Well, I'm a couple of days past six weeks post-op and I just jogged seven miles! Felt like I could have done more -- very moderate pace, but still, it's amazing ...Read more
Well, I'm a couple of days past six weeks post-op and I just jogged seven miles! Felt like I could have done more -- very moderate pace, but still, it's amazing what a difference this operation has made. I couldn't jog three blocks before the surgery due to the stenosis/regurgitation. Got some intermittent arrhythmia (not afib, apparently), which is annoying, but which the doc says should resolve on its own as the heart adjusts. Guess we'll see. It happens more when I'm sitting or lying down, and more in the early afternoon/evening. Sternum healing up well but not there yet, but on the whole, feeling great and grateful!
Anna Jones That is wonderful news. Sending prayers for continued good health and happiness.
Steven Methot You don't know what your message has done for my spirits. I am a runner and while I am asymptomatic ... Read more
Steven Methot You don't know what your message has done for my spirits. I am a runner and while I am asymptomatic I was told to STOP. I wasn't sure what post-surgery (whenever that is) would do. Thanks for confirming my hopes.
Dan Vechiola Way to go Jonathon! Your posts and journal has been very informative for us that have yet to have su ... Read more
Dan Vechiola Way to go Jonathon! Your posts and journal has been very informative for us that have yet to have surgery. I appreciate your words, they mean a lot. Keep up the great work and its been great following your progress!
Kirk Bepler Wow, you are healing fast! That's great!
Two weeks and two days post-op (Ross Procedure with Dr. Stelzer at Mt. Sinai), and I just got back from a beer and bratwurst party at a friend's place (I only ...Read more
Two weeks and two days post-op (Ross Procedure with Dr. Stelzer at Mt. Sinai), and I just got back from a beer and bratwurst party at a friend's place (I only had one small beer). Been climbing these steps (I keep uploading the picture but it isn't showing up -- going to post and see if it appears. If not, imagine three long consecutive flights of stairs in a park) six times, walking 2-3 miles, down to occasional ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Saw my cardiologist on Wednesday -- he said all the "interesting sounds" were gone. In other words, couldn't be happier with my recovery so far. The work these cardiac surgeons are doing is truly miraculous! Thanks again for all the help & support from this forum.
Chris Purvis Awesome man! Love the Beer and Brat party...like you said these surgeons can do some amazing things s ... Read more
Chris Purvis Awesome man! Love the Beer and Brat party...like you said these surgeons can do some amazing things so we can continue to enjoy those things. Glad your doing so well.
Joey Hardee Fantastic! That is great progress in 2 weeks. Makes me want to go ahead and get scheduled with Dr Ste ... Read more
Joey Hardee Fantastic! That is great progress in 2 weeks. Makes me want to go ahead and get scheduled with Dr Stelzer. :-))
Jonathan Bines Well, if you're a candidate for the Ross, I couldn't recommend Dr. Stelzer more highly. But by now I ... Read more
Jonathan Bines Well, if you're a candidate for the Ross, I couldn't recommend Dr. Stelzer more highly. But by now I'm sure his reputation needs no further burnishing.
How long after OHS before you can start drinking again?
Asking for a friend.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Jonathan,
I forgot to ask my cardiologist that very question so look forward to hearing what ot ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Jonathan,
I forgot to ask my cardiologist that very question so look forward to hearing what others have been told.
Lilly Black Lol! Cute! 😁I did not ask my cardiologist. But I did wait until I stopped medication. I started wi ... Read more
Lilly Black Lol! Cute! 😁I did not ask my cardiologist. But I did wait until I stopped medication. I started with 1 glass of wine with dinner. But it didn’t taste so good so it wasn’t enjoyable anyway. I don’t drink the hard stuff! I guess if you are concerned you should ask your doctor. Sorry I wasn’t much help ✌️
Marie Myers I thought 1 week was good... That glass of wine was great! Obviously, don't combine alcohol with narc ... Read more
Marie Myers I thought 1 week was good... That glass of wine was great! Obviously, don't combine alcohol with narcotic pain Meds or large amounts of acetaminophen...Can damage your liver...
Helen Daw I had a glass two weeks after my surgery.
