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Don't give up on the research/all the marks

Don't give up on the research/all the marks

afraidofsurgery said:
I was also disappointed to see NO research on atheletes with valve disease, the effect of exercise on the time of valve replacement, or effect of physical fitness on surgery recovery, mortality, etc. I had an ongoing debate with my cardiologist over the last 12 years that my level of exercise was much better than drug therapy for prolonging time to valve replacement (dilation of blood vessles, keeping my weight down, etc. all reducing the chronic strain on the heart). Of course I had no studies to back that up but was always curious!

Patty

Joining this group has made me appreciate the whole group of people who are monitoring their condition in anticipation of surgery. That will be me next time around when I have my bovine valve replaced. This time - I was just blindsided with no inkling that anything was wrong. We really need to keep pushing the medical profession to respond to the needs of cardiac athletes. There is a foundation in California devoted to our cause. And I have thought about attracting the interest of the AHA but the trick is to hope that some cardiologist or physiologist becomes interested.

Mark U - all the best. I have had a problem with first names in this past. This will help :)

http://www.bicuspidfoundation.com/About_Us.html
 
Mark U:I don't knowMark Wagnor,but although I'm sure he is a stud athlete,I hereby declare all Marks on the forum stud athletes,having done more than the poser non valver athletes I know! Hey Patty, does that make us stud chick athletes? Is there such a thing?
Laura
PS Thanks for the bicuspid link Mark #3- Please let us know what the doc says!
 
Still Testing

Still Testing

LLJ said:
Mark U:I don't knowMark Wagnor,but although I'm sure he is a stud athlete,I hereby declare all Marks on the forum stud athletes,having done more than the poser non valver athletes I know! Hey Patty, does that make us stud chick athletes? Is there such a thing?
Laura
PS Thanks for the bicuspid link Mark #3- Please let us know what the doc says!

My doctor is still testing. My liver enzymes are elevated - around 150 I think. I have a low grade fever, general achiness, particularly in the shoulderblades. Had all kinds of blood work done, going to repeat some of it tomorrow and get an echo to rule out endocarditis. Hope to be back on my feet soon - this is the first rule snag but from what I can tell, it's pretty common to hit a snag. Tomorrow, ironically is the 3 month anniversary of my AVR!
 
LLJ said:
Mark: How did the echo go?
Laura

Hi Laura: This has been amazing week and amazing three months. Prior to my emergency hospitalization, I hadn't seen a doctor in 5 years and that was just for a physical, and before that it was another 5 years to have some allergy testing done. Guess I am making up for lost time, lol. The good news is that everything is coming back negative - echo was fine, ct scan today was fine. They have also ruled out hepatitis A. I still feel like crap but I am happy that everything is coming back negative.

Interestingly, the ejection fraction was 45, still in the low-normal range so it will take some time to build back what I had before. Hope I am back on my feet before too long. I have not given up on doing the half marathon on 9/11 in some form (walking/splitting it and doing 6 miles/or just doing a slow run/walk). Just have to see how things go.

Thanks for inquiring. Stay tuned!

Mark
 
Mono Return?

Mono Return?

Just to update everybody. After a week of medical tests, the best guess (by an infectious disease doctor at the Cleveland Clinic) is mono. I am not sure I agree as the symptoms don't entirely match what I felt in graduate school. I do feel better but running the half marathon on 9/11 is now out of the question. My doctor and I both agree that I could walk it but it will be a gametime decision. I know it sounds a little obsessive-compulsive but this race was a goal of mine from the day I got my diagnosis - 5/18/05 and was my way of coping.

I really wished I had found this website much earlier and had a chance to read some of the postings, particularly from the athletes. I think the biggest downfall for me was the lack of sleep that I was accustomed to getting before the operation (typically 7 to 8 hours). Postsurgery, it's usually 5 to 6 and I rarely sleep the night through. I am "ok" with that now, especially because I see that it's pretty common. I think I just built up a sleep/rest deficit and I as returned to work, had a very active vacation of running and swimming, and started to rehab/train again - my body just said "TIME OUT" - not ready to go this fast.

So no running for a couple of more weeks. I want this virus/mono to completely clear my system and after that, I don't really plan anything really significant except for a long slow climb back. It is like starting all over again and that's the way I plan to take it. First races I run will be 5k and 10ks. I am going to take the full year to recover and not set any major goals between now and then or impose expectations on myself.

