? re running after avr

[Marcus]

I'm 24 and had my aortic valve and root replaced in Sept '04 (my root was dialated). I now have a St. Jude mechanical valve.

At my 6 month checkup w/my cardio in April, I asked him about running and he said to get back into it.

I'm up to running a little less than 2 miles now and I'm wondering, is this too much? I haven't felt any pain or anything but I don't want to hurt myself.

Has anyone else asked a doctor about this? Thanks for your input.

God Bless.

 

[Ross]

By now, you should be able to run as far as you please.

 

[MarkU]

There are a lot more accomplished runners around here than me, but here's my $0.02:

My cardiologist has always encouraged me to do as much aerobic exercise as I felt up to. The only thing he has ever cautioned me about is heavy weight lifting.

Just take it easy and run at a "conversational" aerobic pace - one where you could still maintain a conversation with someone else.

I'm a believer in the Jeff Galloway training philospophy - take regular walk breaks throughout your run - don't wait until you're too exhausted to run anymore.

Same thing for hydration: If you wait until you're thirsty to drink something, then it's too late...

A good rule of thumb is to only increase your distance by 10% a week at most.

And obviously, if you ever have any significant pain or discomfort stop immediately and call your doc.

Mark

 

[tommy]

Increment slowly, both your longest run in a week, and your total for the week.

I was up to 4 miles when I checked in with my cardio. I was 3 years post AVR, 48 years old, and overweight. It was about that time that I discovered VR.com with Les and Mark having run marathons and I started to dream. My cardio gave me the go-ahead, much to my surprise.

Cardiac rehab taught me the concept of small increments. I applied it to running. With persistance and VR.com support, a dream came true.

So increment slowly, listen to you body, and get plenty of rest. Have fun. Let us know how you are doing.

 

[Buzz Lanning]

Running after AVR

Running after AVR

Marcus,

I had AVR in July 04. I started running again after completing cardiac rehab. 3 months later. Initially, I jogged 2 to 3 miles. Within a month I was jogging (easy) around 4 to 5 miles. I've essentially maintained this distance for most of my runs, with an occassional 6 to 7 miler. My cardiologist gave me the O.K. to run as long as I feel fine, etc. - No real distance restrictions.

Note: Within the first 6 months following AVR. I had one stress test / echocardiogram before cardiac rehab., another following cardiac rehab., and a 6 month post-surgery stress test / echocardiogram. All was fine . . .

Good luck!

 

[hensylee]

we've got a buncha runners - finishers all round us. Have at it. They did.