Nikki Escue I did ask my Doctor because I did enjoy a good glass of wine now and then. However, I found out if y ... Read more
Nikki Escue I did ask my Doctor because I did enjoy a good glass of wine now and then. However, I found out if you are on Warfarin and you drink alcohol, it causes a buildup of the Warfarin in your system and can cause severe bleeding internally. That being said, he did say if I had to drink, to only have one, occasionally. But I think he scared me, because I still haven't had that glass of wine yet. lol
Rita Savelis Everything in moderation. Heavy drinking with anticoagulants is not advised. But it is okay to have a ... Read more
Rita Savelis Everything in moderation. Heavy drinking with anticoagulants is not advised. But it is okay to have a drink or two.
My surgery was Thursday afternoon, and I am amazed at how well the recovery is going. I'm out of the hospital (yesterday) and resting up at my mother in law's. ...Read more
My surgery was Thursday afternoon, and I am amazed at how well the recovery is going. I'm out of the hospital (yesterday) and resting up at my mother in law's. Walked a little outside yesterday. Today I walked to Central Park and a little inside the park. Later walked to dinner. Probably 3/4 mile in all! Slowly, very slowly. But heart rate didn't even get up past 90. Weaning off the pain meds (again, slowly). Been having some issues with chills/overheating (body temperature stays around 98, but a little cold air can give me chills and a blanket can make me overheat). Can't wait to take my brand new Ross to my doubting-Thomas of a cardiologist! He's going to be amazed, I think.
Anna Jones Great news! Glad to hear recovery is going so well. Sending continued best wishes.
Joey Hardee This is awesome, Jonathan! Your story sounds a lot like mine. My cardiologist is advising me against ... Read more
Joey Hardee This is awesome, Jonathan! Your story sounds a lot like mine. My cardiologist is advising me against a Ross but said "if you absolutely want to have it done, I won't discourage you" but he is suggesting a bovine and our last conversation he even suggested the OnX mechanical. I am thinking of traveling from SC to NY to have Dr Stelzer "Ross me" and I would love for it to go as well as yours so my cardiologist can have his mind changed.
So great that you are doing so well. Hope it continues to get better.
Jonathan Bines If you're a candidate for the Ross, I couldn't recommend Dr. Stelzer more highly. Saw firsthand how ... Read more
Jonathan Bines If you're a candidate for the Ross, I couldn't recommend Dr. Stelzer more highly. Saw firsthand how beloved and revered he is by his team, the nurses, and administration at Sinai. And he still seems to be in top form! For me, age and activity level would probably be the two main criteria I'd use, although evidence -- though thin -- does seem to show better outcomes overall from Ross long term, and Dr. Stelzer I think will do them for candidates into their 50s. He is a true believer.
Mark Wilbur I'm glad you made the right decision for yourself, Jonathan. I'm happy that your recovery is going s ... Read more
Mark Wilbur I'm glad you made the right decision for yourself, Jonathan. I'm happy that your recovery is going so well. Yours is an inspirational story.
Rose Madura Glad things are going so well! You have to make medical decisions that are best for you. I'm happy ... Read more
Rose Madura Glad things are going so well! You have to make medical decisions that are best for you. I'm happy that you have peace and are feeling well.
Joey Hardee Hey Jonathan. I have been so impressed just communicating with Dr Stelzer. I sent all my records and ... Read more
Joey Hardee Hey Jonathan. I have been so impressed just communicating with Dr Stelzer. I sent all my records and scans to him. He says I am a candidate for Ross. I am 54. Want to get back to playing competitive tennis. I can't really do it now without having irregular heartbeats. Thanks for posting and updating on how you are doing. Its just awesome. Very inspirational.
Jonathan Bines Ross definitely seems like a great option for someone like you, although I'm sure you'd do great with ... Read more
Jonathan Bines Ross definitely seems like a great option for someone like you, although I'm sure you'd do great with a bio valve too. Either way, I don't think you'd necessarily see relief from irregular heartbeats with a Ross, would you? I actually suffered from them before the operation and haven't since, but that doesn't prove anything, of course, since it's been a week and I'm on beta blockers and haven't done any serious physical activity (although I'm walking a lot!). I was really hoping the operation might help with the arrhythmias just by improving the blood flow. Who knows, maybe it will! But again, that wouldn't be a reason to choose the Ross over another option, I don't think.
