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I had aortic root replacement and reconstruction of the ascending aorta last year. During a follow-up visit my surgeon asked if I would like a digital copy of the surgery video. Of course I did! It is awesome, something I've watched half a dozen times. Such an amazing procedure and quite...

That's wonderful to hear. Positive thinking is such a powerful tool both pre and post op.

I was told to wear my compression stockings for two weeks post op.

Yeah, I know that look. People did the same to me. Hell, I would probably give someone that look prior to my experience. I don't feel any different with the new heart valve. I was asymptomatic before so for me just feeling normal is a good thing. I have no current symptoms or issues. After...

As bad as this may sound I'm not 100% certain, since I've heard that a full sternotomy can be done with a small incision. With that being said, I'm fairly sure it was a partial sternotomy. This wasn't something I discussed with my surgeon in advance. I actually assumed my incision would be...

HopefulHeart, our situations are nearly identical. Asymptomatic, 38yrs old, family history, BAV, aortic aneurysm, etc. You can read my first post here. My surgery was just three months ago and in all honesty it rarely crosses my mind any more. At the time of my diagnosis I recall my...

I only had my surgery a couple of months ago, so I'm far from an expert. The reality is we're never out of the "danger zone". There are always issues to be concerned with, whether it be increased stroke risk, ACT, or a future surgery. Not to mention endocarditis. For me that is the possible...

Wow, that's quite a story...oh and welcome! Good luck with a speedy recovery and hopefully you get your pilots license shortly thereafter.

Congratulations on the procedure and recovery. Hope all continues to go well.

Great to hear that everything went well with your check-up and your run. Always good to return to our normal activities. I'm somewhat surprised your surgeon was uneasy with running. I was told no restrictions. Period.

big_L, I went into my initial consultation with the surgeon thinking he would recommend mechanical simply due to my age. He was quite open that the valve decision was mine and he had extensive experience with either option, but he also cautioned against making a decision based on possible...

I checked into the hospital the day before surgery. It was a Sunday, so the hospital was far more peaceful that day than a typical day. There was some paperwork to complete initially (most of the pre-admittance was taken care of over the phone previously) but the first thing they did was blood...

Definitely get a second opinion, but be prepared to move forward as well. You will likely need surgery at some point. If you're on that threshold I would opt to do it sooner rather than later. From my own personal experience, and reading the experiences of others, the younger and healthier...

On February 22 when I received my diagnosis of a bicuspid aortic valve my cardiologist advised that all first-line relatives get tested. My parents, brother, sister, and kids got tested. All cleared, except for my 18 year old daughter. Found out today she has a bicuspid aortic valve, courtesy...

The weather was bad here as well post op. I became a mall walker.

I'm not quite to 6 weeks post op yet. Up until this week I was restricted to walking only. Then this week my surgeon gave me clearance for all activities except for bench press and push-ups. Anything that will impact the sternum and chest muscles basically, he wants a full 8 weeks for that to...

I'm a side and chest sleeper. I'm 5 weeks out and still sleep on my back. Will probably continue doing so until week 8.

Hello and welcome. Like HotS I am relatively fresh from my surgery. I was commenting to my wife that it really seems like an eternity ago, not 5 weeks. Time will fly by. It's natural to feel anxious and worried. Education and preparation helped me with the anxiety and I felt very at ease...

Haha very true. Sneezing is the worst for the first few weeks.

Congrats on your anniversary. Quick question, how long was it before you were able to start lifting again?