E
eric adams
Hey, I had my aortic valve (now mechanical) and the ascending part of my aorta replaced a few years ago (I was 35). The day I found out that I needed surgery was the same day that I was flying to compete in an Ironman race. Needless to say, I was very disappointed that all of the training that I had done was wasted. The doctors told me that I would die if I completed the race (my aorta had grown to an 8.5 cm). So, instead of an Ironman race, I spent the next few days thinking about my upcoming surgery and wondering if I would be able to do things like that in the future. Honestly, at the time, I wasn't reading much that supported people doing triathlons post-surgery.
For the last few years, I have been meaning to post something on here to let people know that a valve replacement does not mean an end to endurance sports. In fact, I did an olympic distance race the following summer and had my fastest time ever.
After some consideration, I have decided to try to complete another Ironman in August. It will be the first and will probably be the last one that I do. For whatever reason, I feel like I need to do it one more time. I want to prove to myself that I am not 'damaged goods' and I can do anything that anyone else can do. I'll never forget a physician's assistant telling me that I would need to change my life and I was 'dealt a bad hand.' I want to prove him wrong - I have a great body and a great life.
For the record, I have had no negative reactions to coumadin. I almost selected a pig valve that would need to be replaced because of all of the criticism and complaints surrounding coumadin. It doesn't make me feel tired or cold or whatever. I don't even bruise! I have to admit, when I cut myself it bleeds for a long, long time!
Anyway, I have been meaning to write this for a while and I hope it will provide some information to those that are concerned about what life is like post-operation.
For the last few years, I have been meaning to post something on here to let people know that a valve replacement does not mean an end to endurance sports. In fact, I did an olympic distance race the following summer and had my fastest time ever.
After some consideration, I have decided to try to complete another Ironman in August. It will be the first and will probably be the last one that I do. For whatever reason, I feel like I need to do it one more time. I want to prove to myself that I am not 'damaged goods' and I can do anything that anyone else can do. I'll never forget a physician's assistant telling me that I would need to change my life and I was 'dealt a bad hand.' I want to prove him wrong - I have a great body and a great life.
For the record, I have had no negative reactions to coumadin. I almost selected a pig valve that would need to be replaced because of all of the criticism and complaints surrounding coumadin. It doesn't make me feel tired or cold or whatever. I don't even bruise! I have to admit, when I cut myself it bleeds for a long, long time!
Anyway, I have been meaning to write this for a while and I hope it will provide some information to those that are concerned about what life is like post-operation.