Since my last post 9 months ago I've continued to progress well and can honestly say:
1) I only worry about how long my new bovine valve will last for about 5 minutes a week;
2) I'm as physically fit as I've been for ~10 years (I followed C25K plan and now run 5k twice a week in 35-40 mins)
3) because of 2 don't worry particularly about diet - try to avoid saturated fats and too much salt.
I am thinking that I'll pay for a private health cardiology check-up as the only post op check (other than telepathic/telephone calls) I've had is an ultrasound in January. This would be more to understand better medium/long-term view regarding meds and what ,if any, options for next op (hopefully in >10 years) are already ruled out.
For those in the waiting room, I really do feel feel for you, I'd say 'trust the Surgeon (let go - don't worry about what you can't control) and stay positive. It does seem from the activity on various OHS forums that operations are now being performed in most parts of the UK at a fair rate. For those in early recovery take small steps and don't worry about the days when you feel down/no progress made - I was fairly fit with no other conditions and I'd say it was at least 9 months before I could claim to be fully recovered - and even then I was still not as strong as before operation.
Stay strong
Steve
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StevepH2012
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Great to read your post and of your fantastic progress Steve. Wonderful that you can run 5k in that time twice a week as well. And I agree that a private health cardiology check can only be a good thing and will put your mind at rest too.
And thank you so much for your advice which I so needed to hear today (worrying that I am
not progressing as much as I’d like 11 weeks post op having had exactly same 2 procedures as you). Good to know that maybe I won’t feel 100 percent better / renewed for 9 months or so. I just wish that the drs were more realistic sometimes and let us know it could be that sort of time scale.
Hi SteveSo good to hear you are doing well. Can’t believe it’s been a year now! I was 3 months behind you in surgery for mitral valve repair & you were a great support&encouragement.
I too am doing well & totally agree with the frustration of telepathic/ telephone appointments but I suppose if they were worried about us we would be having face to face appointments by now.
OHS most definitely takes time to get over mentally & physically but feel proud to have got through it!
Really good to read your post - I am now 17 weeks post op having had replacement of my aortic root, ascending aorta and a new valve aged 52. Physically all feels to be going well, though I still wonder if I will ever feel able to do various activities. Emotionally I still have 'wobbly' days as my diagnosis was out of the blue, but your timescale of 9 months feels more realistic and gives me hope! Hope you continue to make good progress 🙂
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