It has been a while since I’ve posted anything real on here. I’ve been busy with work, finishing up my Masters degree, and staying in shape with climbing, cycling, jump roping, etc. Yeah, I’ve been jump roping. It’s hard.
I want to reach out to any new people that might be stumbling onto my blog.
You probably found my blog because you recently found out that you need a valve replacement via open heart surgery. And you’re scared. I know, I was there. I’ve received emails from dozens of people who need open heart valve replacement surgery and they are unsure about their future. I’ve maintained communication with some of them. I’m so happy to see their progress after their surgeries. I’m posting this because I really don’t have much more to say about my recovery, and I want to leave some wisdom and point you in the right direction of some valuable online resources. First the wisdom, then the resources.
Wisdom
It’s okay to be scared, to cry randomly, to cry often, to think to yourself, “why the fu#$ am I crying so much?!” It’s normal to be in denial about it, and you are probably doing lots of research to hopefully discover a reason why you don’t need to procedure; perhaps some new technology that no one else has heard of? Weigh your options with valve choice. It is a personal choice. You’re life will go one with either choice. Talk to other valvers about it. Find them on the internet (see resources below). Don’t be ashamed of your scar. I wear V-necks and tank tops more often now, almost to show off the fact that I’ve been through this mess and can still crush at the climbing gym, or the crag, or cycling up the hills. Be prepared for surgery and recovery. Do your homework. Keep yourself occupied while recovering. I did lots of gardening until I could be more active. Involve your support network in your doctor visits, surgery day, recovery, etc. For more advice see the rest of my posts. I’ve been writing here since two surgeries ago, in 2013! 🙂
Resources
The American Heart Asoociation has a new Support Network on their website. Register here and join a conversation about valve disease, surgery, and recovery: http://supportnetwork.heart.org/registration
By the far the most valuable website for me is this one, which has allowed me to connect with others who have already gone through the process. These people are incredible supportive, compassionate, and knowledgable! http://www.valvereplacement.org/ValveReplacement.org/default.html
Another great online support group Facebook group called Heart Valve Surgery Support Group. The following link may work. Otherwise simply search for the group name. https://www.facebook.com/groups/15618633322/
Adam Pick’s blog, website, and his book. http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/ http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/
The Athlete’s Heart Blog by Heart Surgeon Dr. Lawrence Creswell http://athletesheart.blogspot.com/ Particularly This Post.
Ascending Aortic Dilatation Associated With Bicuspid Aortic Valve (Article in Circulation) http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/119/6/880.full
Valley Hospital: Calculate Your Relative Aortic Size http://valleyheartandvascular.com/Thoracic-Aneurysm-Program/Calculate-Your-Relative-Aortic-Size.aspx
On-X Mechanical Valve Clinical Studies http://www.onxlti.com/low-anticoagulation-study/clinical-results/
Ironheart Foundation (Post Heart Surgery Racing): http://ironheartfoundation.org/ironheartracing/
Digifit Heart Monitor System http://www.digifit.com/
Summer Camp for kids with Congenital and acquired Heart Disease http://www.campdelcorazon.org/
cheers!
Bouldering 10 months Post Surgery
Anthony's Heart Valve Replacement Saga 