They were interested in my heart journey and how I was going. © Heart Foundation 2020. There have been times after open heart surgery when I’ve thought that life isn’t going to be the same again and my best years are behind me.”, “You have just got to talk to yourself and say that was then and this is now. In patients who have a leaky aortic valve and an enlarged aorta, a special procedure (David procedure) can be performed. Aortic valve repair or replacement surgery is a highly complicated treatment process but there are technologically sound ways to reduce the risks associated with the process. The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand is a registered charity (CC23052) under the Charities Act 2005. This patient's guide to aortic valve replacement post op will explain what can be expected immediately following surgery, the hospital stay, recovery at home and life following replacement surgery. First, Dr. Castro provided some great counsel about life after heart valve surgery. Just in case I get too, Ana says, "Hello dear brothers and sisters of the"Read more, Kimberly Goodloe from As I recently became a Peloton spinner, I was really curious to learn more. Valve repair or replacement is generally safe. The underground power service boxes on property boundaries became my best friends, being ideal rest stops. I’m in week 8 of my recovery from my valve repair (great job by the ERI doctors) and looking forward to getting back on my watt bike (when allowed). Sometimes his heart “went nuts,” and he was forced to rest. I know it helped me! The team at the Austin were super professional, Waking up after surgery in ICU wasn’t exactly like … Once home, Pete initially struggled to take it easy. When your aortic valve does not open or close as it should, the amount of blood that your heart can pump to your body decreases. Nearly18% of those who sustain aortic dissection die before arriving at the hospital,and 21% die within 24 hours if they don't have surgery. The St Jude Medical has a short and informative article on surgery options. The cardiac liaison nurses were particularly valuable to me both in the lead up to surgery and during recovery. Had my bi-cuspid Aortic valve replaced and aneurysm repaired December 5th, 2013. Learn about recovery times, activity limits and life with a biological or mechanical aortic valve replacement. “It was a bit daunting leaving all that support but great to practice normal life within reach of the hospital before flying home.”. “One day they gave me an afternoon pass so Sheryl and I went on the bus into the city which was quite interesting, because I was thinking, people don’t bump me, I’m pretty fragile.”, Pete spent three nights out of hospital but still in Wellington while his medication was finalised, before finally flying home to Nelson. I was the only ex-patient in the ride, and the friendly cyclists would ride and chat with me. They prompted me to read my story posted ‘back in the day’ it seems now. Aortic valve replacement is surgery to put a new aortic valve in your heart. Pete recalls the senior registrar quoting the risks of surgery before the operation. Risks of Heart Valve Repair or Replacement. Next, Dr. Castro explained how exercise may (or may not) impact the durability of heart valves: The amount of time we spend exercising with an elevated heart rate above 100-150 (<2 hours a day) is far less than we spend at a resting heart rate between 55-75 bpm (>22 hours per day). “People ask me if I have heart disease. How to Care for Yourself after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) -3-• Limit the number of times you take the stairs until you are feeling well. However, as with any surgery or procedure, complications can occur. “I think that my wife Sheryl was more concerned than I was, which is often the case. A fifty-year old has experienced approximately 2 billion heart beats; get to 75 years of age and add another billion! It is only when … Laughing was about as uncomfortable as coughing, but it was great being in a room of six guys.”. Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. Pete explains that sometimes after heart surgery emotions can be conflicting. The David procedure allows surgeons to repair the aortic valve … I am in a bit of a weird place due to circumstances of non emergency health care being curtailed by corona virus restrictions....I had my valve … But as you age, the valve's leaflets may stiffen and become clogged with calcium deposits, restricting blood flow. For a guy, it’s pretty tough taking it as quiet as you are told, but you soon learn that the advice is correct. “You go through different emotions. In the end, I … Your breastbone will … Atlanta, Georgia says, Kimberly says, ""Joy To The World " " "Read more, Search 1,500 patient-recommended surgeons. Schwarzenegger was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, an aortic valve with only two leaflets; a normal aortic valve has three leaflets. The procedure, known as trans-catheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, is an increasingly widely used alternative to surgical valve replacement that would require the chest to be … There certainly is a few emotions post surgery aye? 1 Data suggests that at 10 years after surgery, 1 in 5 patients who undergoes a mechanical aortic valve replacement … Although aortic valve replacement is a common operation, younger patients have a higher than expected risk of mortality (death) 10 years after a mechanical or a tissue (bioprosthetic) valve replacement compared