Tony West - Heart Valve Journal

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Tony Westposted an update

9 days ago

I am an avid road cyclist set for a SAVR procedure soon and am curious if anyone else in this community is also a road cyclist and is willing to share info ...Read more

I am an avid road cyclist set for a SAVR procedure soon and am curious if anyone else in this community is also a road cyclist and is willing to share info about their recovery process and getting back in the saddle after sternotomy? Thanks - Tony

Robert Miller I am not a cyclist, at least not anymore for many years. But I am somewhat active. I think you want t ... Read more

Robert Miller I am not a cyclist, at least not anymore for many years. But I am somewhat active. I think you want to avoid any serious cycling for at least two months even if it's just on roads. Road bikes have pretty stiff tires and transmit vibrations. The vibrations are the main issue for your healing chest. The other issue is a fall. It's not likely to happen but you have to account for it. Ask your surgeon. He/She probably will tell you 2-3 months. In the meantime, I would to other exercises like treadmill, etc. I like our treadmill because it allows me to read news, watch movies, etc even when going fast.

J Alexander Lassally Hi Tony - not an avid cyclist but I do casually ride a bit.... Big issue, as Robert said is falling. ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally Hi Tony - not an avid cyclist but I do casually ride a bit.... Big issue, as Robert said is falling. It depends on your appetite for taking that risk post sternotomy. Miminum a few months... The upper body will feel some stress from shoulder to sternum in early days of riding.

Rose Madura I am a casual cyclist and I did fall on my first ride after OHS. I didn't have the strength in my le ... Read more

Rose Madura I am a casual cyclist and I did fall on my first ride after OHS. I didn't have the strength in my legs that I was expecting and just sort of flopped over crossing a busy street. Thankfully, cars stopped while I got up which also took a while. I was hospitalized for 24 total days over a 3 month period with various complications so my experience was not typical. But you are more than likely in much better shape than I was. I shared the experience just so you are aware.

Darrell Malone Hey Tony. I don't road cycle. I do ride the mountain bike trails. Anyway my surgeon advised me to wai ... Read more

Darrell Malone Hey Tony. I don't road cycle. I do ride the mountain bike trails. Anyway my surgeon advised me to wait after my one year check up. He was mostly afraid that I my have a spill. He wanted my sternum to heal properly. So I did wait. He was ok with me riding back and forth for work. That was 4 months after surgery. I ride about 8km each way. Hope that helps. I find surgeon knows best. Take care.