Joey Hardee I would choose the Ross because I feel like it gives me the best option to get back to a higher level ... Read more
Joey Hardee I would choose the Ross because I feel like it gives me the best option to get back to a higher level of activity for a longer span of time before needing another intervention. Thinking logically, I think the leaking valve does have something to do with irregular heartbeats/palpitations in my case, but I could be wrong. I have felt them my whole life but never was told why I had them or a murmur. If my valve gets fixed via Ross or a bio, I am hopeful that symptom would be relieved or at least greatly diminished. Keep us updated on your recovery. Praying for you that it is quick and complete soon.
Jonathan Bines Thanks! I'm obviously a big believer in the Ross and I think the data supports it from a guy like St ... Read more
Jonathan Bines Thanks! I'm obviously a big believer in the Ross and I think the data supports it from a guy like Stelzer, but I'm sure whatever you choose will be great!
Jonathan Bines I mean a competent Ross surgeon, of course. Doesn't have to be a guy!
Lilly Black Central Park! What an accomplishment, Jonathan! Congratulations....I hope you have a speedy recovery. ... Read more
Lilly Black Central Park! What an accomplishment, Jonathan! Congratulations....I hope you have a speedy recovery. Glad to hear you are doing well ✌️😊
Hi, everyone. Recovery going really well -- small setback with the kidney function, but all should be well. I have to say, hospital beds were very uncomfortable. ...Read more
Hi, everyone. Recovery going really well -- small setback with the kidney function, but all should be well. I have to say, hospital beds were very uncomfortable. Nurses were able to track me down a recliner and it is making a huge difference. Definitely recommend. Dr. Stelzer seems very pleased with the operation -- and if he' happy, I'm happy! Thanks for all the supportive comments!
Anna Jones Thank you for keeping us posted. I'm very glad to read that Dr. Stelzer is happy with the surgery, y ... Read more
Anna Jones Thank you for keeping us posted. I'm very glad to read that Dr. Stelzer is happy with the surgery, you were able to find a comfortable recliner, and that in general recovery is going well. I'm so sorry that there was a small setback with your kidneys. I've been told that SIRS symptoms are common with heart surgery. Sending prayers and best wishes.
Judy Shaw Glad to hear your doing well and that you've found a way to get some rest. I've slept in the recliner ... Read more
Judy Shaw Glad to hear your doing well and that you've found a way to get some rest. I've slept in the recliners several times when my husband was in the hospital (ugh) but I'm glad it is working for you.
Marie Myers Glad to hear all is going well! I loved my post op recliner chair...
Mark Wilbur Thanks for the update, Jonathan! You sound very positive. Great attitude. Keep it going!
This is Jon's wife, Alexandra. Less than 24 hours after his Ross Procedure, he is out of the ICU (he actually came out this morning) and eating chicken salad. ...Read more
This is Jon's wife, Alexandra. Less than 24 hours after his Ross Procedure, he is out of the ICU (he actually came out this morning) and eating chicken salad. :) He's taken several walks around the floor and for now at least pain is well-managed. He remarked on how his heart is not beating distractingly hard anymore. His wonderful surgeon Paul Stelzer also commented on the absence of a murmur--"probably for the first time in his life"--and showed us an amazing picture of his old, bum valve. Overwhelmed with gratitude. Still much recovery ahead but I hope Jon will be posting himself here soon about his experience.
Joey Hardee How awesome is this news! Praying the recovery goes well and Jon is better than ever.
My surgery is scheduled for a week from tomorrow (May 24). I'm wondering what I need to do now so that I will be comfortable during the weeks post-hospital ...Read more
My surgery is scheduled for a week from tomorrow (May 24). I'm wondering what I need to do now so that I will be comfortable during the weeks post-hospital release. My insurance will cover the rental of an adjustable hospital bed. Would that be worth the trouble? We have no recliner in our home (also lots of stairs). Someone mentioned a body pillow? Or a bolster? Am I overthinking this? I just don't want to be sending my wife out to Target while I'm lying flat & uncomfortable in our 3rd story bed wishing I'd taken care of stuff before the operation!
Marie Myers I found the recliner really useful for 1 month. It made it easy for me to get up and down without hel ... Read more
Marie Myers I found the recliner really useful for 1 month. It made it easy for me to get up and down without help, esp at night. I found I did not sleep flat in bed for several weeks, but everyone is different.
