Hi, New here BAV moderate regurgitation

[Mr Charles]

Evening all, I'm 35 I don't live the best life style I try go gym or skip 1/2 times a week I eat fast food because of my work and hours, but I do eat healthy some times I drink lots of water, I haven't had surgery I've been on Ramipril 2.5 for nearly 15 years on and off, there been times in my life I've just stopped taking it, but as I've got older I take it religiously, Since I found out when I was 20 its effect my life all I've ever done is worry worry worry the quality of my life has been rubbish because of worry, When I go for my yearly scan I wait 1month for follow up and they don't say much over the phone, just it's ok don't worry, for maybe past 3 years I've increased my gym and cardio slightly, I suppose my worrys are

1, how much cardio and what type is safe for BAV

2, Saunas and steam rooms and swimming is that safe

3 what type of weights is ok to lift or is there a Schedule or a plan sheet of what's better for BAV people, I always ask DR they just seem to be unsure and say don't go over board lol,

4, Is there any type of daily Vitamins and fruits that help?

5, Im so fightend when D days comes (Surgery) will I be looked after and will right choices be made by my doctor, Also I heard a convocation thay 2 people had surgery for heart, they both was given Vaxx blood in surgery and both died within a week,,


Sorry if I've blown of here I'm new and just getting it all off my chest I suppose , I've been worried about posting here because soon as I click I get anxious when I talk or heart about heart things, so I thought no I need to face things head on and find out more and maybe easy my mind,

 

[pellicle]

Hi

well I have a different perspective, so feel free to push it to one side

...but I do eat healthy some times I drink lots of water,

I'd try to change that out to I do eat healthy mostly but sometimes eat rubbish or junk

...Since I found out when I was 20 its effect my life all I've ever done is worry worry worry the quality of my life has been rubbish because of worry,

I found out before I even knew what it even meant (like I was 5 or 6 years old). I just behaved normally and pushed back against my parents desires to cotton wool me. I rode motorbikes around the farm (not as crazy as my cousins, but ... and acted like a kid. I did get out of breath a lot.

At 10 I had my first OHS to "fix" the valve. Again even after open heart surgery I just did my thing. Kept riding motorbikes, cycled regularly, hiked a lot and just ate a normal diet (there was no junk food back then, just meat, vegetables and bread ...

Same up until my second OHS at 28 ... again I didn't really give it much thought, asked questions of the surgeon questions (I never even heard of a Cardiologist until the lead up into my third) and mostly followed directions, but with a mind towards pushing the limits and seeing what they found next year.

When I go for my yearly scan I wait 1month for follow up and they don't say much over the phone, just it's ok don't worry,

probably they say that because "its ok and worrying won't do anything"

for maybe past 3 years I've increased my gym and cardio slightly, I suppose my worrys are

1, how much cardio and what type is safe for BAV

if you feel puffed then have a break. Do it at your own pace, don't compete with others who probably don't have BAV. Go for lower cardio demand and higher rep but lower weight training. Focus on form and technique.

2, Saunas and steam rooms and swimming is that safe

I have utterly no idea why sauna wouldn't be safe, but swimming brings the usual risks of sharks (I grew up around surf), marine stingers and drowning. I did a lot of swimming and its fantastic exersize. Again focus on technique and form.

3 what type of weights is ok to lift or is there a Schedule or a plan sheet of what's better for BAV people,

covered above

I always ask DR they just seem to be unsure and say don't go over board lol,

because frankly they don't have a fcking clue because the meet so few of them ... and yes, as I've said "don't go overboard" but I've phrased it as my surgeon did "don't do competition, be your own judge"

4, Is there any type of daily Vitamins and fruits that help?

none are useful in any sort of study ... but it does help the vitamin companies, so there's that

5, Im so fightend when D days comes (Surgery) will I be looked after and will right choices be made by my doctor,

so don't be frightened, instead engage here, ask questions and learn. Go in informed as you are part of a team with your medical team being head of "surgery" but you are tasked with two roles

1. make the valve choice (you'll be offered)
2. bloody do what you're directed to
3. take taking the medications you are directed to seriously (no, I'm not joking, no most people don't)

Also I heard a convocation thay 2 people had surgery for heart, they both was given Vaxx blood in surgery and both died within a week,,

werid ... never heard that

Sorry if I've blown of here I'm new and just getting it all off my chest I suppose ,

all good ... sorry about my open and honest answers ... that's what happens when you're an Australian with Irish Ancestry and Finish experience.

