P
Peter Easton
Hi friends --
Just reporting in as I come up on three months post-operation. Had mine on September 3rd -- AVR with a Hancock Medtronics porcine valve. Convalesence went very well and I returned to work (part-time at first) in mid-October. I am now back on the job full-time and doing famously. I haven't undertaken any organized cardiac rehab, but I do walk about 3 brisk miles four or five times a week and have resumed my beloved landscaping/yard work in the cool weather of north Florida autumn.
My stamina continues to improve and, after a return appointment with the cardio next month, I hope to be able to start jogging, something I haven't done for eight or ten years since my aortic stenosis was first diagnosed.
The only downside is this whopper of a scar. It was/is a Halloween costume in and of itself! I posted some things about Keloid scarring pre-op, since I am subject to that kind of thick and raised scar tissue, and some folks with similar leanings responded and offered a few counsels. But I don't seem to have avoided it and have a real foot-long relief map of a memento from stem to stern on my sternum. It binds some and itches and pains a bit. I have an (already-scheduled) appointment with my dermatologist next week and will see what he has to say. It's a small price to pay, though, for feeling so chipper and having gotten through the valve replacement with such flying colors.
This variety of valve (Hancock Medtronics porcine), which is treated in some ways to retard calcification, has been demonstrated to last some 15-18 years in folks of my age and stage. Hope my Mother's good genes, and the good Lord's grace, carry me through so that I can have another surgery in (say) 2016 and then start counting again! By that time it ought to be possible to do this whole thing by laproscopy.
Best to one and all and lots of good cheer to those now approaching their operation.
Peter
Just reporting in as I come up on three months post-operation. Had mine on September 3rd -- AVR with a Hancock Medtronics porcine valve. Convalesence went very well and I returned to work (part-time at first) in mid-October. I am now back on the job full-time and doing famously. I haven't undertaken any organized cardiac rehab, but I do walk about 3 brisk miles four or five times a week and have resumed my beloved landscaping/yard work in the cool weather of north Florida autumn.
My stamina continues to improve and, after a return appointment with the cardio next month, I hope to be able to start jogging, something I haven't done for eight or ten years since my aortic stenosis was first diagnosed.
The only downside is this whopper of a scar. It was/is a Halloween costume in and of itself! I posted some things about Keloid scarring pre-op, since I am subject to that kind of thick and raised scar tissue, and some folks with similar leanings responded and offered a few counsels. But I don't seem to have avoided it and have a real foot-long relief map of a memento from stem to stern on my sternum. It binds some and itches and pains a bit. I have an (already-scheduled) appointment with my dermatologist next week and will see what he has to say. It's a small price to pay, though, for feeling so chipper and having gotten through the valve replacement with such flying colors.
This variety of valve (Hancock Medtronics porcine), which is treated in some ways to retard calcification, has been demonstrated to last some 15-18 years in folks of my age and stage. Hope my Mother's good genes, and the good Lord's grace, carry me through so that I can have another surgery in (say) 2016 and then start counting again! By that time it ought to be possible to do this whole thing by laproscopy.
Best to one and all and lots of good cheer to those now approaching their operation.
Peter
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