I will regularly report on my progress. I am particularly fascinated with the temporary reduction in ejection fraction post-surgery and how long it takes to recover. I want to hear from others as well on that score. Thanks for listening!
 
Mark: I'm sorry to hear about your Mono, but frankly relieved that the problem was not not cardiac driven. I don't say this to mean you should be grateful for the diagnosis. I know how disappointed you must be. I think this tells us that no matter how driven, disciplined and determined we are,our bodies rule our head for awhile now. Don't stop. Set another goal that begins with a lag time for recovery from the Mono. You were definately on a much faster track than most of the rest of us and that should prove to you your heart is sound,as is your spirit. You just need to let the other systems in your body recover from the MAJOR physical and emotional trauma that is OHS. A good friend of mine who happens to be an elite triathlete always looks me straight in the eye when I complain and says "Live to race another day; that's what it's all about"
I'm not cheelading you here. I truely believe yiou hit a road bump and this is how you really test your mettle. Can you lift your self up after this disappointment and go on with some joy in your heart that you WILL be able to go on? I developed post surgical afib 6 weeks after surgery and it blew me away emotionally for one whole weekend. I just didn't want to talk to anyone. Now look, I'm the slowest racer on the planet and I'm thrilled!!! I know with time all things get better!
Laura
Hang in there, I bet your ejection fraction improves too. My aunt had OHS mitral valve repair 10 years ago and her EF went to 21. She strong as an ox and still does everything and her EF improved to 45. I definately will be researching this!
 
Thanks Laura

Thanks Laura

LLJ said:
Mark: I'm sorry to hear about your Mono, but frankly relieved that the problem was not not cardiac driven. I don't say this to mean you should be grateful for the diagnosis. I know how disappointed you must be. I think this tells us that no matter how driven, disciplined and determined we are,our bodies rule our head for awhile now. Don't stop. Set another goal that begins with a lag time for recovery from the Mono. You were definately on a much faster track than most of the rest of us and that should prove to you your heart is sound,as is your spirit. You just need to let the other systems in your body recover from the MAJOR physical and emotional trauma that is OHS. A good friend of mine who happens to be an elite triathlete always looks me straight in the eye when I complain and says "Live to race another day; that's what it's all about"
I'm not cheelading you here. I truely believe yiou hit a road bump and this is how you really test your mettle. Can you lift your self up after this disappointment and go on with some joy in your heart that you WILL be able to go on? I developed post surgical afib 6 weeks after surgery and it blew me away emotionally for one whole weekend. I just didn't want to talk to anyone. Now look, I'm the slowest racer on the planet and I'm thrilled!!! I know with time all things get better!
Laura
Hang in there, I bet your ejection fraction improves too. My aunt had OHS mitral valve repair 10 years ago and her EF went to 21. She strong as an ox and still does everything and her EF improved to 45. I definately will be researching this!

Laura - this website has been such a blessing. I am "at peace" with everything. I am utterly amazed at what OHS takes out of you generally, never mind the temporary reduction in ejection fraction. I will give some thought to new goals but they will be geared as if I just started endurance running this year. How many people get to start over? I feel like I get to start over, this time with experience, knowledge, and a stronger heart. Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to sharing, learning, exchanging views over time. I keep raving about this website to my friends and family. Thank you Laura! Thank you fellow valve patients - onward and upward.

P.S. If you are wondering, the doctors believe it safe for me to walk the half marathon and that's the short term goal. After that, it's just get healthy. 2006 is the New York City Marathon!
 
msiwik said:
What's interesting Karalynn is that prior to 2000, I shared the same attitude you have about running. I thought why would anybody in their right mind ever want to run and I struggled with exercise in general. It wasn't until I set a goal of running a marathon that I fell in love with the sport.
Bingo! I had run about 25 miles when I discovered VR.com and marathoners Les and Mark. I used to say "you never see a smiling jogger". I smile on the inside at having a second chance. PS.....I smile on the outside a lot too. :) :) From couch potato to marathon in 53 weeks! Would never have happened without VR.com

Welcome to the site. Thanks for sharing. Sorry to hear you are on the sidelines. I've been there for several months and now getting back into the swing. This time I'll follow the likes of BillCobitand MarkU with a triathlon in about a month. 750k/20k/5k.

