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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: October 15, 2018

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Trevor Woods posted an update

7 years ago (April 8, 2019)

Hello Heart Warriors, I have a question that could use your input. At my last Dr. appointment I was told that I did not need to do Cardiac Rehab. This being that I'm young, in decent shape and have a history of working out all of my life on my... Read more.

👍 Steve Salvador reacted to this

Louanna Miller

My Cardiologist recommended Cardiac Rehab and I would not recover any other way. First, your heart is monitored as you exercise and you gradually increase your activity in a monitored environment. After 3 1/2 weeks I felt so much better. I completed 2 months monitored and then continued my program... Read more.

Jim Stutler

Trevor, I was in good shape also as I went in for OHS.(Mitral Valve Repair, Bypass of the LAD, and a maze procedure). I too was given the choice of Cardiac Rehab or my own "program" afterward. The cardio and surgeon both agreed that I would recover fine either way.... Read more.

Susan Lynn

My surgeon said I didn't need to go, but I didn't know what level of exertion was appropriate for my level of recovery. I also wanted to improve my stamina as the post-op exhaustion lingered. I started very late due to scheduling constraints at my facility - three months after... Read more.

Bill Pollard

My heart surgeon did not have me go to cardiac rehab. I ran 2 miles 33 days after open heart surgery and 6 miles 41 days after surgery. I was in good physical shape going into surgery and exercise at least five days a week.

Rob Sparling

Trevor, I did it and enjoyed the security of knowing they were reading my data. That helped me better appreciate what level of exertion I could handle. (There were three instances where I asked them to check the output because I felt a little "wiggle" or irregularity.). And I also... Read more.

Marjorie Murphy

I was in good shape after surgery. Have always exercised. You can work out at home I went to cardiac rehab 1-2 times per week. What was beneficial to me was monitoring my heart ,blood pressure and heart rate.

Marie Myers

Doesn't hurt to try a few sessions. If you don't experience any issues with the exercise program, no reason you can't do it on your own. My cardiologist gave me the option of whether or not to do formal rehab.

Leslie Terjesen

I am seven weeks post op for aortic valve replacement and went for my cardiac rehab evaluation last week and began about half hour of exercise and going back three days this week for an hour of exercise each time. I think it is important, it's not just exercise but... Read more.

Trevor Woods

Thank you all for you helpful input. I think the one major benefit initially is that the heart is monitored, so you can see where you stand. I have my second Dr. appointment in a week. I think my approach will be to discuss again with my Dr, but anticipate... Read more.

Dianne A

I'm six weeks post op and wanting to start cardiac rehab. Both my cardiologist and surgeon recommend it. Also, my heart rate is high and gets significantly high pretty fast just walking or doing light hand weights. I would just get in trouble if I took off on my own.... Read more.

Mark Jaycox

Trevor, I decided to do the rehab after 7 weeks post op. Like you I was in relatively good shape. After 5 weeks I told my nurse I want to graduate early so I finished after 6 weeks. I probably would of completed the entire 12 weeks but I did... Read more.

Adam Pick

Just do it! Cardiac rehab was the saving grace of my recovery. So many benefits - physical, social and emotional. Too bad cardiac rehabilitation is under-utilized. Fyi, we're surgical brothers. Dr. Starnes did my valve procedure 13 years ago! I'm actually going to shoot a video with him at USC... Read more.

Mike Roskowinski

Hey Trevor. I am not in the position to give advice quite yet since I have not even had surgery yet, but I would think at least taking a few sessions with cardiac rehab would be great for you. This will at least see what your heart is doing when... Read more.

Thomas Brusstar

I agree the benefit of the EKG monitors is worth it. You will want the confidence to know that you are within limits, and that your heart is reacting well to stress. Rehab is the place to test your exertion limits. Even if you could exercise all you want with... Read more.

Frank Neumann

Hi Trever I'm just finishing my cardiac rehab. 32 visits. I can attest that I feel 100% stronger and more energy.

Dana Eyre

I'd go for the "calibration" - the answer to those exact questions - how hard, for how long, and how to increase those limits at the right rate. There's no downside to being monitored, and plenty of upside.

Kimberly Brown

I had minimally invasive replacement and had been active for decades prior and have had no issues. Walked up 8 flights of stairs today at 7 weeks post op and walked 2.5 miles at lunch and did the eliptical at level 5 for 30 minutes before work. As long as... Read more.

Richard Buckley

Trevor, I was not young when I had a valve repair last fall (65) but i did regular exercise on my own. I opted for the recommendation of cardiac rehab and am glad I did. I thought the pace was slow at times but I followed it. I did gain... Read more.

Robert Spindel

Cardiac rehab is the way to go if it's available to you. (Not all surgical facilities offer it.) If you go it alone it's hard to know if you're overdoing or underdoing, neither of which is good. Rehab provides you with a tailored program and skilled, professional monitoring. It was... Read more.

Cindy Williams

I highly recommend it! You will feel comfortable pushing your self knowing that your heart is being monitored beat by beat while you work on a schedule the nurses create for you personal situation. I did mine for 6 weeks. My insurance covered it so it was like a free... Read more.

Linda Gilmore

You can't go wrong doing a Cardiac Rehab!! Your monitored and the program gradually builds up your heart. Be safe and go!!

