jds
Well-known member
Hello -
In May 07, I had my mitral valve replaced at Mass General. Great surgeon (Gus Vlahakes) and hospital. I had a bovine pericardial valve used so I could continue t live a physically active life.
It is now 10 months post and I am doing great. Probably in better shape than before surgery except that my running endurance is not completely back. My PCP says it actually does take your heart a while to heal from the surgery.
What I did that I think helped:
1. I have a loving wife and daughter who spent a lot of energy helping me recover.
2. I was in pretty good shape pre-surgery. My weight was low and I did as much exercise as I could - though that was not very much. I really had no endurance at all. I ate a good diet and don't smoke. I drink alcohol but not to excess.
3. I started exercising in the hospital - just walks down the corridor - with kind but very, very insistent nurses. Also, I ate really well in the hospital - protein, salad, fruit, ... Also, in the hospital I started a diary of everything that happened to me and by me.
4. I have followed medication and diet advice since release essentially to the letter.
5. I keep a log every day of exercise, weight, BP, and pulse watching for problems. At one point, my weight started going above where I wanted it so I cut back slightly on snacks.
6. I exercise my a** off. I really like it now but at first it was a chore. At first it was just walking - 2-3 hours a day. Now, I either run or lift weights or do something athletic (rock-climbing is my sport) 6-7 days a week.
7. I thought about what I was doing in my life (working half-time and doing a bunch of unconnected volunteer activities) and decided to change focus. I'm now going back to school (at age 60) to try to become a PA. I'm not sure I'll make it but I will give it the best try I can. Learning anatomy is pretty cool.
I'm pretty happy. Too bad it took endocarditis and a shredded mitral valve to get here.
John
In May 07, I had my mitral valve replaced at Mass General. Great surgeon (Gus Vlahakes) and hospital. I had a bovine pericardial valve used so I could continue t live a physically active life.
It is now 10 months post and I am doing great. Probably in better shape than before surgery except that my running endurance is not completely back. My PCP says it actually does take your heart a while to heal from the surgery.
What I did that I think helped:
1. I have a loving wife and daughter who spent a lot of energy helping me recover.
2. I was in pretty good shape pre-surgery. My weight was low and I did as much exercise as I could - though that was not very much. I really had no endurance at all. I ate a good diet and don't smoke. I drink alcohol but not to excess.
3. I started exercising in the hospital - just walks down the corridor - with kind but very, very insistent nurses. Also, I ate really well in the hospital - protein, salad, fruit, ... Also, in the hospital I started a diary of everything that happened to me and by me.
4. I have followed medication and diet advice since release essentially to the letter.
5. I keep a log every day of exercise, weight, BP, and pulse watching for problems. At one point, my weight started going above where I wanted it so I cut back slightly on snacks.
6. I exercise my a** off. I really like it now but at first it was a chore. At first it was just walking - 2-3 hours a day. Now, I either run or lift weights or do something athletic (rock-climbing is my sport) 6-7 days a week.
7. I thought about what I was doing in my life (working half-time and doing a bunch of unconnected volunteer activities) and decided to change focus. I'm now going back to school (at age 60) to try to become a PA. I'm not sure I'll make it but I will give it the best try I can. Learning anatomy is pretty cool.
I'm pretty happy. Too bad it took endocarditis and a shredded mitral valve to get here.
John