Hello. I am new to this group and have found your stories to be very helpful as I try to understand what I will be dealing with in the future. My cardiologist ...Read more
Hello. I am new to this group and have found your stories to be very helpful as I try to understand what I will be dealing with in the future. My cardiologist estimates my need for an aortic valve replacement to be 1-3 years. I am wondering how older folks (I will be close to 70 at that time) have fared with open heart surgery. I see a lot of success stories with younger folks. Thank you!
Kevin McCarthy Hi Robbe. One way to look at it, you have some time. You can understand your options. Could you use s ... Read more
Kevin McCarthy Hi Robbe. One way to look at it, you have some time. You can understand your options. Could you use some of that time to get into better shape (whatever that may mean)? That always makes healing easier. I'm on the younger side (66) and while I wasn't in the best of shape (more arm strength would be very useful during recovery!) I didn't have a lot of other things wrong with me.
Robbe DiPietro Thank you Kevin. Good advice that I am trying to follow. Focusing on arm strength and walking at the ... Read more
Robbe DiPietro Thank you Kevin. Good advice that I am trying to follow. Focusing on arm strength and walking at the gym and also researching surgeons, procedures etc. Glad you are doing well!
Yumiko Ishida My mother was in her late 70s when she had her OHS and got a new aortic valve, is almost 90, and in b ... Read more
Yumiko Ishida My mother was in her late 70s when she had her OHS and got a new aortic valve, is almost 90, and in better shape than I am!
Iām not sure I agree with Kevin about arm strength. You are not supposed to use your arms for 6-8 weeks after the surgery. With the 1-3 year timeline you have, I suggest working on overall fitness, and if you know you have a weak area, give extra attention there? For me it was my core. Took some effort mastering standing up without using my arms, but I eventually got there.
Iām not sure I agree with Kevin about arm strength. You are not supposed to use your arms for 6-8 weeks after the surgery. With the 1-3 year timeline you have, I suggest working on overall fitness, and if you know you have a weak area, give extra attention there? For me it was my core. Took some effort mastering standing up without using my arms, but I eventually got there.