I've been worried about posting here because soon as I click I get anxious when I talk or heart about heart things, so I thought no I need to face things head on and find out more and maybe easy my mind,

anxiety is a common reaction, my advice is to consider it an evil spirit within you that you have wasted far too much of your time on up to this point. When Anxiety starts speaking, go for a bicycle ride ... anything to make your mind return to normality. Its you who is in charge up there so take command and put anxiety in its place (a dumpster).

Hope this video helps


I really like cycling because of the focus on rythmic motion and scanning left and right all the time

A Simple Visual Technique To Trick Your Mind Into Relaxation

The best thing about it? Anyone can do it, any time, anywhere.

www.charlottegrysolle.com

Read some stoic philosopy

The Stoic Archer – Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

Imagine you’re an archer aiming at a deer (or a clay pigeon – depending on your values).

www.njlifehacks.com

Some good modern interpretations in the TV series Black Sails


Book title: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

In the translation from the Ancient Greek by George Long, the original lines from Book 4 are:

Be like the promontory against which the waves continually break, but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it. Unhappy am I because this has happened to me. - Not so, but happy am I, though this has happened to me, because I continue free from pain, neither crushed by the present nor fearing the future. For such a thing nothing as this might have happened to every man; but every man would not have continued free from pain on such an occasion.

 

[pellicle]

PS I swear Google reads my posts when I use chrome, first recommend site after I opened a new page

Be Oriented Toward Valued States of Being

Reflect on and work to be aligned with your values in the short and long term.

www.psychologytoday.com

Seemed reasonable too

 

[Mr Charles]

Thank you appreciate you time and post, quite abit I need to change, I just get so depressed but I function well no one knows, I find it so hard to get my head above water mentally I feel that's what keeps the negativity alive and keeps my head under, I had a little flick thru sites you posted interesting, I need to add methods to my tool box (head) and take more time obsessing over the negative and try filter more positive, nice to be able to post how I felt and got a reply of some who understands 1st time in 15years, so thank you,

 

[Chuck C]

Welcome to the forum Mr. Charles.

I'm 35 I don't live the best life style I try go gym or skip 1/2 times a week I eat fast food because of my work and hours,

I would echo the suggestions of Pellicle. The best thing that you can do to prepare for surgery and to live a good life in general, is to take care of yourself, with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Your recovery will be a much better experience if you go into it in good physical condition. This would include cutting out the fast food, or at least minimize it, switch to a diet primarily based on whole foods which are not processed. Eating this way and exercising regularly will also help to maintain a healthy body weight and will go a long way towards controlling your blood pressure, which I assume is elevated since you are on Ramipril.

, how much cardio and what type is safe for BAV

You mentioned swimming. Swimming is an excellent exercise for cardio and core strength. I would be sensible about it and not push to 100% exertion. When I had moderate aortic stenosis, I exercised a lot, and did a lot of swimming. I was told to be sensible about it and not go crazy. I think that is good guidance.

Saunas and steam rooms and swimming is that safe

When I had aortic stenosis I did sauna about 4 times per week and still do. Same as Pellicle, I know of no reason why you can't do a sauna or steam room. In fact, they are excellent to help control blood pressure, as they will cause your arteries to vasodilate for several hours after taking a sauna. One thing to be aware of, and this goes for anyone doing a sauna, pay attention to whether you are starting to feel light headed and get out if you do. People with aortic stenosis and regurgitation might be more susceptible to becoming light headed, so pay attention to how you feel and be sensible. I would say the same for exercise. If you ever feel light headed stop.

what type of weights is ok to lift or is there a Schedule or a plan sheet of what's better for BAV people, I always ask DR they just seem to be unsure and say don't go over board lol,

I would go light weights and high rep. You don't want to strain hard. One type of exercise to avoid is anything in which you are bearing down, such as a squat. This can be dangerous for those with valve issues.

