Recent content by mcsf

I started riding about 3 months after my surgery. Short rides at first. I am seven months out right now. I have been riding my touring bike more often because the gearing makes it easier on climbs. My legs just aren't back yet. I have not experienced any pain my sternum but my touring bike...

I am almost seven month post AVR. It is my second AVR. I had it repaired when I was younger with a Ross. My cardiologist now and after my Ross stresses not to lift heavy -- don't max out. Her reason is heavy lifting elevates your BP way to much. That said I know there are some power lifters on...

I took a class on mindfulness before surgery. I had surgery at UCSF and they offer classes on mindfulness/meditation that are open to the public and they encourage patients to look into the classes. Outside of the classes there are many books. I like...

Welcome PGARG. I'm in the Bay Area as well. I had my AVR at UCSF on Feb. 20, 2014. I went with the On-X valve. Taking warfarin is no big deal. I was very concerned about it before, but now I realize it is simple and no big deal. I forget every now and again to take a dose. I am six months post...

Yes, I get the technicolor version! The ole internet is full of great stuff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVFIcF9lyk8

Good to see you climbing again Anthony. I am still planning to ride the fondo. I surfed for the for time since surgery yesterday. On Aug. 27 I'll be six months out. matt

@clay_from_nj - Thanks. I did not know what the weird vision problem was. Thanks for the information. @Paleogitl - The video you linked shows what I experience. Thanks.

I'm six months out and I definitely get vision problems like you describe. In fact I'm at work this morning and an episode is starting to creep up in my left eye. I get the zig-zaggy type pattern in my field of vision. It's a prism type of pattern. I do not get a headache with it but it can be...

Very timely. I use a Garmin device for my bike and and it pairs well with a heart monitor. Garmin, generally, makes great products. On Friday I bought a Garmin vivofit because I was tired of carrying my bike computer in my pocket for all other activities. What a mistake. The vivofit is set-up to...

Great update Ryan. I am almost six months post AVR and I can relate to almost everything you said. For me I do not like coffee that much since surgery. I still drink it but it is no longer as enjoyable for me. I guess it is good because I will go days without coffee. Weird how surgery can causes...

Congratulations! Looks fun. Climb on.

@aggie85 I am new to warfarin. I started taking it in February. Like you I bruise all the time now. I have small bruises on my left shin, ankle all the time. I concluded the bruising is from how I sleep. I tend to sleep on my side and noticed that one leg will rest on the other. Also at my desk...

I had a ross procedure when I was 23 (40 now) and it was a great success and lasted me 17 years. I had another avr in February and went mechanical. When talking with my surgeon prior to surgery she mentioned that the ross has really fallen out of favor and is not done as often as it was 15-20...

Do it. I went up there post ross procedure when I was younger. I was skiing at 10,000 feet the week before my recent AVR in February. Altiture can effect a non heart patient some people do not do well at altitude.

I will ride the Levi Granfondo (http://www.levisgranfondo.com/course) in October. I just started biking in the last week (june 08). Because of complications with my surgery in February I am not quite where I hoped to be fitness wise but it will come. I am planning a lot of Alpine Ski Touring...