Aussie Chris
Well-known member
Well I missed posting on my anniversary which was 20th October but better late than never. I haven’t posted for quite a while but I wanted to let those in the waiting room know that post OHS can be so much better than before. I have been truly very fortunate with my recovery after mitral valve repair.
High blood pressure before and straight after the surgery has dropped to around 120/75 and has remained there. Heart rate after surgery was about 120bpm and has dropped gradually over the year to around 70bpm, and that was without beta blockers which my original cardio wanted to put me on.
Gym workouts during cardiac rehab led to a much fitter body and I have built on these benefits of regular exercise and kept up regular gym visits 2-3 a week. Along with this I started swim squad once a week, and whilst I am not breaking any records, I am now able to swim far harder and longer than I have ever done before.
I was a bit worried that I would feel the wires in my chest when lying on my surfboard but they seemed to disappear around 4months post op. The only side effect now is slightly distorted vision if I really push myself physically. But that is getting less and less over time.
It has been an amazing experience. In the month before surgery I felt like a 90 year old and now I feel like I did in my 20’s.
Having the OHS was a catalyst for me taking on a new work position and I haven’t looked back. The new job and people are great. I wouldn’t have given up working for myself if it wasn’t for the surgery but I am so glad I did. The grass is much greener on the other side of the hill.
I am truly grateful everyday for the recovery I have been blessed with, and the support I have received from the VR family.
Thanks everyone.
High blood pressure before and straight after the surgery has dropped to around 120/75 and has remained there. Heart rate after surgery was about 120bpm and has dropped gradually over the year to around 70bpm, and that was without beta blockers which my original cardio wanted to put me on.
Gym workouts during cardiac rehab led to a much fitter body and I have built on these benefits of regular exercise and kept up regular gym visits 2-3 a week. Along with this I started swim squad once a week, and whilst I am not breaking any records, I am now able to swim far harder and longer than I have ever done before.
I was a bit worried that I would feel the wires in my chest when lying on my surfboard but they seemed to disappear around 4months post op. The only side effect now is slightly distorted vision if I really push myself physically. But that is getting less and less over time.
It has been an amazing experience. In the month before surgery I felt like a 90 year old and now I feel like I did in my 20’s.
Having the OHS was a catalyst for me taking on a new work position and I haven’t looked back. The new job and people are great. I wouldn’t have given up working for myself if it wasn’t for the surgery but I am so glad I did. The grass is much greener on the other side of the hill.
I am truly grateful everyday for the recovery I have been blessed with, and the support I have received from the VR family.
Thanks everyone.
