Surgery went well and I'm on the mend

[Tri Girl]

Yay! Glad to hear that the surgery went well and that you're on the road to recovery!!! Before long we will be hearing about your wonderful bike adventures again. Miss seeing you around, but glad to know that you're on the mend and that you'll be back on your bike soon!

[Crankin]

Yes, definitely talk to your heart doc. My DH's cardiologist gave him restrictions, which DH was intelligently able to discuss with him and prove why he didn't need to take such precautions. Cardiologists are not used to healthy people who exercise vigorously.

[zoom-zoom]

I'm glad you're doing well. On the bright side, our weather has been sorta crummy and if you have to be off the bike, better to have it happen in the Winter, right? Come Spring you'll be healed and ready to roll!

[Bike Writer]

Roadie Gal, Wahine and Crankin,

A good friend is a PT and I may also discuss this with her as she knows me well (former ski buddies), also another friend has a home health care staffing business and could discuss this with her also. Doc knows how active I am as we got onto the biking subject prior to surgery. He is a cyclist too. When we discussed the various procedures available for the valve replacement 1) mechanical lasts a lifetime but can have complications if you are a very active individual 2) tissue has a 10-12 year longevity before a repeat surgery is necessary and 3)Ross procedure, this is where the discussion evolved into activity levels. The Ross procedure is twice as complicated but has the best prognosis for longevity and is usually reserved for healthy, young and active persons. He had some patients who were well past 20 years and no repeat surgery in the near future. That is the problem with valve replacement, unless you go mechanical you are pretty much guaranteed to have to repeat the surgery in the future. He indicated that I was a candidate for this and he also wanted a back up plan in case once he got in there that was not a viable option. He was able to do that procedure and commented that the "procedure was made for you" which bouyed my spirits right out of the chute when we talked after surgery.

Today I asked the Doc office if I could ride a stationary bike and it was okayed with the caveat that I do not lean forward or use my upper body too much. My only restrictions are weight related, no lifting, pulling or pushing over 10 lbs. I have not had much pain at all but have been careful about the pushing and pulling. Prior to surgery the Doc said, you are strong and will tear the mesh that is used to help the breastbone heal if you don't follow the 10# limit. He indicated that that bone would take 8-10 weeks to heal. I take him at his word.

pinsonp2 , that sounds like a lovely idea for spring! I'm going to try to come up with something for that.

To all the others who have expressed well wishes, thank you.

Shootingstar, yes I have read your recent blog postings, however for some reason your comment here tickled me.

[Owlie]

Glad to hear recovery's going well. I hope it continues to go well!