The cross training is bringing me back faster that running alone. I ran 5 miles this morning with walk breaks. It always takes me about 2 miles to warm up and feel comfortable, so has been frustrating until recently going beyond the 2 miles. I've incremented 5 minutes each week and finally feel like I'm "back".

I signed up for a 5k Freedom Run in Dallas 9/10 - my 51st birthday. I'll think of you (and smile :)).
 
hosacktom said:
From couch potato to marathon in 53 weeks! Would never have happened without VR.com

... on the sidelines. I've been there for several months and now getting back into the swing. This time I'll follow the likes of BillCobitand MarkU with a triathlon in about a month. 750k/20k/5k.

I signed up for a 5k Freedom Run in Dallas 9/10 - my 51st birthday.

Tom

Glad to see that you have overcome your setbacks and are on the up. Good luck with your training and your goal.

Mark

You'll join several other marathoners with your goal. Must be something about the name "Mark"...?

Good luck on the road to full recovery and keep us posted on your progress. Everyone has their own milestones to pass and its inspiring to read from all -irrespective of the magnitude of the goal they set themselves.

Like you say this site is an absolute godsend and required viewing for all OHS people.

Russell
 
LLJ said:
Mark U:I don't knowMark Wagnor,but although I'm sure he is a stud athlete,I hereby declare all Marks on the forum stud athletes,having done more than the poser non valver athletes I know! Hey Patty, does that make us stud chick athletes? Is there such a thing?
Laura
PS Thanks for the bicuspid link Mark #3- Please let us know what the doc says!

Oh, Golly, you need to look up Mark Wagner - He ran across from Cal to N.Y. and we followed his progress all the way. We were all so proud of him. I guess he was our first long runner. There are pictures and everything. Just do a search and you will find his posts.
 
Incremental Training Plans

Incremental Training Plans

Russell, Tom, and Ann:

Thanks for your messages. I am so appreciative of this site and the opportunity to connect with you all.

Tom - it was good to hear from you. I have read a number of your posts with interest.

Russ - thanks for the good wishes - all the way from Australia. Need to get there one day!

Ann - thanks for the note about the other Mark. Here's another tidbit. One of my personal heros is Paul Reese who died last year at the age of 86. His aortic valve went bad (stenosis) and he never really recovered from open heart surgery. Paul was amazing. At the age of 73, he ran from California to South Carolina. Thereafter from 74 to 80, he ran all 50 states from border to border. I felt a small connection to Paul when I learned that I had AVR disease. I will post a couple of links about Paul if people are interested.

Tom - I agree with the incremental approach and wish I had been able to curb my enthusiasism a bit in recuperating. I am going back to a plan that I used successfully in the past. One mistake we all make is not following the hard day/easy day principle. People always do too much on the easy day. A way around that is to run the same pace every day for about 30 days and then lower that pace by 20 to 30 seconds and run the new pace for 30 days. Using this approach, I will try to get back to my old long run training pace of 8:30 by next spring. I am also just going to forget about goals for a while. There is no need for the pressure and I have learned the hard way that you can't rush things, no matter how good of shape you are in.

I am feeling positive about walking the half marathon next weekend.

Best to all,

Mark
 
Mark,

At my age (and weight :rolleyes: ) and startng running from scratch, I have subscribed to hard day / off day regimen. But lately I've found that instead of taking the day off, I can swim as hard as I want. It gives the joints a rest, but enhances the cardio with a daily workout. Blend cycling into the mix, and I can run just 2 days per week and still increment.

Time permitting, I exercise 5 days each week, rotating the activity swim/run/cycle. At minimum I get in 3 days each week and do each activity once. I'll do a nautilus circuit once in a while, but not the day before or the day after running. The extra pounds are starting to come off and my RHR is dropping as well. Woo hoo! :)

You're right that goals and injury/illness don't mix well, except that the goal is to get healthy as soon as possible. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery.
 
Keep Going Tom!!!

Keep Going Tom!!!

hosacktom said:
Mark,

At my age (and weight :rolleyes: ) and startng running from scratch, I have subscribed to hard day / off day regimen. But lately I've found that instead of taking the day off, I can swim as hard as I want. It gives the joints a rest, but enhances the cardio with a daily workout. Blend cycling into the mix, and I can run just 2 days per week and still increment.

