A
aheminger
Besides the replacement of my aortic valve with a pig valve, I had most of my upper aorta replaced as well (enough that my surgeon needed to cool me down and turn off the heart lung machine for about 15 minutes) because of an aneurysm. I sort of forced myself to post this because I found myself reluctant to do it. It's uncomfortable to actually think about what I've been through and I'd rather pretend it was some minor procedure that was easily done. Of course, that's not the case. I've continued in cardio rehab, up until last month, when I had to have rotator cuff surgery. I'm now in physical therapy for that, but I plan to re-enter cardio rehab this week. Overall, I know I'm doing well and I've been able to return to work, but at times when I think about it, I still become frightened and discouraged. Still, I'm incredibly grateful for modern medicine, and for the skill of my surgical team.