Trevor Woods

Thank you all so much for your input, and thank you Adam for opening a discussion for this topic. We are definitely surgical brothers as "The Maestro" is one of a kind. I agree with all of you that there is everything to gain, and nothing to lose by giving... Read more.

Carol StJohn

I would go. I wasn't able to do Cardiac Rehab because of a bad hip but I would have loved to participate. They might teach you things you are not aware of. Good Luck.

Steve Salvador

I had the same thoughts about rehab, but, you are in a better place, if you were to crash and burn. They are nurses that are trained and are constantly monitoring your vitals if anything did happen to you.

Vanessa Corwin

My answer is YES! Do it! I was in good shape before my mitral valve repair and my cardiologist said the same thing, you could do it on your own. But I insisted and I did the rehab program which was great. You are in a monitored environment. The best... Read more.

Gail Himmelsbach

It is a comfort to have the monitors while doing rehab, and I did do 7 sessions, and was comfortable leaving the monitors and doing my own gym with the elliptical there.I am fit, but wanted to check it out. Medicare covered the cost for this, so if it is... Read more.

Richard King

Hi Trevor, I was in good shape but went to rehab too. I also was given a boost of confidence by working out while wearing the monitors. By the end I was able to go as hard as I wanted with no arythmias at all. I had afib, a byproduct... Read more.

Dan Baltazor

Do it!! I You'll gain more confidence than you'll realize. It may be a slower process than you might probably like, but overall it will give you what you need to push yourself when you are on your own, out there all by yourself exercising.

Trevor Woods posted a photo

7 years ago (March 26, 2019)

👍 Dan Baltazor, Gail Himmelsbach and reacted to this

Rob Sparling

Looking pretty darn good! Be proud! You earned it! There is a lyric in a song (Matchbox 20?) that goes "now I gotta a scar I can talk about...". That's us!!! 👍❤️💪

Thomas Brusstar

That's some great healing so fast after your surgery! Looks good. Glad you figured out the problem, just in time. Thanks to the mystery person who gave you CPR when needed.

Mike Roskowinski

Looking good Trevor. Hope your fully recovery is going also as well

Sommer Russell

"now I got a scar I can talk about" I love it!

Rob Sparling

👍

Trevor Woods

Thank you all! I'm healing well and the recovery process is going strong. I'm 6 weeks post surgery and up to walking 2 miles a day now. I'm off of the pain meds as well. The journey continues but we are all blessed to have each other to lean on... Read more.

Trevor Woods

And yes Thomas, thanks to Jamie Parker from Michigan for administering CPR on me. She is the true angel and the reason I am here today. God used her to help me and I am truly thankful and forever in her debt! I just wish I could find her again... Read more.

Trevor Woods posted an update

7 years ago (March 5, 2019)

Hey Heart Warriors, today marks 1 week since my surgery. I feel pretty good, and I'm taking it easy. When in the hospital, my OT suggested a goal of 30-1 hour of walking a day. I walked .75 of a mile in 20 minutes today, came home and was beat!... Read more.

👍 Dan Baltazor reacted to this

Rob Sparling

Trevor, I accumulated 1,000 minutes of walking in my first month post-op but I don't think I ramped up as fast as you. I did several small walks per day of short duration. As I shrank the number of walks, it was because the duration was longer. I noted that... Read more.

Trevor Woods

Thank you Rob, yes that Sodium is quite sneaky. Luckily for now I really do not have a taste for it. In fact when I do taste a hint of it in a couple of my low sodium meals it has given my taste buds an uncomfortable and almost nauseating... Read more.

Jennifer John

Trevor, it sounds like you're on the right track. Keep walking. But be gentle with yourself. You've been through something major. Naps are good. Helps your body heal. And yes, sodium is tough to avoid. Start by not adding salt to food. You'd be surprised how much you don't need... Read more.

Susan Lynn

Trevor - Walking definitely helps! I started in 10 minute intervals, multiple times per day, and eventually worked my way up to longer periods of time. You probably just overdid it a bit. In addition, exhaustion is very common after OHS, so that is likely contributing to how tired you're... Read more.

Trevor Woods

Thank you Jennifer and Susan for your input. Moderation is the key and taking it easy will be my approach. I will also look back to your previous journal post Jennifer as I'm sure more information will be helpful. Thanks again.

Rob Sparling

I stsrted with 8 individual 3 minute walks throughout the day. Then 6 different 4 minute walks. Then 5 x 5 and 4 x 6 and eventually 3 x 8. I made it to 20 min walks twice per day, then 3x15 and then the neighborhood I walk through overwhelmed... Read more.

Trevor Woods

Lol, I got it! I'll be walking" 😆 Thank You for sharing Rob. Breaking it all down into intervals and progressing as you go makes great sense and will help me build stamina and strength along the way. I appreciate your input.

Rita Savelis

Everything is normal. Of ccourse you're exhausted. Your heart is still healing. This isn't a race. Walk a little bit every day. Take naps. Breathe. You'll be fine.

Dan Baltazor

You are doing it right. Walk, sleep, walk, sleep repeat. You'll regain your strength and endurance. This one kicks our butts!!!! Hang in there.

Gregory Ballard

You were in good hands with Dr. Starnes. He was my surgeon too!! Only one week post op, yes I'm sure you are tired. Take it easy. You are young and will have a good recovery. Stay on the pain meds as long as you need them and don't try... Read more.

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