- Joined
- Aug 7, 2023
- Messages
- 60
Hi all - today marks my 6 month milestone following Aortic Valve Replacement (Edwards 27mm bovine tissue valve) and Aortic Root repair - together called a Bentall procedure - at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. Here are links to my initial member intro post and my detailed recap of "things I didn't know I'd experience with my surgery".
I'm thrilled to report that I'm fully recovered and mostly adjusted to my new valve. I'm an avid recreational cyclist and I'm back on the Peloton and road bike, performing near the same level as I did prior to surgery. I say near only because I need to continue getting out there and getting back into riding shape - it's not a limitation of my heart/valve. I do notice a difference in my max HR now - before surgery, I was asymptomatic with my native BAV, but I would routinely push up over 180 bpm on a tough ride/climb. After the surgery, I notice that no matter how hard I push (climbing a steep hill), my HR doesn't go above 173 or so. That may not sound like a big difference, but it's notable to me.
I'm still getting used to the really pronounced heart beat/thud. I had a strong heartbeat before surgery, but its even more pronounced now. I have pretty well adjusted to it, but it's still something I would note for those who are wondering. I know I read a lot on this forum about this experience and concern. So, I'll just confirm that it's a real thing. But, it is certainly something you can live with. And, gratefully, at that.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
The only other thing I'll share is that I still at 6 months out have soreness, especially at the base of my sternum, when I cough or sneeze. I can deal with it, but I mention it because I didn't think I'd still be dealing with minor pain like this at 6 months out. I'd be interested in hearing from others whether they share this experience. I assume it's normal and I just didn't have the right expectations going in.
Finally, I just want to thank the many contributors to this forum. I have learned a TON, and continue to, from your many experiences and the resources shared here. I plan to stick around even as my life has settled back into "normal".
I'm thrilled to report that I'm fully recovered and mostly adjusted to my new valve. I'm an avid recreational cyclist and I'm back on the Peloton and road bike, performing near the same level as I did prior to surgery. I say near only because I need to continue getting out there and getting back into riding shape - it's not a limitation of my heart/valve. I do notice a difference in my max HR now - before surgery, I was asymptomatic with my native BAV, but I would routinely push up over 180 bpm on a tough ride/climb. After the surgery, I notice that no matter how hard I push (climbing a steep hill), my HR doesn't go above 173 or so. That may not sound like a big difference, but it's notable to me.
I'm still getting used to the really pronounced heart beat/thud. I had a strong heartbeat before surgery, but its even more pronounced now. I have pretty well adjusted to it, but it's still something I would note for those who are wondering. I know I read a lot on this forum about this experience and concern. So, I'll just confirm that it's a real thing. But, it is certainly something you can live with. And, gratefully, at that.
The only other thing I'll share is that I still at 6 months out have soreness, especially at the base of my sternum, when I cough or sneeze. I can deal with it, but I mention it because I didn't think I'd still be dealing with minor pain like this at 6 months out. I'd be interested in hearing from others whether they share this experience. I assume it's normal and I just didn't have the right expectations going in.
Finally, I just want to thank the many contributors to this forum. I have learned a TON, and continue to, from your many experiences and the resources shared here. I plan to stick around even as my life has settled back into "normal".
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