TP12022015
Member
Tomorrow marks 14 weeks since my surgery on December 2nd to replace my bicuspid aortic valve with an On-x valve. I wanted to provide a brief update to provide hope for those who will be having surgery in the near future or are currently recovery. At age 34 and healthy going into the surgery, my recovery was much better than I would have anticipated. I was able to do things and return to normal and beyond well before I would have thought.
-I returned to work (High School Principal) at 32 days and never looked back.
-I was walking a mile plus at day 10.
-I was able to jog slowly at 6 weeks.
-I was able to golf at 11 weeks.
-At 14 weeks I can run 3-5 miles and complete workouts such as P90x and Insanity.
-I feel better today than I could ever remember. I didn't realize the restrictions and feelings I had were probably symptoms because I believe my aortic valve was always limiting me, but I didn't know any better. My surgeon told me my quality of life would remain the same, but when I work out now I feel incredibly better. Running is liberating and almost easy and it feels fantastic.
I write this all as a message of hope and encouragement for those going through one of the most life changing events there is.
Stay strong, take your time as everyone's timeline will be different and take advantage of your second chance at life! All of this being said, I am glad I went mechanical valve because while recovery was great and I have many great memories of the experience, I wouldn't want to do it again if I can avoid it.
-I returned to work (High School Principal) at 32 days and never looked back.
-I was walking a mile plus at day 10.
-I was able to jog slowly at 6 weeks.
-I was able to golf at 11 weeks.
-At 14 weeks I can run 3-5 miles and complete workouts such as P90x and Insanity.
-I feel better today than I could ever remember. I didn't realize the restrictions and feelings I had were probably symptoms because I believe my aortic valve was always limiting me, but I didn't know any better. My surgeon told me my quality of life would remain the same, but when I work out now I feel incredibly better. Running is liberating and almost easy and it feels fantastic.
I write this all as a message of hope and encouragement for those going through one of the most life changing events there is.
Stay strong, take your time as everyone's timeline will be different and take advantage of your second chance at life! All of this being said, I am glad I went mechanical valve because while recovery was great and I have many great memories of the experience, I wouldn't want to do it again if I can avoid it.
