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Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: January 12, 2022

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Timothy Williams posted an update

1 year ago (December 29, 2024)

Nearly 3 years since mitral valve repair. I was just cleared from cardiologist - he said as long as I have no symptoms or concerns, no need to return. Updates on previous journal: (1) side sleeper - left side still bit uncomfortable compared to right (2) a sneeze still feels... Read more.

Richard Munson

👍

Sher Follett

Hi Timothy, thank-you for your post. I lift heavy weights so have been trying to find out what is will feel like after surgery and healing and how long before I am able to lift heavy again. Your post gives me inspiration!

Suzette Schear

I use to lift weights but was afraid, I expect things to be different thanks for outlining everything it helps.

Timothy Williams posted an update

3 years ago (December 17, 2022)

It's 9 months since OHS for mitral valve repair to correct prolapse and regurgitation. Everything is going very well. Just had an echocardiogram. Conclusion: everything looks normal! I feel essentially normal, so great to hear it looks like that on the inside as well! Only remaining 'symptoms' are: (1) as... Read more.

👍 ❤️ Rose Madura and Klara ÄŒiÄiÄ‡ reacted to this

Rose Madura

Sounds like all is normal. I can't comment to the weight lifting but sounds like all is on the right track. 👍

Klara ÄŒiÄiÄ‡

Congratulations, I am glad for you, everything sounds great!

Alex Sagan

Good report! You had a sternotomy? How long do you think the bones took to heal? I hope the pushups will be pain free before long. I have OHS in January and was interested to hear about exactly the things you mentioned (side sleeping, bench pressing, etc.) Glad you can... Read more.

Ana Brusso

It sounds like you are healing well. It's only been 9 months. Continued good health

Greg Lewis

Hi Timothy! I started lifting 1 pound a year ago, when I began strength training at the gym. It has been 17mos since surgery. You are doing great!! You are 9 most out, so you should be OK now with the chest exercises. Just remember the pecs can take along... Read more.

Timothy Williams

In my post I mentioned my chest sensation is <1 on scale to 10. It's not pain, just something I feel. I lift medium weight for high reps so pushing it since early on, but carefully. Alex, I did have sternotomy. Surgeon said it would take ~5 weeks to 80%,... Read more.

Alex Sagan

Thanks for the answers. Helpful as I am now 3 weeks from surgery. Glad you are doing well. Happy New Year!

Timothy Williams posted an update

4 years ago (June 18, 2022)

It's been 14 weeks since my OHS for mitral valve repair to address severe regurgitation. I was discharged from the surgeon's office after 5 weeks. Just saw cardiologist and set next appt for 6 months out. No restrictions or Rx! I highly recommend Univ of Michigan Cardiac Surgery Center. ❤️🙏 I received exceptional care! Zero symptoms or set backs since surgery (touch wood!). Blood pressure, heart rate both good. Regained weight I lost during surgery and recovery. Scar healing nicely. I've gradually restored golfing since 4 weeks ago with no loss in swing speed. Tennis, no issues. Modest, but regular weight lifting. In my case, I have regularly exercised for years. I gave this more discipline leading into surgery with improved diet and rest. I began committing to recovery before surgery and immediately after. Walking, stretching, light weightlifting, diet, rest, slowing building into my normal activities. Stayed committed to regaining physical capability. Each time there was no pain during the activity and no pain the day after, I increased the effort. I was essentially back to 100% by the time I was offered PT. Only shortcoming is # of pushups or max weight (modest) on bench press. I'm still gradually increasing, gaining strength and confidence in that area. I believe this personal commitment has helped my recovery go ahead of schedule. The human mind and body are extremely capable. I'm skeptical by nature. I'd look at my cardiologist, surgeon, their teams, none of them had had OHS! They seem like pro's, but they don't have the personal experience of any discomfort, pain, healing, etc. In hindsight, they are pro's and what they guided is spot on. I'm thankful for this site that answered so many of my questions. It is a blessing to interact with folks actually in different phases of the process. I recently turned 50 years old. Lots to reflect on. I think a bit everyday about heat surgery. My mind immediately shifts to deep gratitude for a group of people who gave me a chance at another 50 years!👍❤️🙏

❤️ 👍 Patsy Stewart and Adam Baumgartner reacted to this