2 years out - ups and downs

[wes]

Well, it's been exactly 2 years since undergoing AVR and the good news is my heart is looking great! My latest echo showed great results and the arrhythmia I had a few weeks ago has subsided.

Now for the bad news. My lungs have taken a beating this past year and my asthma is out of control. Funny thing is, it started from this April for the first time in my life, so of course I thought it was heart related at first (phew)

Anyway, most of you will remember that I spent my 1 year anniversary on top of a 10,000ft peak, but this year I opted for a more leisurely 5km stroll to a nearby waterfall.

I'm not exactly sure what's triggering the attacks but it's most likely related to my allergies (dust mites, ragweed, cedar, cypress, cats, mold spores, and orchard grass). Anyone got a new pair of lungs I can have?

I've found a good specialist who speaks decent English and am taking preventative meds. I also try to go swimming as much as possible when my energy level allows it.

I'm trying to stay positive through it all, and will continue to dream of the day when I can make it back up to 10,000ft.

 

[skeptic49]

Congratulations on your 2 years anniversary with your new valve. Sorry to read about the asthma and hope you can get back to the top of that peak next year.

Jim

 

[Cooker]

Happy # 2 ... sorry about the lung issue, you sure don't want mine

 

[Bina]

Congrats on the 2nd anniversary.....asthma is not fun, hopefully it will stabilize.

 

[AldridgeBill]

All the best to you, 2 years is great. Breathing is pretty important to that so hope the drugs are helpful. Tough bunch of allergies, guess the top of 10000 ft peak would be the best place to go, except the thinner air. We will have many prayers for your return to "peak" performance.

Bill

 

[Duffey]

Congratulations on #2, Wes.

 

[kpearse]

Congrats on the 2nd anniversary, just had mine too.

 

[wes]

thanks to everyone for your comments (and words of encouragement)

the asthma has gotten a bit better thanks to the recent stable weather. not looking forward to winter though.

it's comforting to know that there are other valvers out there with respiratory issues, though I'm sorry we have to go through the extra punishment (aren't cardiac issues enough to worry about?) but still, we all keep ticking away.

my mother just developed asthma as well, though hers is most likely related to all those years of smoking she did when she was a bit younger.

 

[Bina]

My daughter had quite serious asthma when younger and swimming was one of her best activities.
We also discovered a food allergy and several others; dust, pollens, cut grass, dander, etc.
Keep up with your meds.