Time permitting, I exercise 5 days each week, rotating the activity swim/run/cycle. At minimum I get in 3 days each week and do each activity once. I'll do a nautilus circuit once in a while, but not the day before or the day after running. The extra pounds are starting to come off and my RHR is dropping as well. Woo hoo! :)

You're right that goals and injury/illness don't mix well, except that the goal is to get healthy as soon as possible. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery.

Tom - you are a great story! I love your enthusiasm and zest for life. We will have to get you up here for a race in Ohio! There is a terrific half marathon in Indy that I will run in May 2006 that's worth traveling for. Put it in the back of your mind! Hope to catch up with you on the roads (figuratively speaking) soon!!!
 
msiwik said:
Tom - you are a great story! I love your enthusiasm and zest for life. We will have to get you up here for a race in Ohio! There is a terrific half marathon in Indy that I will run in May 2006 that's worth traveling for. Put it in the back of your mind! Hope to catch up with you on the roads (figuratively speaking) soon!!!

Hey, Mark - Are you referring to the Indy 500 Mini Marathon in May? I'm planning to do it also.

Mark
 
Thanks, Mark. Life is worth living as large as possible. My perspective has changed dramatically over the last few years, not only because of finishing the marathons, but because of the will to try. The experience of going out each week and pushing farther than I ever had before is exhilerating. A PR every week. It was like being a kid again. Not a bad mid-life crisis!

I'll give Indy some thought. I am focused more on the tri events for now, but we'll see. My plans have been to increment to and level off at 6 miles (10k) to support the tri. One goal at a time.

15 miles on the bicycle tonight with my wife. Somehow 99 degree heat isn't near the torture on the bike as it is on foot. Of course in the evening, the temperature drops to no more than 87. :D We had a great time.

While I was typing MarkU slipped in a response. Uh oh, 2 stud Marks at one event? Mark Wagner, where are you?
 
Hey guys, wait! If it's a 1/2 marathon I want in! I have friends in Ohio (More near Cincinatti) but I'd travel out to be with a Valver team!
Laura
 
Too many Marks. Might have to change my name before somebody confuses me with a talented athlete.... :D

Tom - You have discovered the beauty of triathlons - cross training. At my advanced age (52) I can't run more than three days a week without my knees giving me fits. But now I can follow a long run with a low impact day on the bike or in the pool and be okay. Although you are training for distinctly different skills/techniques, all three events provide provide substantial aerobic/cardiac benefit.
You might want to check out http://www.beginnertriathlete.com for lots of good advice, training plans, etc. for triathlon rookies. They have a very active member forum (where I go by RedCorvette, not Mark).

Mark (the slow Mark from FL...)
 
Indy 500 Mini Marathon - May 6, 2006

Indy 500 Mini Marathon - May 6, 2006

MarkU said:
Hey, Mark - Are you referring to the Indy 500 Mini Marathon in May? I'm planning to do it also.

Mark

Yes, I have already signed up for the Indy Mini Marathon - it's on Sat., May 6, 2006. This will be the race that I will gear for now with just a "walk in the park" next Sunday, Sept. 11. to keep my record/streak/psyche intact :) . I come in for the Mini the day before (about a 5 hour drive from my home) so we will hook up before the race, at the very least.

Sign up early Mark - this race sells out quickly! Here's a link:

http://www.500festival.com/

Best,

Mark
 
msiwik said:
Yes, I have already signed up for the Indy Mini Marathon - it's on Sat., May 6, 2006. This will be the race that I will gear for now with just a "walk in the park" next Sunday, Sept. 11. to keep my record/streak/psyche intact :) . I come in for the Mini the day before (about a 5 hour drive from my home) so we will hook up before the race, at the very least.

Sign up early Mark - this race sells out quickly! Here's a link:

http://www.500festival.com/

Best,

Mark

Actually, I'm already registered. I'm from Indiana originally and have friends in the Indy area who do the race every year. Let's keep in touch as the race approaches to coordinate our plans.
I'm doing the Indy Mini to help me get ready to do a 1/2 Ironman in 2007. Running is my weak leg in triathlons and will be my main focus over the winter preparing for the race in Indy.
Mark
 
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