A new path - 3 Months after Aortic Valve and Root Op

[StevepH2012]

Hi,

Those who have followed my previous posts will know that my recovery has progressed pretty much as predicted by surgeon and Cardiologists.

3 months after my OHS I have returned to full day working (desk based at home), medication is aspirin, bisoprolol and atorvastatin (80, 1.25 &10mg) each day.

I now can 'walk briskly' for at least 90 minutes without difficulty or excessive heart rate and am intending to start couch-2-5k soon. I understand that my sternum should now be just about healed and lungs etc recovered to extent that my capacity to recover from flu etc. is the same as other men my age/size with healthy hearts.

I know that I've been lucky in many ways (discovering bicuspid valve & dilating aorta before experiencing an 'event', lucky not to have been delayed too long by Covid pause in non-emergency operations, lucky to have avoided post op complications (so far!) , lucky to have no other conditions, lucky to have family to provide care, lucky not to have (significant) financial worries, etc...all of which have increased chances of good recovery.

Not least, I was lucky enough to find this group shortly after the realisation that operation was inevitable for me, and I hope my story so far provides cause for optimism and reassurance amongst those still in the waiting room and eases anxiety as much as those of others in this group have done for me.

I'm still to snag an echo/check-up with cardo team to check no leaks etc. to confirm the 'psychic' discharge conducted by telephone but can honestly say I'm not too concerned because I'm feeling fine.

Wishing you all the best with your journeys

Steve

[Nic25]

Sounds like you're doing really well Steve. Great progress in a short time. Well done, and really happy for you. Hopefully the upwards trajectory will only continue for you. Take care and look after yourself. Nic x

[Flowerfanatic]

That’s wonderful Steve - good to read your positive outcome and of your continued progress. And thank you for the reassurances for those of us in the “waiting room” too.

All best wishes

Sarah

[Fredders]

Hi Steve, great to hear your recovery is going so well, I’m really pleased for you. Onwards and upwards.

Wendy

[Oboebec]

Good news - thanks for sharing your story Xx

[Oboebec]

Good news - thanks for sharing your story Xx

[road2ruin]

So nice to hear Steve. Best wishes for the continued recovery.

[Meatless]

Steve delighted to get this update and very grateful to you for sharing your positivity. I am one of the waiting room squad severe leaky Mitral Valve but still awaiting TOE to confirm what needs done and when. Not feeling particularly well on any day heart rate up and down etc, Nightly pains, frightened to go anywhere (not that any of us have much choice during these times) breathless but can still walk 2 miles a day!! Sorry I digress. Anyway just wanted to say good luck with your continued recovery and I really do appreciate you sharing those reassuring words with us all. Good luck.

[Ianc2 in reply to Meatless]

Good to read that you are managing to keep up your gentle exercise. The operation will transform your life. I had mine done 6 years ago and it does change everything.

[Meatless in reply to Ianc2]

Ianc2 thanks for that much appreciated, wishing you continued good health

[Tessie28]

Hi Steve, good news indeed in these horrible times. x

[Cliff_G]

So pleased to hear a story like yours, Steve. Yes, elective surgery is so much better than having an emergency event like mine and I think it takes a brave person to accept they need it done. Your recovery sounds like great progress, plus you seem to have avoided warfarin. Good luck on the C.2.5k