in December (insurance limits), but only at 6.3 METS, so there are still some limits as to what he can do. He has been bowling and hunting with his sons (13 yr old got his his 1st buck!), but he does tire more easily. His INR levels have been stable, and he gets his blood drawn every 3 weeks now. He said he doesn't quite feel normal yet. He saw his surgeon last month who said he is looking pretty good and his next follow up will be at the one year mark. He is still having a lot of issues with his left leg and ankle, the original site of his strep G infection. The ankle is swollen and stiff and he has pains in his knee. Hopefully these will resolve with more physical therapy so we can be ready for the fun of summer. (Last summer wasn't so fun).