, Is there any type of daily Vitamins and fruits that help?

There is no magic vitamin for valve disease. I would suggest eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and to get your vitamins that way, as part of a healthy lifestye.

Im so fightend when D days comes (Surgery) will I be looked after and will right choices be made by my doctor, Also I heard a convocation thay 2 people had surgery for heart, they both was given Vaxx blood in surgery and both died within a week,

That sounds like internet mythology to me, with respect to folks dying who were given vaccinated blood. I call BS. Also, you will probably not be given blood during your surgery.

In that you refer to it as D Day and have a lot of anxiety about it, I would assure you that it is not as bad as you are expecting. It is not a cake walk, but it is really not that bad. The best thing that you can do is to be as healthy as you can going in. Trust that your medical team is monitoring you and will let you know when the time comes. Live your life and enjoy every moment, this would apply to do days before surgery and after. When the day for surgery comes, know that this is a very low risk surgery and as a young person your odds of coming through it with a full recovery and living a normal life are excellent.

 

[pellicle]

Thank you appreciate you time and post,

Welcome

I just get so depressed but I function well no one knows, I find it so hard to get my head above water mentally I feel that's what keeps the negativity alive and keeps my head under,

That sounds bad, I can't specifically advise you with a strategy over the internet (never even met you) but I'd definitely point you towards good mental health professionals

I had a little flick thru sites you posted interesting,

Great

, nice to be able to post how I felt and got a reply of some who understands 1st time in 15years, so thank you,

My wife suffered from depression in her youth, I'm not sure if art helped or not. However I do believe that

• Strong circadian rhythm
• Good exercise
• Good diet
• Being outside in the sun
• Avoiding negative people
• Nipping self deprecating thought

Helps.

We are all here to help, we are all different and all have different approach to life and problems. I hope others are also able to help

BTW, surgery is so easy you could do it in your sleep

Best Wishes

 

[dick0236]

Hi Mr. Charles and welcome to this site. I can't add much to what Pellico posted except I am sure I felt as you do. I was diagnosed when I was in my late teens but surgery was not an option in the 1950s. When I was 31 I had the surgery with a lot of questions and uncertainty.......just as you do now. You will get a lot of good info from this forum and you should be very direct in questioning your doctors. You will come thru it OK and will go on to live a productive, normal life.

Remember, you can only eat this elephant one bite at a time.......so don't even try to answer all your questions or quell all your fears in one giant gulp.

BTW, I have lived with my one and only mechanical valve for 55+ years........this surgery really works.

 

[carolinemc]

Evening all, I'm 35 I don't live the best life style I try go gym or skip 1/2 times a week I eat fast food because of my work and hours, but I do eat healthy some times I drink lots of water, I haven't had surgery I've been on Ramipril 2.5 for nearly 15 years on and off, there been times in my life I've just stopped taking it, but as I've got older I take it religiously, Since I found out when I was 20 its effect my life all I've ever done is worry worry worry the quality of my life has been rubbish because of worry, When I go for my yearly scan I wait 1month for follow up and they don't say much over the phone, just it's ok don't worry, for maybe past 3 years I've increased my gym and cardio slightly, I suppose my worrys are

1, how much cardio and what type is safe for BAV

2, Saunas and steam rooms and swimming is that safe

3 what type of weights is ok to lift or is there a Schedule or a plan sheet of what's better for BAV people, I always ask DR they just seem to be unsure and say don't go over board lol,

4, Is there any type of daily Vitamins and fruits that help?