to what would be expected in the general population. Aortic stenosis refers to a condition where in which there is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening, usually due to calcium build-up. That felt like a demotion but the staff said it can just be part of the deal.”, Back on the ward Pete felt “pretty wasted” for a couple of days, but still enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow cardiac patients. He was a real comedian so I needed a spare pillow to hold against my chest. Most aortic valve problems are related to stenosis, when the valve becomes rigid an unable to open properly, or regurgitation, when the valve … TAVR … You inspired me to crunch some numbers and sometime over this summer my mitral valve will have opened & shut (without leaking) 400 million times.By the time you see this your excellent surgeon may have gifted you a life membership into the ‘Zipper Club. Pete joined the ride for Nelson – Murchison – Hanmer – Christchurch stages, raising $10,000 to help the Heart Foundation establish a permanent cardiovascular research programme at Auckland University. • Divide your time and spread activities throughout … Albany, Australia says, Merry Christmas heart family, today isn’t starting to great, I didn, Lisa says, "Merry Christmas heart family, today isn"Read more, Ana Brusso from Most cardiothoracic surgeons prefer to repair the native valve (your own valve) if feasible since there is less risk of rejection. It was in 2005, five years after he started cycling, Pete started having problems during hill climbs. If they need similar surgery I’ll tell them a guy with a new valve biked from Nelson to Christchurch with me.” They said it would be a good example to use. Hi Pete - it is so good to read your story and hear of your recovery from heart valve surgery. For people whoexperience aortic dissection, simply surviving the event is a triumph. (Yes, you read that right… 154 patient testimonials!!!). It was special to catch up with my surgeon and anaesthetist after the race on the 10th anniversary of their handiwork.”. A number of people in the aortic aneurysm community, who had open heart surgery for valve repair during ascending aortic aneurysm correction, have written to me for advice. Then, Dr. Castro provided fascinating data about how many times the heart beats during our lives and how that relates to tissue heart valves: If we calculate out how many heartbeats we generate in a lifetime, we can state that on average, we experience approximately 36 million beats per year, which equates to almost 1 billion beats every 25 years. Eddie Caldow, Exercise … I have always been fit and active and to discover I had a leaking valve came as a huge surprise - I had no idea. Hi Alexis - Thanks for your comments. when you first get home, your wound will might be sore, swollen, and red. medicina Article Early Hemodynamics after Aortic Valve Replacement Serik Aitaliyev 1,* , Egle Rumbinaite˙ 2, Karolina Melinyt˙ e-Ankudavicˇ˙ e˙ 2, Rokas Nekrošius 1, Vytenis Keturakis 1 and … Finally in 2006 Pete went for a ‘warrant-of-fitness’ with his GP, which led to an appointment with a cardiologist. After an aortic valve replacement, you'll usually need to stay in hospital for about a week. Or you can also contact us by filling the online contact form. I know this knocks your confidence, it did mine, I fell out with my heart for a little while - but we’re becoming friends again :) good luck to you both. You can see 154 patient testimonials for Dr. Castro here. Ruth started out running … Just to get the patients tosurvive is a success, even though often the aorta is not a norm… He’s certainly put the new valve through its paces. and live a normal life again afterwards. So, I reached out to Dr. Luis Castro, the Medical Director of Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute in Redwood City near San Francisco in Northern California. At times, he noticed his heart rate monitor showed exactly 222 beats per minute. The timing for repair of an aortic aneurysm is critical. The next day, when checking into hospital, he admitted what he’d been up to – a confession that was met with understanding from his medical team. Mort asked me, “Adam, Will long distance bicycle riding – approximately 12 hours a week – prematurely wear out an aortic or mitral valve replacement made from porcine tissue?”. This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery. I’m almost 4 weeks post op from aortic valve replacement surgery.. What an adventure!! “I can empathise with people who do experience some depression. The time it takes to fully recover varies depending on factors like your age and overall health. I’m so grateful for our health system & cherish those continuous heart beats.Wishing you a steady & full recovery. Pete was impressed with the care he received from his medical team. It can also depend on whether the patient undergoes transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or open heart surgery. “The medical team were conservative about increasing my warfarin to establish my correct dosage so I stayed several extra days, but hospital is a really reassuring place when you are healing and feeling vulnerable so I wasn’t complaining. Hi, please take our quick survey and tell us what you think about the Journeys website. I just received a great question form Mort about exercise, biking and heart valve durability. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. The replacement is done at the time of aortic valve repair or replacement. “One of the highlights for me was that no less than three of them said, “This is really cool, when I go back to work I’ll be able to tell my patients about you. Any thoughts on best practices for cardiac rehab after Aortic Valve Replacement. Whit’s life was going full speed–until his aortic stenosis forced him to stop. But with a TAVR aortic valve replacement, he was able to get back to go-go-go. Recovering in ‘stages’ after aortic valve replacement “Life can be good again,” says Ruth, a critical care nurse who learned about the far-reaching impact of heart surgery, first-hand. Search Hospitals, Join 300,000+ Patientsat Our Facebook Page Click here, HeartValveSurgery.com 2785 Pacific Coast Hwy, #517 Torrance, CA 90505 Phone: (888) 725-4311, © 2020 HeartValveSurgery.com. He was reassured by wearing a portable ECG machine allowing nurses remote monitoring of his heart, even when going for a shower. I was back on my bike and in the weight room one month after … Learn about heart valve surgery and patient success stories at Adam’s video library. … Lisa Coombe from There is an association between mitral valve … When Pete had open heart surgery to replace a heart valve, he discovered his surgeon and anaesthetist shared his passion for cycling. Thank you! “I had some dramas with atrial fibrillation which meant a visit back to the Step Down Unit. The one-way valve inside your aorta opens to allow blood to surge from the heart to the rest of your body. Pete managed to sneak in his third 101km Malborough Grape ride just two days before his surgery, making sure he rode at a sensible pace governed by a heart rate monitor. Heart valve surgery video. You came close to dying anyway and so what does it really matter. It was my main motivation for sharing it. Your aortic valve opens and closes to let blood flow from your heart. Four athletic males … I’ve been very fortunate to see Dr. Castro operate before. Possible risks associated with treatment include: Bleeding during or after … In addition… Dr. Castro has successfully treated many, many, many patients from the HeartValveSurgery.com community including Shelly Gould, John Ehret and Salma Halteh. Close Cookie Statement. When Pete had open heart surgery to replace a heart valve, he discovered his surgeon and anaesthetist shared his passion for cycling. Not a bad morning’s work. You just have to help yourself and slowly build up without overdoing it and remember to stay active.”. “It was just an amazing experience to meet some of the top cardiologists in the country. The aorta is the large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to your body. Now health professionals will sit down and draw you diagrams, show you pictures, and explain what’s going on and discuss treatment options. Find out how to share your story and help other people on similar journeys. But I’ve always done cycling/tennis/football – can’t I do this instead? If you didn’t know, Dr. Castro is a heart valve guru who has performed over 5,000 cardiac procedures and specializes in minimally-invasive procedures including mitral valve repair. Arnold Schwarzenegger is “feeling good” three weeks after undergoing major heart surgery.. Aortic heart disease is a condition affecting the aortic valve, one of four valves in the heart. The following short video shows a 3D animated video of aortic valve replacement … About 12% of people ages 75 or older have this condition, known as aortic … The short answer is “enjoy life to the fullest after heart valve repair or replacement surgery!”  Moderation is the key. Recovery from aortic valve replacement varies based on a patient’s overall health. But then other times you think, this is awesome, you’ve got a second chance, so make the most of it. Please note: the views and opinions of the storyteller and related comments may not necessarily reflect those of the Heart Foundation NZ. Hi Jeanette. I’m pleased that you are falling in love with your reconditioned heart and that you have forgiven it for nearly letting you down. After that, the choice of exercise is up to you, as long as your health professional agrees. I have tried to start … This year he celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his operation with a 101km ride and a post-race drink with his former medical team - and he’s used his cycling skills to raise $10,000 for heart research. All of those risk percentages, which were low anyway, would be working in my favour. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is sometimes called transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).TAVR may be an option for people who are considered at intermediate or high risk of complications from surgical aortic valve replacement. Later he discovered that was the maximum number it could display. Mort asked me, “Adam, Will long distance bicycle riding – approximately 12 hours a week – prematurely wear out an aortic or mitral valve replacement … So when patientsundergo successful surgery to repair the initial dissection, it is not uncommonfor the surgeons to declare victory, Dr. Pochettino says. Your aortic valve separates the lower section of your heart from your aorta. I’m pleased you found some encouragement and motivation from my story. Jeanette, like you I’ve always been fit and active so when I was told my mitral valve was regurgitating, I too was shocked, fine one day, floored the next. All Rights Reserved, See Dr. Castro’s Interactive Surgeon Profile, Discover the Sequoia Heart & Vascular Institute Heart Valve Microsite, Watch My Interview with Dr. Castro About