Hello everyone - recovering from bicuspid valve surgery

[dchrisc]

Hi everyone,
At 58 years age, I had bicuspid valve open heart surgery (repair) back in May 2022 and am now on week 8 of my recovery. I was diagnosed with having severe regurgitation, resulting in an enlarged left ventricle. It was a shock when the recommendation to have surgery on the valve was given as I was asymptomatic and had a very active lifestyle (running, skiing, biking). There was a fair amount of self denial on whether I needed the procedure given the lack of symptoms, but I finally decided to go through with it. So far, my recovery has progressed well and I am able to walk/jog short distances.

I really appreciate the wealth of information shared by everyone - it's convinced me to take it easy on holding off on more aggressive activities (mountain biking, roller skiing) until week 12.

 

[pellicle]

Hi and Welcome Aboard

At 58 years age, I had bicuspid valve open heart surgery (repair) back in May 2022 and am now on week 8 of my recovery

its always better to ease into it, but for sure, do the walking and there are other ways to do cardio than putting strain on your sternum (the keystone of the ribcage)

Best Wishes

 

[Chuck C]

Welcome to the forum!

So far, my recovery has progressed well and I am able to walk/jog short distances.

This is great to hear.

I really appreciate the wealth of information shared by everyone - it's convinced me to take it easy on holding off on more aggressive activities (mountain biking, roller skiing) until week 12.

I believe this is the right course of action. There is no hurry to get back. A lot can go wrong if you push things too hard too soon. I felt almost completely normal by about week 6 and it was tempting to get back to my active sports, but I'm glad that I waited.

You'll be at week 12 before you know it and back to all of your regular activities.

 

[ValveAdmin]

Hello and welcome. Enjoy the forums.

 

[d333gs]

Hi Chris
Did you have a full sternotomy?

 

[dchrisc]

Hi Chris
Did you have a full sternotomy?

Hi, yes. I have been taking it easy so far but as I'm sure you have experienced, I've gotten a bit restless with just running. But I will wait until week 10 or 12 before taking on anything that has the risk of falling.