Carolyn Newell We were able to rent a recliner for a month and they threw in two weeks extra so a total of 6 weeks. ... Read more
Carolyn Newell We were able to rent a recliner for a month and they threw in two weeks extra so a total of 6 weeks. I still have it as I'm 3 weeks post op today. It really saved me. I used it to sleep in for the first week at home.
Dawn Lorraine I slept in my bed up one flight of stairs from the day I came home. I did prop myself up with extra p ... Read more
Dawn Lorraine I slept in my bed up one flight of stairs from the day I came home. I did prop myself up with extra pillows but really rolled to my side when needed to get up. I didn’t have any issues. Best of luck with your surgery.
veronica gunthner I had one of those TV watching pillows with arms that I use in bed (Amazon). I wish I had a body pill ... Read more
veronica gunthner I had one of those TV watching pillows with arms that I use in bed (Amazon). I wish I had a body pillow for rolling on my side. A step stool if your bed is high would be useful. Good luck!
Nancy Surprenant Takahashi I slept in a recliner for several weeks, I wasn't sure if I would need one but I got one second hand, best $35.00 i spent.
Kelly Stoll A wedge pillow. I found it helped a lot before surgery and it has been used every day post op
Debbie Chatzky Hi Kelly. How is a wedge pillow used? My surgery is in 2 weeks and I would like to get one.
Barbara Wood I ordered a 9" memory foam wedge from Amazon & used that along with 5 regular bed pillows - put 2 pil ... Read more
Barbara Wood I ordered a 9" memory foam wedge from Amazon & used that along with 5 regular bed pillows - put 2 pillows on the wedge, one under either arm & one under my knees to keep from slipping down. I learned this trick in the hospital & it worked pretty well for sleeping & napping. A body pillow would come in handy after about 2 weeks when you can start gradually rolling over on your side.
Willie Radl I slept in a recliner for a few weeks, I didn't feel like i could get out of bed easily when laying f ... Read more
Willie Radl I slept in a recliner for a few weeks, I didn't feel like i could get out of bed easily when laying flat without help at first. If I slept propped up at a 45° angle I probably would have been fine but was comfortable in the recliner.
Jim Harvey Jonathan, you'll be upstairs in no time. I thought I'd be living downstairs for a few weeks, but I s ... Read more
Jim Harvey Jonathan, you'll be upstairs in no time. I thought I'd be living downstairs for a few weeks, but I started back using the upstairs after just a few days.
Vivien Appleby Like Dawn, I slept in a bed from the time I arrived home, 5th day. A firm bed. You haven’t got long ... Read more
Vivien Appleby Like Dawn, I slept in a bed from the time I arrived home, 5th day. A firm bed. You haven’t got long so start practising now. Roll on your slide then use your leg and stomach muscles. Strengthen them
Rose Madura I tried the wedge but found it to be somewhat uncomfortable. Pillows worked better but sleep was not ... Read more
Rose Madura I tried the wedge but found it to be somewhat uncomfortable. Pillows worked better but sleep was not good for a while. I would go upstairs to bed and in the middle of the night, I'd come down to the recliner with my travel pillow - which was my companion during my recovery. Pillows to prop up arms was a must for me as well. You'll be surprised at how much you will do. I had a lot of complications which was not the norm. The doctors told my husband after my OHS that the best thing he could do for me is nothing. Let me do it myself. Best wishes. I'm sure you will do fine.
Jonathan Bines Thanks for all the good advice, everyone. I will look into that wedge and a body pillow. Always wan ... Read more
Jonathan Bines Thanks for all the good advice, everyone. I will look into that wedge and a body pillow. Always wanted one of those! Also will figure out recliner.
Darlene Smith Definitely get a recliner or the adjustable bed. You might be fine laying flat, but for me the six w ... Read more
Darlene Smith Definitely get a recliner or the adjustable bed. You might be fine laying flat, but for me the six weeks in my recliner were heaven. I could not lay flat at all. Too painful. But sleeping in the recliner, no pain and excellent sleep!! Don't worry about the stairs. Its weird that they aren't a problem, but you should be fine. Just don't plan on going up and down them all day. But if you need to get up or down occasionally, you should be fine. Best wishes!