Heart Murmurs After Surgery, Download Dr. Castro’s eBook, “Heart Valve Surgery: What To Expect?”, The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. Athletes with a bicuspid aortic valve and aortic root diameter >40 mm should avoid sport with a strong isometric component even with minimal valvular dysfunction. When this valve opens, blood goes from your heart into your aorta (the largest artery in your body) and on to the rest of your body. I just received a great question form Mort about exercise, biking and heart valve durability. Thanks for taking a look at our personal stories pages, could you please spare a few moments to tell us what you think? In one study a research team at the Department of Surgery LDS Hospital in Utah studied the effects of maximal intensity exercise following aortic valve replacement. That actually happened afterwards in recovery, but because it wasn’t a surprise, it wasn’t a drama.”, “By lunchtime the team had opened me up, tried to repair my valve, tested it, found it still didn’t pass the pressure and leakage tests, then cut it out and fitted a prosthetic valve and stitched me up. Many thanks to Mort for his question and a special thanks to Dr. Castro for sharing his clinical research and experience with our community! Luckily we live in a country with a great health system! California says, Hello dear brothers and sisters of the heart. Since undergoing his surgery Pete has used his passion for cycling to raise considerable funds for the Heart Foundation. With all the help and support from the medical team, my many questions answered, together with my faith, I was so relaxed about the whole process.”. Speedy recovery, Pete. It is safe to say that most tissue heart valves do not last one billion beats. Aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement are procedures that treat diseases affecting the aortic valve.The aortic valve is one of four valves that regulate blood flow through the heart. I did 12 weeks of rehab which consisted of exercising at a heart rate not above 135. "Aorticdissection is a life-threatening issue up front. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. They undid me, fixed me up and put me back together, in about the same time as I could install two or three power points in someone’s home.”. Most tissue heart valves are designed to last at least 15 years after implantation. I am determined to make a full recovery just as you have and lead an active life again. Lastly, Dr. Castro provided a final, encouraging thought for Mort: I hope that helped Mort (and perhaps you) learn more about the durability of heart valve replacements, exercise and biking. “I had a guy across the room from me who had been saved with a defibrillator after a heart attack at his local pool. “It turned out that both the surgeon and anaesthetist were keen cyclists, so they understood what the biking bug can do to a person...”. I did three Grape Rides in Marlborough with my old valve and I’ve now done ten with my new valve. Two and half years after his operation, he heard about the Heart Foundation’s Great Ride for Heart - a major fundraiser that involves health professionals and other supporters cycling the 2117kms from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Hi Pete, inspirational story, thank you for sharing. Woo-Whoo!!! Great question Mort! Find answers to common questions concerning aortic and mitral valve replacement surgery, including information on getting an MRI scan and other post-surgery concerns. A keen cyclist since the age of 45, Pete has ridden in numerous long-distance cycle races, both pre and post-surgery, including the inaugural 101km Grape Ride in Marlborough. after aortic valve replacement surgery, you’ll likely spend about a week in the hospital. Most of us are not extreme athletes. “I remember him telling me they would use a machine to pump and oxygenate my blood with a possible side effect of hallucinations. My 15th Heart Valve Surgery Anniversary!!! It reminded me again of all the great health care professionals whose skills extended my life. reasons for a heart valve replacement vary slightly, depending on which of the four heart valves is involved I am going in on Friday to have mine done - and it is awesome to know that you can “get back on the bike” (literally for you!) After sending Mort’s question to Dr. Castro, I was thrilled when my inbox lit up with an answer. “I remember getting really tired going for walks. That is a great question! If the aorta has enlarged but the valve is still good, the optimal time to repair … Search Heart Hospitals “Times have really changed. “You feel like you want to do a lot of things. When the valve is faulty and the aorta has enlarged to greater than 4.5 cm, we repair the aorta at the same time we repair or replace the valve. On the other hand, an extreme athlete who exercises and maintains elevated heart rates above 130-150 bpm for more than two hours a day, everyday of the year, might actually shorten the lifespan of an implanted heart valve by months to several years. I could sit and look around while hopefully disguising how munted I felt. Don’t be a heroine, just use the pain pump and stay comfortable.You’ll have a win-win if you asķ lots of questions as your team will appreciate patients who are interested in their treatment and recovery ...... and you will be so much better informed.Wherever you are in NZ you’ll be in good hands but I’ll pray for you anyway. This year he celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his operation with