Cardio follow-ups

[warnerd]

Now that I've spent some time on the active lifestyles thread and am a little freaked by what I've been doing in the weight room since the valve replacement, I think I need to talk to the Doc. Having said that, I haven't seen him since 6/02. I had the surgery 1/02. I saw the PA in 11/02. What kind of follow-up schedule is appropriate from y'alls experience? Thanks.

 

[Ross]

Generally they like to follow you every 6 months to a certain point. Being that you haven't been there in a long time, getting there is most important. I would think they'd want to do an echo and see how your valve is doing and then decide on how often you should follow up.

Please don't lift anymore tonage until your cleared to do so. I'd hate to see you just "Blow" one of these sets.

 

[warnerd]

Good advice for sure. I've been livin' life like I was 20.
My last echo was in 6/02. I was definetly under the impression that it would be yearly. I could have misunderstood. The 11/02 visit was my idea because of the BP and heart rate issues I mentioned in another thread. I felt patronized. I talked to the GP about changing cardios and his only advice was that if I felt that way, he suggested that I change practices, not just docs. I have to admit, it's been fun living a "normal" life while not being brought down by the cardiologist.

 

[Ross]

Living the "Normal" life might just end your life though. I wonder if the dead lift weights in the netherworld?

Tis more important for you to be on this side of the soil, if you catch my drift.

 

[Granbonny]

Hi

Hi

Reading your user ID..I noticed that you are not on coumadin.,, so..you must have a tissue valve?........Am I correct ..you have only seen your Cardiologist once..6 months after your valve replacement. Most of us see our's every 6 months..and have an echo once a year....It has been 17 months since you saw your Cardiologist. Get on the phone tomorrow and call for an appointment and an echo...or get another Cardiologist..ASAP..I'm sure you are fine..but better sure than sorry. Bonnie

 

[warnerd]

Ross,
Hey, I didn't even mention that I did Deadlifts before. I'm sure not going to mention the Squats. Advice taken. I guess I can take solace in the fact that what I have been doing for the last year hasn't killed me, so it must have made me stronger
No more risks though. My wife has started to read these posts, so I'm sure she'll keep me in check in the future.

Bonnie,
Tissue is correct. Some of the older Gents at the gym that have had bypasses and what not keep inquiring as to why I haven't seen the doc and that I should call. I think I'll take this as motivation to do so. Thanks.

 

[Karlynn]

Do I procrastinate? Not sure, but I'll think about that tomorrow.

I really really hate going to doctors. I just have too much history with them. And I have doctors now that I really like. I just don't like to admit that I need to see them.

But much like having to eat lima beans when I was a kid, I have to make sure I keep current with my exams and tests whether I like it or not.

I'm glad you've "seen the light" and will be going in. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing.

Karlynn

 

[warnerd]

Well Bonnie, I did as suggested and promised. I called the cardio office today and I have an appointment next week.
To set the record straight, I did not (consciously) avoid the doc office. The office is automated and I assumed I?d get a follow-up in the mail. After all, that's how it had been before my surgery. I was still receiving my lab appointments for cholesterol and what not. I also thought I was to be looked at yearly, but then thought I had misunderstood when I received no notification. Regardless, the lack of interest from the cardio was starting to concern me and hence this post.
To make a short story long, when I called today and told them my concern, they looked up the records and said that I was to have a follow-up and echo in December of LAST year. How I fell thru the cracks, they did not know. This is more proof (as if we needed it) that you are your own best doc and you have to educate and look after yourself. I see from the responses here that I?ve come to the right place to make that happen. Thanks again to all.
Dave

 

[Granbonny]

Good for you, Dave

Good for you, Dave

Hope all goes well for you next week Let us know. Bonnie

 

[medtronic of borg]

visits

visits

It has been my experience it is as often as is warented by your condition. Currently I see him every six mo. However I have had to make the 167 mile trip as much as three times a month and as long as two years apart. Go figure.

Med

 

[Nancy]

Good Dave!

Please let us know how things go.

 

[Nan]

Glad you are going!!!! Too long a time interval for sure!

 

[warnerd]

We'll I'm back from the appointment. They apologized for losing me in the system. I?ll be the one controlling the follow-up?s from now on.
MY main goal for going was to resolve the weightlifting question. I didn't get the answer I was expecting. The short answer was that I looked great and since I felt great, I should keep doing what I've been doing. I'm a tad skeptical since the consensus here was to not lift. 50lbs seemed to be the magic number. Regardless, I'm having an echo on Monday and she said they?d be able to tell if there were any negative consequences to my previous actions. We?ll see. Dave

 

[Karlynn]

So glad you got in Dave. Good luck with the echo. I hope your report is great!

Karlynn

 

[MarkU]

I had a six month check after my AVR and then annual visits after that, with a echo every two years.
My cardiologist doesn't want me doing any max weight lifting, but is okay with a moderate weight, high-rep program. Was doing 320 lb max bench presses before my AVR and now do 180lb.
Gave up squats and leg presses altogether.
Trying to spend at least half of my time on aerobic stuff now, either running or stationary bike.

Mark

 

[warnerd]

I'm definetly going to a higher rep scheme. Are you going to failure or near failure? I noticed Arnold S. went to a higher rep scheme after his AVR, but still went to failure on the last set or so. Any chance I could get you to email me your routine? Dave