Sue Tom With a recliner, is one able to sleep in the flat position or is it more comfortable in the 45 degree ... Read more
Sue Tom With a recliner, is one able to sleep in the flat position or is it more comfortable in the 45 degree position? Also, is a recliner with a lift off seat feature more useful? Where does one usually go to rent a recliner with these features? Thank you.
Bridget Supple Sorry, this is a little late, but I did stairs from my first day home. I didn't use the recliner once ... Read more
Bridget Supple Sorry, this is a little late, but I did stairs from my first day home. I didn't use the recliner once and was up more than down. Lots and lots of pillows in bed and in the chair I did use! Everyone's reaction is different, but I sure hope yours is more like mine than some of those I was in hospital with, who had so much trouble. Best wishes to you!
For those of you on the other side, if you had one piece of advice for someone heading into AVR, what would it be? Could be practical, mental/emotional, spiritual ...Read more
For those of you on the other side, if you had one piece of advice for someone heading into AVR, what would it be? Could be practical, mental/emotional, spiritual -- but only one!
Michelle E Make the heart pillow and the incentive spirometer your friends! The pillow protects your incision w ... Read more
Michelle E Make the heart pillow and the incentive spirometer your friends! The pillow protects your incision while you heal and the spirometer will help your lungs and get the anesthesia out of your system quicker!
Marie Myers Know that the whole experience is easier than you think it will be.
You will be amazed at how mentally tough you can be through the experience. God gives those in need g ... Read more
You will be amazed at how mentally tough you can be through the experience. God gives those in need grace.
Judy Shaw Thank you Jonathan for asking this question. I was wondering the same thing. Best of luck to you.
Helen Daw It is a wonderful side to be on! Can't wait for you to join us. All the worries were not needed as th ... Read more
Helen Daw It is a wonderful side to be on! Can't wait for you to join us. All the worries were not needed as the whole experience was much easier than you think.
Lisa McLaughlin I agree 100% with the above comments! My piece of advice...take an extra long charging cord for your ... Read more
Lisa McLaughlin I agree 100% with the above comments! My piece of advice...take an extra long charging cord for your cell phone.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Pack a pair of rubber-soled shoes/sandals with velcro so walking in the halls will be easier. (Hospit ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Pack a pair of rubber-soled shoes/sandals with velcro so walking in the halls will be easier. (Hospital floors are slippery!)
Rose Madura Understand that the doctors do this everyday and know that they will work together as a team to make ... Read more
Rose Madura Understand that the doctors do this everyday and know that they will work together as a team to make you better.
Rita Savelis One day at a time. You can't control everything or be completely prepared. It's not a competition for ... Read more
Rita Savelis One day at a time. You can't control everything or be completely prepared. It's not a competition for who recovers the fastest or who posts the soonest from ICU.
(I know this is more than one, but they all mean the same thing...)
Kelly Stoll It can be overwhelming at first and a bit scary. Have someone you can talk too or support lined up to ... Read more
Kelly Stoll It can be overwhelming at first and a bit scary. Have someone you can talk too or support lined up to help, especially with the day-to-day things that are going to come up.
Kathi Mancuso WALK !!!!!! Walk as soon as you can.....even if you don’t feel like it...... walk the halls at hosp ... Read more
Kathi Mancuso WALK !!!!!! Walk as soon as you can.....even if you don’t feel like it...... walk the halls at hospital......when you get home WALK.......
Walk.....Walk....Walk.......
It does wonders for your recovery !
Willie Radl Keep a positive attitude! You'll be feeling like your old self in no time.
Got my Ross Procedure with Dr. Stelzer scheduled for May 24th. Can't say I'm looking forward to it, but looking forward to getting it done and feeling better! ...Read more
Got my Ross Procedure with Dr. Stelzer scheduled for May 24th. Can't say I'm looking forward to it, but looking forward to getting it done and feeling better!
Helen Daw I had my surgery at Mount Sinai! Great hospital!!
Well, I was going to take my wife to Rome next month, but after my most recent echo and subsequent discussion with my cardiologist, I've decided instead to ...Read more
Well, I was going to take my wife to Rome next month, but after my most recent echo and subsequent discussion with my cardiologist, I've decided instead to have AVR surgery and vacation at home! Both great options, but I figure Rome will always be there but I might not be if I don't get this taken care of...