5, Im so fightend when D days comes (Surgery) will I be looked after and will right choices be made by my doctor, Also I heard a convocation thay 2 people had surgery for heart, they both was given Vaxx blood in surgery and both died within a week,,


Sorry if I've blown of here I'm new and just getting it all off my chest I suppose , I've been worried about posting here because soon as I click I get anxious when I talk or heart about heart things, so I thought no I need to face things head on and find out more and maybe easy my mind,

Just do as the cardio says, easy on the weightlifting. For diet, you need to see a dietician. For they help you learn about diet and will work around what you like to eat and what you can substitute. The key to dieting is portion control. Saunas and steam rooms are safe for you and Swimming is a great exercise. As for vitamin, I take a multivitamin daily. Especially good for when you are eating poorly. And do not go by heresay on Covid 19 vax, for it is very safe and no on here has died from all the vaccines for covid. And you should also get the flu shot. Good luck and we are here for you.

 

[Cormac_1989]

Evening all, I'm 35 I don't live the best life style I try go gym or skip 1/2 times a week I eat fast food because of my work and hours, but I do eat healthy some times I drink lots of water, I haven't had surgery I've been on Ramipril 2.5 for nearly 15 years on and off, there been times in my life I've just stopped taking it, but as I've got older I take it religiously, Since I found out when I was 20 its effect my life all I've ever done is worry worry worry the quality of my life has been rubbish because of worry, When I go for my yearly scan I wait 1month for follow up and they don't say much over the phone, just it's ok don't worry, for maybe past 3 years I've increased my gym and cardio slightly, I suppose my worrys are

1, how much cardio and what type is safe for BAV

2, Saunas and steam rooms and swimming is that safe

3 what type of weights is ok to lift or is there a Schedule or a plan sheet of what's better for BAV people, I always ask DR they just seem to be unsure and say don't go over board lol,

4, Is there any type of daily Vitamins and fruits that help?

5, Im so fightend when D days comes (Surgery) will I be looked after and will right choices be made by my doctor, Also I heard a convocation thay 2 people had surgery for heart, they both was given Vaxx blood in surgery and both died within a week,,


Sorry if I've blown of here I'm new and just getting it all off my chest I suppose , I've been worried about posting here because soon as I click I get anxious when I talk or heart about heart things, so I thought no I need to face things head on and find out more and maybe easy my mind,

Hi Mr Charles, Hope you are well. Firstly i want to say it is normal to worry. I am 33 and hard my aortic valve replaced in December last year. I was diagnosed with Bicuspid valve in Jan 2021. It is safe to say i worried a lot too. Easier said then done but there is no point in worrying, but if you do, it is normal. I spoke to a psychologist it certainly helped. Maybe you could do the same. To answer some of your questions:

1-As most cardiologists seem to say , not to over do it. I was playing tennis 5 nights a week right up until 2 days before surgery. I did two cardiac classes per week with a cardiac physio (Karen Craddock) which was monitored with heart rate monitor. The physio or cardiologist were ok with this level of exercise. I was advised to do 10 min warm up , 20-40 mins exercise at elevated heart rate and 10 mins cool down (get a cardiac physio to prescribe for you).

2-I am no expert but Sauna and Steam room i would think are safe.

3-Again i would seek out a cardiac rehab nurse or cardiac physio, more skilled in this area in my opinion. General consensus is lift lighter weights for higher reps and don't push it. BREATH while weight lifting also.

4-Health food would be best, i worked with a nutritionist pre op as i was over weight and not very healthy. Maybe you should do same? It should reduce your anxiety the more you have control over the situation. My biggest fear was not the surgery but more so something going wrong because i was unhealthy or overweight during the surgery. I managed to get myself into peak shape pre op and was up walking the next day and off oxygen.

5-Again worry is normal but try to have some faith and belief it will be ok. This is by all means a ROUTINE surgery now, i was told by staff my surgeon makes it look boring he has done so many!

I faced 1-2 issues in hospital afterwards but i am home now and 7 weeks post op and feeling great, i hope this helps buddy, good luck. Cormac