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For me I found value in the process of wrestling with my anxiety. This allowed me to finally reach a point of acceptance which helped me to shift my focus to what I had control over- my recovery. I don’t think I could’ve arrived there without going through this process. Of course, this is...

Nice first run back. And as a bonus you managed to burn more calories this time around 😉

My surgery was in March. Everything about it was overwhelming so I didn’t have a problem with the clinic taking my INR for a while. I feel that I’m ready for this now.

I'm taking the plunge. I just purchased a used Coaguchek XS off eBay. Until it gets here I'll be reading through all the great advice and guidance to help me get off on the right foot. I have an appointment to get my INR checked from the clinic on the 22nd and plan to check it myself the...

Fantastic! 🙌

Those are some solid times. I had similar PR’s in my mid 40’s (I’m 56 now). I gave up running due to a heel spur in my early 50’s and transitioned to rowing and weight training so I can’t speak to how my post AVR running times would have compared. However, I’ve returned to rowing after my...

Glad to hear that. I’m going to research magnesium and b12 supplements.

Agreed. I had 2 afib episodes before my surgery and I hated having the possibility of another hanging over my head. Fortunately I haven’t had any after my surgery in March. I’m on Amiodalone so I don’t know it that’s what‘s keeping it at bay or if it‘s my new valve is. Either way, I’m glad...

Hi Chuck, Bear in mind that I had a minimally invasive surgery. I got clearance to resume weight training after my one month follow up. I’ve taken things conservatively and started with the empty bar (45 lbs) and have added 5 or 10 lbs. per week. Currently I’m at 195 for the bench press, 145...

Prior to my surgery 11 weeks ago, I was asymptomatic other than 2 bouts of afib. I was fortunate that I didn't have to go through the experience of SOB, fatigue, etc. but can honestly say that I have never felt better. I can do anything I want physically and feel that I am in better overall...

Although I didn't get the full zipper (minimally invasive) I'm actually proud of my scar. To me it represents something that I've overcome.

Best of luck Chuck. Spring is a great time to start your recovery.

You guys are more adventurous than I am but you’ve given me some great ideas. All I want to be able to do is hike, row, and lift weights. It’s not the warfarin that will hold me back. I’d love to take on Pikes Peak again.

Wishing you the best of luck for a smooth, textbook recovery. I’ll be following right behind you in 5 days so set a good example 😊

Thanks Tom. I have been converted without cardioverson. I’m supposed to get discharged in 2 hours. They added amiodarone to help me avoid a reoccurrence until my surgery next week. It’s been a long past 18 hours.

That’s great to hear Daniel. I hope I can follow your lead! I’ve had 2 bouts and both have come shortly after eating (only supper but not breakfast or lunch, oddly enough...not that I’m complaining about that ;-)

Thanks Superman. I’m guessing that I will be cardioverted once the cardiologist makes rounds. This is my second episode, the first before bf in December 2020 which lead to my diagnosis. I was hoping the valve replacement would “fix” all of this but it may be more complicated than I’d hoped.

So last night after supper my heart started racing up to 140 bpm. After being unable to get it to come down with relaxed breathing or an extra metoprolol I had my wife drive me to the ER. I’ve got a fib. I’ve been here for 8 hours with an IV drip to try to get me to convert on my own . No luck...

I'm new to this also so you can take what I say with a grain of salt. Maybe contacting heart surgeons around the globe will be helpful to you. I don't think that there's a single path/method/process for coming to terms with this and maybe that is yours. I hope so. That said, I do think...

I don’t disagree. I’m just being honest with how I feel about this experience. I’ve progressed from terrified, to very scared, to just anxious. So I’d say that that’s progress I’d say. :) What’s the next stage? Insouciance? As noted above, I’ve done my research and applied my rational mind...