Anyway, I've got appointments with Dr. Girardi and Dr. Stelzer, who I understand are two of the top valve surgeons in New York (where I live). But if anyone wants to make a recommendation, I suppose it couldn't hurt to consult a third. And yes, I am considering the Ross (against my cardiologist's advice) -- will hear what the surgeons have to say.
Also, it's a little soon, but could anyone point me to a thread about all the stuff I need to do to prepare for the hospital and recovery? I know it's on the site somewhere, but I can't find it.
Thanks!
Helen Daw I had my MVR in Feb and my surgeon was Dr Adams at Mount Sinai. I was very pleased with everything th ... Read more
Helen Daw I had my MVR in Feb and my surgeon was Dr Adams at Mount Sinai. I was very pleased with everything the Drs and hospital did for me and very happy so far. I’m still recovering so I will go for an echo in June. . From what I read here, Dr Stelzer is very good. Good luck!
NM Peacesine In case you haven't seen it, check out Anna Jones' post (on my feed it's 4 posts above this) or go to ... Read more
NM Peacesine In case you haven't seen it, check out Anna Jones' post (on my feed it's 4 posts above this) or go to her Journal for a great list.
Hi. Couple more questions for the community. I'm just wondering how people knew it was time to get the surgery. I'm in the moderate-severe category (pressure ...Read more
Hi. Couple more questions for the community. I'm just wondering how people knew it was time to get the surgery. I'm in the moderate-severe category (pressure is severe, valve area is moderate/severe), and having some small, tweaky little symptoms, like the fact that I can't jog anymore (see my earlier post), and other than that, just some twinges of tightness in the cardiac area, maybe a little light-headedness but nothing that noticeable (could just be anxiety!). Did everyone wait until they had major symptoms like angina, fainting, shortness of breath etc?
Also, I'm 48 years old, and doc says I'll probably need surgery within a couple of years at my rate of progression. Strongly considering the Ross procedure, but both my cardiologists' initial reaction was "No, way!" They say you're adding an additional point of failure with the second graft, and they say it's a more complex operation. They say a bio valve will keep me off thinners and when it wears out, I can get it replaced via minimally-invasive surgery. But one of them now seems a little more open to Ross after reading up a bit. So is it worth considering? I lead an active lifestyle and definitely don't want to be on blood thinners, so it'd be a bio valve for me if not Ross.
Kathy Blank Jonathan- I had mitral valve repair after severe regurgitation was diagnosed. I was asymptomatic and ... Read more
Kathy Blank Jonathan- I had mitral valve repair after severe regurgitation was diagnosed. I was asymptomatic and was running 3 miles easily prior to surgery. I went to 2 cardiologists with very different recommendations on the timing- one wanted to wait until symptoms and the other said absolutely consider surgery now. I decided to visit the 3 most experienced surgeons in my area in mitral valve repair---and the insight and expertise they shared helped make the timing decision and the type of surgery crystal clear. I love my cardiologist but the highly experienced surgeon is the one who helped me avoid unnecessary tests and absolutely saved my heart from additional damage. I am SO glad I spent the time researching and consulting the surgeons. Hope this helps. I also talked to othersfrom this awesome community w same valve issue to help educate me. Adam had a great blog post that includes an interview w a surgeon describing the top questions to ask your surgeon. Very very helpful to make sure I covered ALL the bases!
MARIE PICUN I am in the waiting room as well
I have my echogram every six months. Don't have any symptoms,but if ... Read more
MARIE PICUN I am in the waiting room as well
I have my echogram every six months. Don't have any symptoms,but if i do call my heart doctor.
Shawn Taylor Hey Jonathan...last fall I was the same age and had somewhat similar symptoms and my cardiologist had ... Read more
Shawn Taylor Hey Jonathan...last fall I was the same age and had somewhat similar symptoms and my cardiologist had me do the treadmill stress test which, needless to say I apparently didn't pass with flying colors as the next day I received "the call" and it was time to meet the surgeon.
On the valve choice I agonized over it for a while, but ultimately went mechanical with the on-x and the hope that I never have to deal with it again. I've been easing my way back, but I plan to stay active skiing, playing hockey, running, biking, etc and didn't consider that in my valve choice...depends on how extreme of a lifestyle I suppose. I guess taking up kickboxing is not in my future, but I'm ok with that😊 It's definitely a personal decision though.
