William's Photos

William Hirshman  E-BIKE FOR ALL YOU VALVERS:
I just wanted to say to those who are having problems exercising after valve surgery, there is hope. I now use an e-bike (electric bicycle), sometimes called a Pedelec, and it is fantastic. I still get a lot of exercise but the e-bike "flattens" out the hills with the help of a battery-powered electric motor. A bit of background. After my first surgery in 1993, I had no problem biking with my mechanical heart valve (St. Jude) and did many tours. But after 25 years, I developed an aortic root bulbus of 5.5 cm. Using a Bentall procedure, the root was repaired and a bovine valve was inserted to replace the mechanical one. But complications ensued. The pumping function (ejection fraction) of my left ventricle was compromised and they had to insert a pacemaker. After my surgery, I had a hard time bicycling up hills without getting pain in my legs and arms. In some ways, this was the most upsetting aspect of my second surgery – I had set a goal of doing a solo bike tour, a point at which I would be able to feel “cured”. And now that seemed out of the question. But a friend, seeing my frustration, suggested I buy an e-bike, extremely common here in Germany where I live. An e-bike is not only for older people, but bicyclists of any age. Opting for an e-bike is not cheating. As I said, the e-bike does not do all the work - I still have to pedal, meaning I get a good cardiovascular workout. But now I can decide when my body would like a bit of help getting up that hill or fighting a nasty headwind. An e-bike can be a great option for bicycling enthusiasts and biking neophytes, both old and young.