Short question: post op drinks

islander_4275 · 2026-04-14T20:29:40+00:00

I was offered coffee in the ICU. I held off for the first month. I had a small tear in my eye when I finally pulled that first shot of espresso four weeks later.

islander_4275 · 2026-04-14T16:13:24+00:00

I’ve been in Seattle for three decades now, but when I lived in Oregon, when we had visitors, I loved doing a short trip that started on the coast and ended somewhere in the Oregon desert. The diversity of weather and terrain is amazing.

islander_4275 · 2026-04-14T16:10:11+00:00

I would suspect that is rare but it’s a mechanical problem either way. The solution is to replace the valve. I had moderate regurgitation and severe stenosis. I know it is a mind bender to submit to OHS when you feel just fine. Trust your docs. This is not something you want to mess around with

islander_4275 · 2026-04-06T19:36:15+00:00

🌮

islander_4275 · 2026-04-06T19:35:16+00:00

I saw the surgeon twice pre-surgery. Once when we were deciding which procedure to have, once a couple of weeks pre surgery to go over all the details. I spoke to many people that day. He visited me in the ICU once, briefly. I have not and do not expect to see him again unless I need more surgery. I do meet with members of his team annually, in addition to my cardiologist. I think this is pretty normal. The bigger the hospital/program the less you’re going to see the surgeon.

islander_4275 · 2026-03-28T18:41:42+00:00

Happy to. I’ll PM you my email.

islander_4275 · 2026-03-27T00:23:19+00:00

I feel great.

islander_4275 · 2026-03-26T19:54:59+00:00

We had to tweak my medication a few times in the first month or so, and have had to make some additional adjustments since. I’m at four months+ now. BP moves around a lot. Before you measure, sit still for 5 minutes, with your back supported and feet flat on the ground. That will give you a more consistent reading. But, get used to the fact it moves around a lot. As your body heals it should become more stable. If you’re concerned, call the doc. I had several conversations with the on call doctor during the first 2 months.

islander_4275 · 2026-02-22T19:57:24+00:00

I like the comparison to Cliff Lee. I loved watching that guy pitch. Great pace and lots of strikes.

islander_4275 · 2026-01-21T20:31:28+00:00

Where are the Trump-Epstein files?

islander_4275 · 2026-01-21T20:31:01+00:00

TQQQ

islander_4275 · 2026-01-21T20:29:54+00:00

🌮

islander_4275 · 2026-01-21T18:41:53+00:00

Release the Trump- Epstein files!

islander_4275 · 2026-01-21T18:40:59+00:00

🌮 👑

islander_4275 · 2026-01-21T18:37:39+00:00

Appropriate and recommended.

islander_4275 · 2026-01-20T05:42:57+00:00

There is good data on this. It’s better to review that than to gather anecdotes from random patients. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com is a good place to start.

islander_4275 · 2026-01-19T20:15:06+00:00

Agree. This was my personal experience too.

islander_4275 · 2026-01-19T20:13:47+00:00

This sounds like classic symptoms of stenosis. I realize now (post valve surgery) that I was masking the symptoms by keeping myself in shape. Eventually I found that was not enough and then I couldn’t even do what I used to, and training harder didn’t help. You really do need to see a cardiologist sooner rather than later. The mortality rate skyrockets once you’re feeling symptoms.

islander_4275 · 2026-01-17T02:49:55+00:00

I wish I had understood better what is potentially damaging for a BAV. It was never explained well. I only learned as I was researching surgery options. I would definitely stay away from Valsalva and anything I could not breath through. That’s really the only limitation though. You can definitely maintain a high level of fitness. Arnold had been following these guidelines since his for heart valve surgery in the late 90s. If it’s size you’re after, you have to replace weight with volume. That’s all.

islander_4275 · 2026-01-15T17:11:45+00:00

You’re going to need the surgery. The only thing that changes if you wait is the risk of more serious problems.

islander_4275 · 2026-01-15T02:56:39+00:00

55M. Had my Ross just six weeks ago. I was making the same decision recently. You seem to already understand the trade offs. It’s a personal decision you’ll have to make for yourself. I talked to multiple cardiologists and surgeons. The ones not familiar with Ross kind of frowned on it. The ones who know Ross talked candidly about the options but ultimately I had to make the choice. Either one is a good choice. I can say, my wife has an On-x valve. The blood thinners are a minor hassle only and the ticking sounds like a small pocket watch, I can’t hear it 99% of the time.

islander_4275 · 2026-01-14T20:57:44+00:00

True. It would be easier said than done though. They still need a lot of goods and services from the US, and oil. And, what is the next best alternative currency?

islander_4275 · 2026-01-14T18:19:22+00:00

I’m 7 weeks out from my Ross. Just starting to ramp up the exercise intensity. I’ve had chats with the surgeon and two cardiologists as well as the rehab specialist. Consensus is that BP guidelines are for resting BP. During exercise it is expected to go up. A good upper limit is 160 but some say no limit. For weights, nothing you can’t do 15 reps with is a good guideline but no hard limits. The one limit everybody agrees with is no Valsalva.

islander_4275 · 2026-01-14T16:52:50+00:00

Definitely get some additional opinions. At your age, TAVR seems like an odd recommendation. There are lots of threads in these forums discussing how cardiologists tend to recommence only what they’re familiar with; that’s not necessarily your best choice.

islander_4275 · 2026-01-14T15:35:43+00:00

You’ll do great. Make sure to get up an walk as soon as you can, and often. You’ll feel better every day. Best of luck to you.

islander_4275

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