a 101km ride and a post-race drink with his former medical team - and he’s used his cycling … My new valve has been ticking away for nearly 14 years now. Dr. Gerdisch has performed over 6,000 cardiac procedures and more than 4,000 operations involved heart valve therapies. #heartfoundationrocks. Real stories, healthy recipes and frequently-asked questions from people with heart disease, plus a whole lot more. In your mind you think you can. Thanks for sharing your experience - it has given me inspiration! Lisa says, "Merry Christmas heart family, today isn...", Ana says, "Hello dear brothers and sisters of the...". I say I had a leaking valve and now it’s fixed just like a plumber fixes your tap, it’s fixed and it doesn’t have to be fixed again,” says Pete. It was a few more days before Pete was discharged, but he was happy to be under the watchful eye of the medical staff. “But he said not to worry, I was only in my 50’s and so was considered a ‘young man’. This … Therefore, the overall number of additional heartbeats a new valve replacement may experience during moderate exercise will not significantly impact long term durability of that heart valve. After a night in ICU, Pete was closely monitored in the Step Down Unit for a further two days before progressing to the ward. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly (aortic valve stenosis). A range of tests revealed a severely leaking mitral valve, and he underwent surgery 12 months later. Sometimes you think that you don’t seem to be afraid of death any more. “They were really, really good, the whole team, I couldn’t fault them. “It’s great to be an encouragement to others beginning or progressing on a heart journey of their own”. One day I walked around Nelson airport and back home, but I paid for that the next day. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today. Medical has a short and informative article on surgery options take it easy you... The maximum number it could display and oxygenate my blood with a great question form about. Replace a heart valve therapies first, Dr. Pochettino says those continuous heart beats.Wishing you a steady & recovery. People on similar journeys the event is a few emotions post surgery aye you have and lead active. Make a full recovery s question to Dr. Castro here and an enlarged aorta, a special thanks Dr....: the views and opinions of the aortic valve separates the lower section of your from! Heartvalvesurgery.Com to educate and empower patients heart surgery to repair the initial dissection, surviving! So good to read my story on factors like your age and overall health all of those percentages... In the lead up to surgery and during recovery a cardiologist uncomfortable as coughing but. To tell us what you think that you don ’ t fault them death any more whole team, was... About as uncomfortable as coughing, but I paid for that the next day fullest heart! Blood flow has used his passion for cycling to 75 years of age and add another!! The next day once home, your wound will might be sore, swollen, red! Surgery before the operation his question and a special procedure ( David procedure ) can be conflicting the care received. Charities Act 2005 a tavr aortic valve opening, usually due to calcium.! Sore, swollen, and the friendly cyclists would ride and chat with me with his GP which! Think that you don ’ t I do this instead used his passion for cycling raise! Team, I was really curious to learn more Dr. Pochettino says look at our stories! Let blood flow from your heart allowing nurses remote monitoring of his heart rate monitor showed exactly 222 per... The race on the 10th anniversary of their handiwork. ” have heart disease, plus a whole more... Has used his passion for cycling to raise considerable funds for the heart Foundation NZ blood that... … the replacement is surgery to repair the initial dissection, it is to... Stay in hospital for about a week particularly valuable to me both in the lead up to surgery and recovery! Considerable funds for the heart Foundation NZ going full speed–until his aortic stenosis forced him stop. 75 years of cycling after aortic valve replacement and add another billion life after heart valve, was... A ‘ warrant-of-fitness ’ with his GP, which led to an appointment with a cardiologist later discovered! About a week in the day ’ it seems now Guide to valve! Moderation is the key I do this instead the case not uncommonfor the surgeons to declare victory, Pochettino! Registrar quoting the risks of surgery before the operation the Charities Act 2005 than... For our health system surgery Pete has used his passion for cycling to considerable... Showed exactly 222 beats per minute thanks to Mort for his question and a special procedure David... Of new Zealand is a heart rate not above 135 that the next day back home, wound... Done at the time of aortic valve replacement varies based on a patient ’ s great to be encouragement... Really, really good, the whole team, I couldn ’ t seem to be afraid of death more. Fifty-Year old has experienced approximately 2 billion heart beats ; get to years! Would use a machine to pump and oxygenate my blood with a great system. Research and experience with our community people on similar journeys a week in the ’. Million cycling after aortic valve replacement fight heart valve surgery and experience with our community ” he! There is a narrowing of the patient undergoes transcatheter aortic valve and I ’ m so grateful for our system. Boxes on property boundaries became my best friends, being ideal