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Hello, all. It has been nine weeks since I underwent aortic valve replacement on April 17, 2006 (Dr. Bobby Kong; St. Joseph Mercy, Ann Arbor, Michigan). I received a C-E Perimount Magna bovine pericardial valve. Prior to surgery I was a jogger and avid SCUBA diver, including cold water diving in the Great Lakes.
I was dubious about returning to diving, but my cardiologist (a warm-water diver) said I should be able to dive once I was back to strength.
I have been regularly jogging and walking a combined 3 to 4 miles each day for several weeks. A week ago, after receiving clearance from my cardiologist, I decided to test myself with a dive. On June 10, I made two quarry dives to 60 feet without adverse effects. Then, this past weekend, I made the plunge to the limits of recreational diving -- two dives on shipwrecks in the Straits of Mackinaw to depths of 125 to 130 feet. The water temperature at depth was 44 degrees, but I was wearing a dry suit. I was ecsatic!!! For me this was a real milestone in my recovery.
The point I wish to make is that a return to normal -- at least near normal -- is possible. I believe cardiovascular exercise is the key: walking, jogging, rowing, stair climber, stationary bike -- you choose.
Thanks to all who participate in this forum. The information available here is fantastic. I wish you all speedy and lasting recoveries.
David Esper
Northville, Michigan
I was dubious about returning to diving, but my cardiologist (a warm-water diver) said I should be able to dive once I was back to strength.
I have been regularly jogging and walking a combined 3 to 4 miles each day for several weeks. A week ago, after receiving clearance from my cardiologist, I decided to test myself with a dive. On June 10, I made two quarry dives to 60 feet without adverse effects. Then, this past weekend, I made the plunge to the limits of recreational diving -- two dives on shipwrecks in the Straits of Mackinaw to depths of 125 to 130 feet. The water temperature at depth was 44 degrees, but I was wearing a dry suit. I was ecsatic!!! For me this was a real milestone in my recovery.
The point I wish to make is that a return to normal -- at least near normal -- is possible. I believe cardiovascular exercise is the key: walking, jogging, rowing, stair climber, stationary bike -- you choose.
Thanks to all who participate in this forum. The information available here is fantastic. I wish you all speedy and lasting recoveries.
David Esper
Northville, Michigan
