#31
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Short of that, I would guess a doctor who is active/an athlete themselves is a better filter than nothing... Link: https://www.massgeneral.org/heart-ce...rmance-program Last edited by jcs7282; 02-01-2023 at 02:58 PM. |
#32
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It caught many spikes but (I could be wrong) wireless stick on type monitor I dont think shows that kind of data meaning where upper/lower chambers etc originates from in heart In any case they tried very hard during stress test to recreate but could not |
#33
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Exactly ^
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#34
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Time for an update. Without going into tons of detail, after a series of further exams/tests (including CCS which led to a nuclear stress test,Duke score of 9 so low risk there although the inferred VO2 max sucked) we've confirmed I have a aneurysm of the root/ascending aorta as well as a failing aortic valve. At first it appears surgery would be imminent but after a CT angiogram last week my cardiologist said those results were "reassuring" that we're in a monitor vs react phase and we'll take another look at things in August.
In terms of activity, I am supposed to avoid activities which are considered a "strain." That means no heavy stuff with valsalva or holding my breath, and I pushed to understand about CV type stuff beyond general admonitions so we landed on aerobic stuff is ok, but avoid going beyond 15 RPE on the Borg scale. I'm going to have to continue to get smarter on "harder isn't better -- or necessary..." Now I have to give more thought to the ebike world.... Thanks again to all who contributed here and through DMs. Lots to sort through yet on next steps and implications. |
#35
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Just slow down your skiing-you'll be fine Good luck
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Life is short-enjoy every day. |
#36
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@Gasman, so appreciate your comments here, especially in light of your recent post about some you own challenges. Your patience and positive outlook are inspiring.
I'm only 5 hours from Mayo, so they are on my radar screen. Right now my cardio has me set for a follow up in August, so he's anticipating no interventions in the short/med term. Thinking through if a second opinion would make sense now or perhaps when we have an update if the root aneurysm and aortic insufficiency are stable or continuing to progress. Last edited by teleguy57; 03-17-2023 at 12:03 PM. |
#37
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Gasman is The Man.
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#38
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__________________
Life is short-enjoy every day. |
#39
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So, time to provide an update on this thread. Bottom line is that in two weeks I’m going in for open heart surgery. The procedure includes an aortic graft to address my severely dilated aortic root and either repair (more likely replacement) of my severely regurgitating aortic valve via a Bentall procedure.
I have a great deal of confidence in my surgeon, who heads up the aortic program at St. Luke’s hospital in Milwaukee. It’s a top-50 cardiac center in the country and he does more heart procedures than anyone in the state. Another cyclist who had two procedures done at Mayo and a third at St. Luke’s said he’d easily choose them over Mayo for a number of reasons. With our two sons local in the Milwaukee area and the quality team at this team at this heart center was a relatively easy choice. His team says 80% recovery in 1 month with full recovery in 3 months. My experience with my total knee replacement in 2020 tells me that with a full sternotomy true full recovery will take longer, but the good news is when we’re done I should be without limits on activities. A friend retired several years ago as the head of PT at a local hospital and had the cardiac rehab unit under her (she’s also a cyclist/Nordic skier/multi-time Ironman and has qualified for Olympic distance worlds next fall in Spain). She’s shared lots of good information and helped both my wife and I have a better sense of what to expect overall. Bottom line is that recovery is the long game and trying too much too soon will only delay getting to where I want to get. I’m not one of those guys who will do the daily social media video about it. I figure sometime by mid-late January I may circle around back here with a summary update. Until then, clearing the decks here of all the in process stuff so I can concentrate on getting ready for surgery and plan for a productive recovery time to be back on the bike this spring. |
#40
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Godspeed, teleguy57. I look forward to your return.
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It's not an adventure until something goes wrong. - Yvon C. |
#41
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Best to you, we will await your update....
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This foot tastes terrible! |
#42
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Wishing you the best of all possible outcomes and will look forward to your circling back to the Tribe!
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Bingham/B.Jackson/Unicoi/Habanero/Raleigh20/429C/BigDummy/S6 |
#43
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Good luck teleguy57!
For others reading, I'll echo what others have said about finding a cardiologist who is experienced with athletes. Hell, most group rides with old dudes probably have a cardiologist on them. Always do the stress test on the bike unless you are also a good runner. For my test, they told me my max target was 167.....which is just above my threshold. I basically said "hold my beer" and did my best to wreck the bike and myself. I also purchased a Fourth Frontier X2 HR monitor. I gives a full ECG of your workout and can be super helpful when your symptoms are happening on your rides, but not in the doctor's office. |
#44
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You’re in good hands Teleguy57. Your timetable is right and it’s a good time to have it done. Mine was 1/30 and I was on the club ride opening day 4/1. No one, family included, knows what you are feeling but you and others that have experienced OHS. I found great comfort and resources in the website Heart-Valve-Surgery.com. See you on the other side.
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Serotta Della Santa Zullo Merlin CYFAC |
#45
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Thanks to all the well wishes and info. I guess I'm not done posting here quite yet
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I've seen info on the Four Frontier device, and seemed like it had mixed reviews... Your experience with it sounds positive. Interesting as the site was one that came up early and often in my research and which I now follow. I first learned of the MD who is my now surgeon when he was interviewed by the site host. Last edited by teleguy57; 11-29-2023 at 08:44 PM. |
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