Just found out I am going into surgery ASAP

[ALCapshaw2]

Heavy Lifting is not a good idea following Valve Replacement. Most Doc's advocate lighter weights and more reps for patients who still want to do weight lifting.

You may want to browse through old posts on the Active Lifestyles Forum to see what other athletic types are doing. We have a LOT of runners and bikers.

Contact sports are discouraged for patients on Coumadin because of bruising and bleeding risks. I'll let the younger athletic types advise you in this area.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[MelissaM]

Who is doing your surgery? There are several of us from the Denver area. . .

 

[alex c.]

Who is doing your surgery? There are several of us from the Denver area. . .

Nice to know that. From what I know of, it is Dr Maurice Lyons at the Midtown Medical Center in Denver. I have never been to see Dr's or through any kind of surgery before this so I am clueless of anything to ask, expect.

 

[MelissaM]

Ask the number of surgeries the doctor has done exactly like yours. I went to three surgeons and got three different answers as to the percentage of success, ranging from 65% - 95%. In other words, not all surgeons are created equal.

I really, really wanted a repair, and really, really wanted minimally invasive. By shopping around, I ended up with a stellar repair and a minimally invasive surgery. Moral of the story, DON'T SETTLE. This is a big operation and you DO have choices. Don't let the medical community take away your power to make them. Ask questions (there are lots of posts on which questions to ask, just do a search), and find the surgeon that is right for YOU and YOUR SITUATION.

Both the quality of the surgeon and the quality of the hospital make all of the difference. Do your research. Take your time. And good luck.

 

[Natanni]

Hi

My husband (also a former weight lifter in his twenties) had his aortic valve replaced Sept 05 at 35 years old. He was told that he could lift again to some extent (NOTHING in the 300lb area!) if his heart returned to normal function. Well, it did but he has not started lifting again other than arm curls and spotting our son. He has to lift over 100lbs many times a day for work, and he is on afterload therapy with Cozaar to assist him with that kind of work load, although there is talk of discontinuing it next year. Check out the active lifestyles board, as I was sure I saw a few threads pertaining to weight lifting.

 

[alex c.]

Ask the number of surgeries the doctor has done exactly like yours. I went to three surgeons and got three different answers as to the percentage of success, ranging from 65% - 95%. In other words, not all surgeons are created equal.

I really, really wanted a repair, and really, really wanted minimally invasive. By shopping around, I ended up with a stellar repair and a minimally invasive surgery. Moral of the story, DON'T SETTLE. This is a big operation and you DO have choices. Don't let the medical community take away your power to make them. Ask questions (there are lots of posts on which questions to ask, just do a search), and find the surgeon that is right for YOU and YOUR SITUATION.

Both the quality of the surgeon and the quality of the hospital make all of the difference. Do your research. Take your time. And good luck.

Thank you!! I will look up all the questions and see what info I can find. Do I have much of a choice since I have to go through my insurance? How can I find out which other centers or surgeons I can choose if I have to go through my insurance co. (which is Kaiser P.). From my understanding, a lot of me not being able to weightlift the same and play some sports is because of the sawed sternum?

 

[alex c.]

Hi

My husband (also a former weight lifter in his twenties) had his aortic valve replaced Sept 05 at 35 years old. He was told that he could lift again to some extent (NOTHING in the 300lb area!) if his heart returned to normal function. Well, it did but he has not started lifting again other than arm curls and spotting our son. He has to lift over 100lbs many times a day for work, and he is on afterload therapy with Cozaar to assist him with that kind of work load, although there is talk of discontinuing it next year. Check out the active lifestyles board, as I was sure I saw a few threads pertaining to weight lifting.

Yes, I did look in that section and weightlifting can still be done. To an extent. From what I've read, no heavy lifting and high reps is recommended to mimic a more cardiovascular workout. I guess heavy lifting puts a lot of sudden pressure on the valves. I duno, maybe someday I can still do about 225? maybe? I was doing that for sets of 8-10 reps less than a year ago.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Weight lifting causes your Blood Pressure to Rise like a Rocket. I seem to recall a story about Arnold Schwartzeneger BLOWING out a valve because he tried to do too much following valve replacement surgery.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[MelissaM]

Alex, YES, you have a choice. I am also on Kaiser Permanente, and fought them tooth and nail to go to the Cleveland Clinic. You need to give them good reason - and in your case, with two valves being replaced, you may have good reason. Kaiser just changed their policy so you can call up and get an appointment with any specialist w/out a referral from your PCP. Dr. John Reusch is my cardiologist, and I have a high regard for him. He is located in the Franklin building downtown. You also have a right to get a 2nd opinion, no questions asked, through KP. You might want to request an appt with Dr. Reusch.

Feel free to PM me if you want more info.

Cheers,
Melissa

 

[alex c.]

Melissa, thank you! My current Dr is also at the Franklin Medical Center. I will pm you. Thanks again.

Alex