Mark's Guestbook

Mark Goldspink  Hi Andrew, 

I forgot that we don’t have the same date convention as the US. I have therefore had my surgery and hope to get sign off by my surgeon next week.


I had my surgery on the 5th March and was home by the 11th - which was incredible. I can assure you that I am now feeling the benefits of the surgery. 

Andrew Bachert  Thanks for sharing Mark.  Something to look forward to.  I will let you know progress when I get back.

Andrew Bachert  I see you are from Kingston upon Thames.  My wife is originally from Mitcham (Surrey).  Did you have the full open heart surgery?

Mark Goldspink  Hi Ruth,

Your advice is spot on. I did as you suggested so my Surgery 5th March went well. I am now walking 5miles/day and the pain has significantly subsided. 


I hope to get signed off by the Surgeon on the 25th April 


Mark

Mark Goldspink  Thanks Mary, 

You sound on a similar trajectory to myself. To me it is not the physical challenge that is my concern but more about my new baseline. What can/can’t I do? It is understanding/managing my well-being.

Mary Milewski  I think I understand-i feared that I might come out of surgery unable to return to my previous level of fitness and/or encounter complications but thus far am pleasantly surprised.  There is a post-operative  transition period as one recovers  from the surgery (for me 10 days or so to regain strength) and adapt to beta blockers/bp meds which are often ordered at discharge (in my case given too much so have discontinued all but one). And of course, a new and fully functional aortic  valve will improve heart function and overall circulation.  Most people feel better after AV replacement.  Hope you can get more info/reassurances from your surgeon and the educational videos on this site.