It is time

[The Thief]

HI EVERYBODY!
My name is Anthony and I am addicted to Rock Climbing. I am 30 years old, I live in Redlands, CA (SoCal), and I teach 8th grade science. I've been browsing the threads on this site for the past few years, and now that it is almost time for my own surgery, i feel that it is also time to post. I met with a surgeon (Dr. Kwok Yun, Kaiser Sunrise, Los Angeles) who I immediately felt very comfortable with. I've known about my BAV since I was a child, and the regurgitation has achieved severe status recently. My first ever CT scan has also revealed an ascending aortic aneurysm at 4.6cm. I will continue to update, though I think I will be receiving my mechanical valve replacement surgery this winter. After contacting GymGuy last week, he was so awesomely eager to discuss his experience with me over the phone. After talking with him and his mission to get back into competitive weight lifting, I realized that my life will not be over after this surgery! I am an avid road cyclist, but my main sport is rock climbing (bouldering & sport climbing, both indoors and outdoors). Inspired by GymGuy's success, I will be posting my progress post surgery as I get back to my current (or close to) level of fitness. I know that it will be hard, i know that there are hurdles that I do not even know about yet, and I know that everyone encounters different challenges, but I will achieve my goals. :thumbup:

 

[escargome]

Great attitude. Keep thinking positively. You will reach your goals. Just cause you are getting your heart mended, does not automatically religate you to a life of a couch potato. Keep us posted and you travel this journey. Sending positive vibes for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.

 

[neil]

wellcome aboard

 

[kimcdougc]

I am almost 8 weeks post AVR surgery. Life is actually better than before my surgery! Keep us up to date on what is happening.

 

[Duffey]

Hi Anthony! Glad to meet you but I wish it were under different circumstances.
It's so great to hear that you have been able to connect with a fellow VRer and gather inspiration from his success (of course I think we all do). I look forward to your future posts, and I'm confident that when the time comes for replacement, you will be more than ready.
Best wishes,
Mary

 

[epstns]

Hi, Anthony, and welcome to The Waiting Room - the virtual room where many folks await their own turns at valve surgery. You've come to the right place, and you've brought the right attitude to the game as well. Now is the time to do your research and ask as many questions as you want, so that when you do go into the OR, you will be as well educated and calm as possible. As you've probably seen already, the folks here have experienced almost any possible situation and they are very willing to share their experiences.

 

[TheGymGuy]

Aha, there is your post. Welcome to the group. Keep us updated with your things. Also, do you happen to know AVA (aortic valve area), if they've found LVH, and other data about your heart post the surgeon meeting. When the surgery is not urgent means things are not too crazy just yet.

 

[The Thief]

Aha, there is your post. Welcome to the group. Keep us updated with your things. Also, do you happen to know AVA (aortic valve area), if they've found LVH, and other data about your heart post the surgeon meeting. When the surgery is not urgent means things are not too crazy just yet.

Thanks Vadim & everyone else!

BTW Vadim, I watched a bunch of your videos. My perception of post surgery has completely changed. I'm so thankful. I'm almost excited (I like challenges). I believe that my AVA is normal; I do not have any stenosis. I have severe regurgitation. I don't have the measurements of my LV in front of me at the moment, but they are just shy of the thickness that warrants operation. If I did not have the Ascending Aortic Aneurysm, then I would probably be hanging out in 'The Waiting Room' longer. I got my heart monitor which connects to an app called endomondo. It will be a challenge keeping my BPM down, but I went for a test ride on my bike and was able to keep it under control. I believe I will attend more yoga classes so I can practice my breathing. Just for funsies I am monitoring my heart rate as i sit and drink a cup of coffee!

 

[Rachel]

Hi Anthony,

Great attitude - that will carry you very far! You'll be fine - my first CT scan showed a 5.2 cm aortic aneurysm... so I know what you mean about getting the valve replacement sooner than later. I was a mid-distance runner before surgery....and a mid-distance runner after as well!

Yoga is a good idea.....waiting room or no waiting room

 

[enkaynj]

Anthony,
Life does get much better. It is as if you get a brand new part 30 years into your life and you have a leg up on everyone else who has not had the surgery !!
How can it not be a godsend ??