*This note is mainly for those who are approaching surgery soon.
*It can be a very scary time. I had my unicuspid aortic valve replaced with an On-X valve (full sternotomy) at the Cleveland Clinic 3 weeks ago this past Friday. It was also a re-surgery.
*Sometimes when I think about it, I still can't believe that it was done already and have to look at my scar to confirm I'm not dreaming.
*I have no pain and really have not had any in the last 1.5 weeks. Sleeping well on back and sides without issues.
*Try to walk everyday between 2 and 4 miles. Did a nice hilly 2.5 mile walk today at 3.5mph avg speed with HR avg of only 109.
*I am already in almost the same shape (aerobically) as before surgery other than of course the rib cage, and some lost muscle mass due to no real exercise.
*I'm going to wait the full 6 weeks before starting weight training again. Will be lower weights and higher & longer reps. Don't want to upset anything in there.
*So, just wanted to share that this scary operation can go very well with great results.
*Go into surgery in the best possible physical & mental condition (It definitely helps in recovery).
*Do your research early, make the decisions, then just trust your surgical team and hospital.
*And finally, no regrets on my valve choice!
*It can be a very scary time. I had my unicuspid aortic valve replaced with an On-X valve (full sternotomy) at the Cleveland Clinic 3 weeks ago this past Friday. It was also a re-surgery.
*Sometimes when I think about it, I still can't believe that it was done already and have to look at my scar to confirm I'm not dreaming.
*I have no pain and really have not had any in the last 1.5 weeks. Sleeping well on back and sides without issues.
*Try to walk everyday between 2 and 4 miles. Did a nice hilly 2.5 mile walk today at 3.5mph avg speed with HR avg of only 109.
*I am already in almost the same shape (aerobically) as before surgery other than of course the rib cage, and some lost muscle mass due to no real exercise.
*I'm going to wait the full 6 weeks before starting weight training again. Will be lower weights and higher & longer reps. Don't want to upset anything in there.
*So, just wanted to share that this scary operation can go very well with great results.
*Go into surgery in the best possible physical & mental condition (It definitely helps in recovery).
*Do your research early, make the decisions, then just trust your surgical team and hospital.
*And finally, no regrets on my valve choice!