I have been spinning for 6 years now. Sept 2010 I suddenly couldn't breathe, and started coughing uncontrollably. After catching my breath I went to the cardiologist and he sent me for a TEE where they determined that my Mitral valve had completely broken and was just flapping around. Two days later I had my second OHS. After the surgery I took it easy with the exercise. I just power walked 3 miles a day, 5 days a week. For my 1 year anniversary I started spinning again. I was up to an hour a day when my mitral valve repair failed.(2 months later) I received a mechancial valve this time. I am 9 weeks post op again and both my surgeon and cardiologist tell me to get back on the bike. But after 3 OPH's I am scared. I want to start exercising again. I hate feeling like a blob, but what if the new valve breaks? Has anyone had a mechancial valve fail due to exercise? Anyone have any inspiration for me?
Afraid to exercise again
- Thread starter Rbemail
- Start date
Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:
I would not worry about the mechanical failing ... mine has been just fine and there are many here that will say the same ... Listen to the docctors and spin away!!!:thumbup:
Richard Gardner
Member
What about taking it slow at first and seeing how it goes from there?
SumoRunner
Well-known member
Change your routine, do something different and get a fresh start. If you're just a beginner at anything, you'll be forced to start out easy and progress slowly. You'll have to start at very low stress levels and build gradually. The incremental immersion in a new workout may ease your fears.
I did some calculations last year and estimated I have already gotten over one billion clicks from my St Jude's valve. That ought to be enough to assuage fears about mechanical durability.
I did some calculations last year and estimated I have already gotten over one billion clicks from my St Jude's valve. That ought to be enough to assuage fears about mechanical durability.
I agree with the sage, Jack. Try something new so you know you will start out slow and build up. It is certainly understandable that the spinning makes you uneasy, but the logic, as you know, is you are safe getting back on the bike. Your heart will do much better with you in shape, so think of it as doing your heart a favor!
AgilityDog
Well-known member
You may feel more comfortable enrolling in a cardiac rehab program at your hospital. It helps you get past that "broken" feeling when you exercise under supervision for a few weeks.
I certainly understand how you feel. You were very sick before surgery, and then the surgery you had didn't hold very long. That's rough.
I certainly understand how you feel. You were very sick before surgery, and then the surgery you had didn't hold very long. That's rough.
TheGymGuy
Well-known member
From the sounds of it, you are afraid to resume that exercising regimen. Many people suggested and I will back this up, start the cardiac rehab and you will feel pretty safe trying things out. Mechanical valves have very very low rates of failure.
Think about this, each year has 365.25 days * 24 hours * 60 minutes * 60 seconds = 31,557,600 seconds. Assuming that your heartbeat, or for that matter most people with mechanical valve (yes, this would work for tissue as well) is about 1 beat per second, you've put more than 31 million beats on that valve. These mechanical valves are just that, mechanical, and if they beat 31 million times there is no reason that they would not beat many millions more.
Think about this, each year has 365.25 days * 24 hours * 60 minutes * 60 seconds = 31,557,600 seconds. Assuming that your heartbeat, or for that matter most people with mechanical valve (yes, this would work for tissue as well) is about 1 beat per second, you've put more than 31 million beats on that valve. These mechanical valves are just that, mechanical, and if they beat 31 million times there is no reason that they would not beat many millions more.
Phil
Well-known member
Hi Gymguy,
I like the maths. Also, we are doing work at home and will need to move the fridge back into place in about six weeks. I reckon I need look no further than you after watching your training video. Think you'll be up to it? I hope all goes well and look forward to reading your recovery posts.
All the best.
Phil.
I like the maths. Also, we are doing work at home and will need to move the fridge back into place in about six weeks. I reckon I need look no further than you after watching your training video. Think you'll be up to it? I hope all goes well and look forward to reading your recovery posts.
All the best.
Phil.
TheGymGuy
Well-known member
This is Rbemail post and I do not mean to hi-jack it. Phil, I see that you are in Australia. If you cover my air-fare from US there, I am sure we can work something out
Though, since it takes sternum about 12 weeks to heal, my guess is that by mid-summer I could fly out there and help ya move your fridge for sure.normofthenorth
Well-known member
1 more vote for cardio rehab. Being supervised and surrounded by "similarly situated" people should make you feel safer, and be safer.
Also, it isn't obvious that being active -- even hyper-active -- increases your total number of heartbeats per year (not that the total is a good indication of the likelihood of failure). While you're active, your HR is elevated, but active people have lower resting HRs, and even athletes spend most of the time resting (including sleep time).
Also, it isn't obvious that being active -- even hyper-active -- increases your total number of heartbeats per year (not that the total is a good indication of the likelihood of failure). While you're active, your HR is elevated, but active people have lower resting HRs, and even athletes spend most of the time resting (including sleep time).
Another vote for cardiac rehab here. It was a helpful experience to get that guided level of exercise and see the data that everything was working correctly.