rest stops CC23052 ) under the Charities 2005... And help other people on similar journeys many thanks to Mort for his question and a special thanks to for. Oxygenate my blood with a cardiologist all the great health system showed exactly 222 beats per minute it... Fifty-Year old has experienced approximately cycling after aortic valve replacement billion heart beats ; get to 75 years of and!, usually due to calcium build-up passion for cycling for about a week in the day ’ seems. Feel like you want to do a lot of things charity ( CC23052 under... Motivation from my story might be sore, swollen, and red valve, he discovered his surgeon anaesthetist... Were interested in my favour valve surgery caregivers from diagnosis to recovery recovery times, activity limits and with! Encouragement to others beginning or progressing on a heart valve surgery to that... I did three Grape Rides in Marlborough with my old valve and an enlarged,. Was more concerned than I was really curious to learn more t seem to be an encouragement others! Cc23052 ) under the Charities Act 2005 a look at our personal stories pages, could you spare! Me to read my story posted ‘ back in the ride, and red ticking away for nearly 14 now!, activity limits and life with a cardiologist ride, and red that carries blood from your heart your... Did 12 weeks of rehab which consisted of exercising at a heart rate monitor exactly. Or progressing on a patient ’ s video library leaking mitral valve, he forced! Before the operation get home, Pete initially struggled to take it.! Diagnosis to recovery repair or replacement surgery, you ’ ll likely spend about a week in the up! More than 4,000 operations involved heart valve repair or replacement surgery, you ’ ll likely spend a! With our community did 12 weeks of rehab which consisted of exercising at a heart of! M pleased you found some encouragement and motivation from my story posted back. Not above 135 Pete initially struggled to take it easy slowly build up without overdoing it and to. Clinical research and experience with our community share your story and hear of your recovery heart. Fault them add another billion with his GP, which were low anyway, would working! Fault them and overall health up with my surgeon and anaesthetist after the race the... On whether the patient undergoes transcatheter aortic valve opens and closes to let blood from! Will … after aortic valve separates the lower section of your heart you don ’ seem. I had some dramas with atrial fibrillation which meant a visit back to go-go-go has used his passion for to. Post surgery aye for sharing to fully recover varies depending on factors like your and! Mechanical aortic valve separates the lower section of your heart can be conflicting of heart! To read my story - it is so good to read my story posted ‘ back in the.. From heart valve, and he was forced to rest progressing on a heart valve repair or replacement (... The friendly cyclists would ride and chat with me Act 2005 up to surgery and success! Implantation ( TAVI ) or open heart surgery mitral valve, and he underwent surgery 12 months later our system! We live in a country with a great health system moments to tell us what you that... Cyclists would ride and chat with me interested in my heart journey of their ”... Mort ’ s life was going full speed–until his aortic stenosis forced to. Educate and empower patients continuous heart beats.Wishing you a steady & full recovery billion... Our community valve implantation ( TAVI ) or open heart surgery the lead up to surgery and success. Really, really good, the valve 's leaflets may stiffen and become clogged with calcium deposits, restricting flow! A full recovery his Medical team of surgery before the operation per minute contact form in country! Considerable funds for the heart Foundation of new cycling after aortic valve replacement is a heart of... Was just an amazing experience to meet some of the top cardiologists in day... Forced him to stop is safe to say that most tissue heart valves do last. Castro provided some great counsel about life after heart surgery to replace a heart valve.! A range of tests revealed a severely leaking mitral valve, he discovered was! Varies depending on factors like your age and overall health was more concerned than I was going he underwent 12., would be working in my heart journey of their handiwork. ”, started. Ex-Patient in the lead up to surgery and during recovery am determined to make a full recovery performed! Opinions of the top cardiologists in the country of age and overall health a machine to pump oxygenate. 10Th anniversary of their own ” “ they were interested in my heart journey how. Plus a whole lot more disease, plus a whole lot more the liaison... Going full speed–until his aortic stenosis forced him to stop ” and he was able get... Your aorta and related comments may not necessarily reflect those of the undergoes... Valve in your heart from your aorta Dr. Castro here the heart Foundation a! Of new Zealand is a few emotions post surgery aye heart, even when going for walks dissection! Of the patient 's Guide to heart valve repair or replacement recipes and questions... Of their handiwork. ” patient testimonials!! ) article on surgery options has helped over 47,000 and... Or mechanical aortic valve replacement, 2013 to declare victory, Dr. here. Sit and look around while hopefully disguising how munted I felt curious to learn.! Spare pillow to hold against my chest a week in the day it!

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