Michael's Posts

Hello all! Hope you've been doing awesome and that summer is treating you well. I am a couple days past 8 weeks post op. and wanted to provide another update. If it helps to motivate someone or answer some questions then it's worth it... For reference, I had my Aortic Valve replaced with an Edwards Inspiris Resilia bioprosthetic valve on June 6th w/ full sternotomy. - I continue to push myself where able with 5 to 6 mile hikes a few times a week including hills and feel confident getting my heart rate up to the 130 ballpark. I even serviced my mountain bike the other day and went for a ride. Hills suck but that's nothing new…. - I started deep tissue massage 2 weeks ago which is brutal during but amazing after. This has significantly improved my back and neck tightness. Also improved my chest tightness quite a bit. Highly recommended post surgery!! - I continue surf fishing a couple times a week and tackling projects in the yard and around the house with no issues. - To celebrate 8 weeks post op. I played 18 holes of golf (yes on a normal course!!). Nothing fell apart, nothing hurt, and no soreness to speak of after. - I have been cleared to return to duty with the fire department next week. I am extremely happy to get back out there responding to others in need! Please let me know if you have any questions. Stay positive, work hard when able, and enjoy life!!! Mike

Hello all! Hope you've been doing awesome and were able to enjoy the 4th of July! Today I am one month post op. and wanted to provide another update. If it helps to motivate someone or answer some questions then it's worth it... For reference, I had my Aortic Valve replaced with an Edwards Inspiris Resilia bioprosthetic valve on June 6th w/ full sternotomy. - I continue to push myself where able and am up to 5 to 6 mile hikes daily. I have incorporated some hills and feel confident getting my heart rate in the 110 ballpark. I even ran just a little a couple days ago to prove to myself that I could... - I took my dogs for a walk for the first time today and had no issues. They are medium to small but can pull with the best of them. They took it easy on my today and their pulling was no factor. - My right upper back/ neck continues to be intermittently pretty tight. I found stretching on a foam roller works very well to stretch and loosen it up. I'm starting to stretch my chest as well which feels pretty stable and seems to be related to the neck/back issue. - I went surf fishing yesterday to gauge my limits and ability to cast/twist/move. It went really well and although I only caught one little surf perch had a great time with a good friend. - I'm also tackling some projects in the yard and around the house. I'm definitely slower than normal but accomplishing the tasks. I had my first follow up appointment with my primary cardiologist last Thursday. He cleared me to drive and to resume whatever activity I feel confident enough to do. He thinks I'm doing enough cardiac rehab. on my own and recommends that I keep doing what I'm doing and adding what I'm comfortable adding. Unfortunately he would not prescribe Physical Therapy that I requested as I think it would make a huge difference with my neck/back issue. i'll be following up with my PCP to discuss options. I also made contact with a massage therapist recommended by my PT but unfortunately she currently has COVID...... :( I'm looking at returning to full duty with the fire department the week of July 25th if my body continues to cooperate. This might seem crazy but I feel great and think I will be ready. Speaking of fire department, that reminds me of a guest book post that I made this week in response to someone being freaked out with a sudden onset of post op. dizziness. Most of us live in areas where our Fire/EMS systems provide Paramedic service. You are not alone and help is just a phone call away. Please know that you can call 911 and have your local Paramedics evaluate you if anything you experience post op. (or pre-op. for that matter) freaks you out. We have a lot of capabilities these days with 12 lead heart monitors in many systems and the ability to help you make informed decisions. You DO NOT have to go to the hospital by ambulance just because you call 911 and can sign a release of liability or AMA (Against Medical Advice) form if everything checks out and you want to stay home. For reference: I have 26 years of experience as a Paramedic, both with a private ambulance company and with the fire department, and have run many of these types of calls over the years. I hope this has been helpful and motivating. It really is great to write about my progress so it's helpful for me if nothing else. :) Stay positive! You've got this! Mike