And although surgery was no walk in the park, I've been fortunate to see slow and steady improvement and I'm 5.5 months post-surgery now and am feeling better than I have in close to a year. Good luck with it all!
Jonathan Bines Thanks for the helpful comments, everyone. I called a surgeon but he seemed to think it was too earl ... Read more
Jonathan Bines Thanks for the helpful comments, everyone. I called a surgeon but he seemed to think it was too early for an appointment. My stress test was normal. My doc wants to do a cardiac catheterization to see if it will show why I'm getting the jogging symptom. I guess I'll go ahead, although other than not being able to jog I pretty much feel fine.
Hi, everyone. I've got a severely stenotic aortic valve with moderate regurgitation. Still not really symptomatic, although I'm definitely feeling stuff, ...Read more
Hi, everyone. I've got a severely stenotic aortic valve with moderate regurgitation. Still not really symptomatic, although I'm definitely feeling stuff, and in particular I have a weird symptom that my cardiologists can't really explain. I get nausea and chest pain, but only when I jog. I'm very physically fit, and I can bike, rock climb, walk briskly, and really get my heart rate up with no problems. But if I jog for more than a couple of minutes, I feel gross and my heart aches, and if I push it, it sometimes takes my heart a couple of days to stop mildly aching. So I don't push it. But has anyone had or heard of anything like this?
Also, on the subject of exercise, the protocol for severe stenosis is no strenuous activity. But I have now had two cardiologists tell me I can continue to do indoor "bouldering" which involves very strenuous moves with bursts of activity. They say my stress test shows normal heart function and blood pressure with exercise, and my aorta is not getting dilated, so they aren't worried. But I also see that many say sudden death occurs frequently as a result of strenuous activity, and they don't know why. So thinking of giving up the rock climbing and just doing mild aerobic stuff like biking. Thoughts?
Civita Fahey Hi Jonathan.. I had the severe aortic stenosis, no regurgitation until I had my AVR 4 weeks ago.. I u ... Read more
Civita Fahey Hi Jonathan.. I had the severe aortic stenosis, no regurgitation until I had my AVR 4 weeks ago.. I used to do a strenuous boxing workout, working with gloves, in the ring etc.. but, though I was told the same thing that I could continue unless I had SOB, pain etc, I stopped.. it was just scary for me to read about sudden death etc.. I always felt fine during and after but once I knew that I had severe stenosis, my mind would play tricks on me.. So, I stopped, but as soon as my recovery is done I can't wait to to back.. So, I guess its up to you and how you feel.. I think we never know what could happen even though we don't feel anything.. best of luck..
Marie Myers Did you have a cardiac cath yet? Almost sounds like angina...
Jonathan Bines Cardiologist is recommending a nuclear stress test. Not a cath. Agree it seems like angina, but onl ... Read more
Jonathan Bines Cardiologist is recommending a nuclear stress test. Not a cath. Agree it seems like angina, but only during jogging. Weird.
Joshua Trimberger Could it just be cramps? I would sometimes get them when I was running when i would breath incorrectl ... Read more
Joshua Trimberger Could it just be cramps? I would sometimes get them when I was running when i would breath incorrectly and would cramp/seize up those rip/diaphragm muscles. Its been years since i ran competitively but i do remember googling how to breath correctly when running and you are supposed to inhale and exhale on a certain foot and that seemed to help a lot to prevent any issues
Jonathan Bines No, definitely not cramps. I barely get my heart rate above 110 before the aching and nausea kick in ... Read more
Jonathan Bines No, definitely not cramps. I barely get my heart rate above 110 before the aching and nausea kick in, and again, this only happens when I jog. Other forms of exercise (so far) do not generate these symptoms. Also, the symptoms have progressed along with my stenosis (i.e. when it was mild, I used to feel this nausea, but only after serious hill sprints. Later, a few stair sprints did it. And now, can't really jog at all). Really wondering what it is about jogging that sets it off. I'm convinced its cardiac-related.
Kathy Blank From what I've read the strenuous exercise precaution such as straining and lifting weights in body b ... Read more
Kathy Blank From what I've read the strenuous exercise precaution such as straining and lifting weights in body building- it is contraindicated for dilated aorta or aortic aneurism - I have a dilated aorta that's being watched and the treatment is making sure pulse rate and BP remain low. Sounds like there are no signs of dilated aorta in your case.