Recent content by sandpoet

Sean- AVR and lifespan Sean- AVR and lifespan Sean- I had two AVR's in 2008(1st valve failed due to bacterial endocarditis) I also had a hole in my heart from the infection. I have been in excellent health since the last surgery(July 2008), hiking, biking and serious weight-lifting. My doc...

Weightlifting after AVR Weightlifting after AVR I am 59 and had my first AVR in March 2008, which failed from bacterial infection and I underwent a redo in July, 2008. I began walking 2-3 miles within 2 weeks after surgery and light weights within 2 months post-surgery. I used hammer strength...

Aortic valve replacement Aortic valve replacement I had an AVR in March 2008 at 53 yoa due to bacterial endocarditis. Immediately after that surgery, they discovered a brain aneurysm(subdural hematoma) as a simultaneous complication of the sepsis. Three months later, in cognitive rehab...

Weight lifting post AVR Weight lifting post AVR I was told by a cardiac surgeon post AVR at Stanford to restrict lifting to 25lbs each arm. After all, he said; "Who needs more then that?" I asked him if Arnold Swarzenneger followed that advice post AVR. He said, I wasn't Arnold. I responded...

Mechanical Heart Valve Mechanical Heart Valve I' m 58 and my redo AVR was in July 2008. I have been a weightlifter and intense interval runner for over 40 years. After my 2nd AVR, I wanted to return to intense training in weight-lifting and running. The cardiac surgeon told me not to lift...

Dear TheGymGuy I read your blog with interest. First, being from California, I can't make any recommendations in Maryland. I know a fantastic Cardiac Thoracic guy in Boston(Harvard) who I can provide contact information, if you like. Next, despite my cardiac surgeons recommendation not to lift...

Heart Valve Recovery Heart Valve Recovery Heart Valve was not the problem. Born with a bi-leaflet valve. Would have been problematic in my 50's anyway, but after a serious dental procedure, the flush of bacteria infected my heart valve and brain. The use of the particular antibiotic was the...

Heart Valve Recovery Heart Valve Recovery Rob- Thanks for the input. I tend to get multiple sources of heart health advice. Sister is Director of Cardiology at a large hospital; She has had me consult with 3 cardiologists in her home town I go to Stanford for followups, have a local...

Mechanical valve and weightlifting Mechanical valve and weightlifting Rob- I had two heart valve replacements(aortic). They implanted St Judes 23mm. Condition was bacterial endocarditis. The cardiac surgeon told me to limit weights to 25# dumbbells, max. After all, he said, who needs more...

Weight lifting after St Jude Mechanical Weight lifting after St Jude Mechanical Forum: I had an AVR in 2008 for bacterial endocarditis. The valve failed in June 2008 and I had a redo with a 23mm St Jude mechanical. By Sept 2008, I was running again(albeit deconditioned) and weight training...

Bean Counter- I went back to lifting weights 3 months post reop for a aortic valve replacement(redo); Used the hammerstrength equipment for chest, due to the sternum, but graduated to flat bench free weights by month six. I kept reps to 12-15. I left the hospital weighing 160lbs at 5'10" and...

2x AVR 2x AVR I had a AVR in March 2008 after Bacterial Endocarditis. The valve (St Jude) failed(the surrounding tissue, despite the 1 million units/hour of Amoxicilan(sp). The 2nd surgery was successful, but the valve size went from a 28MM to a 25MM. I would have chosen a homograft and risked...