Sports for those with Mechanical Valve

[Vinrics]

Hello all,

Recently had a bentall procedure in January to replace my Aorta with a mechanical valve. Curious to know what kinds of sports those with a mechanical valve play. Prior to surgery I was an active Soccer player but that seems out of the question. I was thinking of taking up tennis and golf. Any info on your experiences would be much appreciated.

 

[dick0236]

I notice that your post has been up for several hours with no responses. The issue is to protect your head.....more than your heart. You can do whatever you have the capabilities to do......but wear a helmet if it might involve trauma to your head. Personally, I have never participated in "true contact sports".......water skiing, some white water rafting, and chasing that little white ball around a golf course were, pretty much the extent of my activities........plus a lot of fishing. There are many folks on here that have done much more than me and I am sure they will post some activities that would scare the s--t outa me.

 

[pellicle]

Hi

Recently had a bentall procedure in January to replace my Aorta with a mechanical valve. Curious to know what kinds of sports those with a mechanical valve play. Prior to surgery I was an active Soccer player but that seems out of the question. I was thinking of taking up tennis and golf. Any info on your experiences would be much appreciated.

I didn't answer earlier because I don't really play sports, but I do ride my electric scooter, motorcycle and XC ski (not much lately tho).

As dick mentioned the whole issue is really about the head (and head injuries). Soccer and temptation for heading are an issue for all players. Being on warfarin increases the risks.

There's a ton of discussion here and I'll link a few. I encourage you to read these and search more while waiting for other responses, because this topic is ever green.

2005
https://www.valvereplacement.org/threads/what-are-sports-limitations-with-anticoagulation.9855/
2006
https://www.valvereplacement.org/threads/ok-to-play-football.23989/
and
https://www.valvereplacement.org/threads/how-hard-can-i-play.16487/
2014
https://www.valvereplacement.org/threads/contact-sports.848508/
2022 and quite extensive
https://www.valvereplacement.org/threads/my-15-yo-daugther-soccer-dreams-on-warfarin.888515/
and
https://www.valvereplacement.org/threads/unique-situation.888585/

We have many sporting people here ... on mechanical valves and IIRC many of them are INR self-testers and some self managers. I urge you to consider self management because nothing beats it not least because:

• you test and know yourself
• you can tweak INR to lower end when you have a match happening
• you know and that expels much of the anxiety
• you're involved

So basically it comes down you. I think that if this lady can climb Mt Everest

https://www.newsweek.com/my-turn-climbing-everest-bionic-heart-99749
you can play sports.

Best Wishes

 

[Chuck C]

Hi.

I had a Bentall Procedure with a mechanical valve about 27 months ago. I am very active. I run, bike, hike, bodysurf in the ocean and do martial arts. I do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which is probably the most physically engaging thing that I do. Prior to surgery, I also did some boxing, which I have now given up- at least I've given up the sparring. I still hit the punching bag sometimes. The reason why I gave up boxing was that I did not want to risk taking head shots. Other than the boxing, I have been doing all the things that I did prior to surgery.

 

[BillDaThrill]

Hello all,

Recently had a bentall procedure in January to replace my Aorta with a mechanical valve. Curious to know what kinds of sports those with a mechanical valve play. Prior to surgery I was an active Soccer player but that seems out of the question. I was thinking of taking up tennis and golf. Any info on your experiences would be much appreciated.

Yeah, the head shots of soccer would give me some pause. But - re: your question about sports: I weight lift, trail run, mtn bike, sand volleyball and ski tons! Have not had any sports related bleeding concerns over the past 2 years since my surgery and my conditioning is so much better that I am really happy with my recent improvements. Wishing you the best and keep on livin'!

 

[carolinemc]

I notice that your post has been up for several hours with no responses. The issue is to protect your head.....more than your heart. You can do whatever you have the capabilities to do......but wear a helmet if it might involve trauma to your head. Personally, I have never participated in "true contact sports".......water skiing, some white water rafting, and chasing that little white ball around a golf course were, pretty much the extent of my activities........plus a lot of fishing. There are many folks on here that have done much more than me and I am sure they will post some activities that would scare the s--t outa me.

And most of us are doing family stuff due to the Memorial Day Holiday. It happens. And great ideas and advice for dick0236.

 

[pekster11]

Hello all,

Recently had a bentall procedure in January to replace my Aorta with a mechanical valve. Curious to know what kinds of sports those with a mechanical valve play. Prior to surgery I was an active Soccer player but that seems out of the question. I was thinking of taking up tennis and golf. Any info on your experiences would be much appreciated.

I play tennis & golf too.
I used to play alot of soccer until my surgery in 2021
As I'm on warfain I'm a bit wary of returning to playing soccer, but I think 5-a-side with no headers may be an acceptable risk