New PR rock-climbing and it's post surgery

[jds]

I'm 11 months post MV replacement.

I've been climbing at a fairly casual level for a long time. In the US, rock climbs are graded from 5.1 to 5.15. This past Saturday, I climbed my first 5.9+ cleanly (no falls) including my time pre and post surgery.

Strength comes back faster than cardio endurance. I'm weight-lifting pretty well and climbing pretty well but still can't run very fast. Improving but still struggling to maintain a 9 min/mile pace.

I am blessed in many ways.

John

 

[Philip B]

Climbing

Climbing

Hi John,

It's good to hear that you're back doing an activity you love. Regular climbing and the associated exercise will definately get you back in shape.

A fall in Wyoming back in the early eighties and the broken knees that resulted pretty much ended my climbing career. I also had to agree to never engage in climbing activities again when I got married. My wife frequently regrets not having more activities on that "banned after marriage" list.

I remember asking my cardiologist about restrictions on activities I enjoy following my AVR surgery a little over a year ago. He laughed and commented that the whole point of AVR surgery was to be able to continue living a normal life and that any activities which were a part of my life prior to surgery should be a part following surgery. Essentially, he encouraged me to do whatever activities I wanted to pursue. I liked his perspective.

Good luck with the climbing.

-Philip

 

[dick0236]

John....sounds good, everything will come back in time. I never could figure out why somebody would want to sweat and claw themselves up a rock face when they could take a leisurely walk in a cow pasture and chase a little ball.

 

[Mary]

John,
Congratulations!
That's quite an accomplishment!

 

[Phil]

Rock Climbing after surgery

Rock Climbing after surgery

Hello All,

i have not had surgery, but i may have to in the future. I have been climbing for 4 years now and i luv it. so it is very encouraging to hear that i should be able to keep doin all my outdoor activities. thanks for the encouraging words.

 

[WayneGM]

Thanks for sharing your encouraging story. Congratulations!

 

[Guest]

Congratulations on your climb.