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. California says, Hello dear brothers and sisters of the heart. Laughing was about as uncomfortable as coughing, but it was great being in a room of six guys.”. As I recently became a Peloton spinner, I was really curious to learn more. "Aorticdissection is a life-threatening issue up front. “People ask me if I have heart disease. You came close to dying anyway and so what does it really matter. “Times have really changed. After an aortic valve replacement, you'll usually need to stay in hospital for about a week. I just received a great question form Mort about exercise, biking and heart valve durability. “I can empathise with people who do experience some depression. … I’m so grateful for our health system & cherish those continuous heart beats.Wishing you a steady & full recovery. Real stories, healthy recipes and frequently-asked questions from people with heart disease, plus a whole lot more. For a guy, it’s pretty tough taking it as quiet as you are told, but you soon learn that the advice is correct. Not a bad morning’s work. I was back on my bike and in the weight room one month after … But as you age, the valve's leaflets may stiffen and become clogged with calcium deposits, restricting blood flow. Most of us are not extreme athletes. 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 … It was a few more days before Pete was discharged, but he was happy to be under the watchful eye of the medical staff. Once home, Pete initially struggled to take it easy. I’m almost 4 weeks post op from aortic valve replacement surgery.. What an adventure!! “I had a guy across the room from me who had been saved with a defibrillator after a heart attack at his local pool. Valve repair or replacement is generally safe. “It turned out that both the surgeon and anaesthetist were keen cyclists, so they understood what the biking bug can do to a person...”. Aortic stenosis refers to a condition where in which there is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening, usually due to calcium build-up. “I remember him telling me they would use a machine to pump and oxygenate my blood with a possible side effect of hallucinations. 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. Schwarzenegger was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, an aortic valve with only two leaflets; a normal aortic valve has three leaflets. 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. Hi Pete - it is so good to read your story and hear of your recovery from heart valve surgery. In addition… Dr. Castro has successfully treated many, many, many patients from the HeartValveSurgery.com community including Shelly Gould, John Ehret and Salma Halteh. 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. and live a normal life again afterwards. Please note: the views and opinions of the storyteller and related comments may not necessarily reflect those of the Heart Foundation NZ. When Pete had open heart surgery to replace a heart valve, he discovered his surgeon and anaesthetist shared his passion for cycling. But I’ve always done cycling/tennis/football – can’t I do this instead? Your aortic valve opens and closes to let blood flow from your heart. 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’s certainly put the new valve through its paces. TAVR … • Divide your time and spread activities throughout … 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. But with a TAVR aortic valve replacement, he was able to get back to go-go-go. The St Jude Medical has a short and informative article on surgery options. after aortic valve replacement surgery, you’ll likely spend about a week in the hospital. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly (aortic valve stenosis). 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). Hi, please take our quick survey and tell us what you think about the Journeys website. The David procedure allows surgeons to repair the aortic valve … He was reassured by wearing a portable ECG machine allowing nurses remote monitoring of his heart, even when going for a shower. 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. Aortic valve replacement is surgery to put a new aortic valve in your heart. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today. Search Heart Hospitals Possible risks associated with treatment include: Bleeding during or after … Woo-Whoo!!! In your mind you think you can. 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 … I know it helped me! 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. Thanks for sharing your experience - it has given me inspiration! The underground power service boxes on property boundaries became my best friends, being ideal rest stops. 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. Learn about heart valve surgery and patient success stories at Adam’s video library. After sending Mort’s question to Dr. Castro, I was thrilled when my inbox lit up with an answer. when you first get home, your wound will might be sore, swollen, and red. 1 Data suggests that at 10 years after surgery, 1 in 5 patients who undergoes a mechanical aortic valve replacement … I’m pleased that you are falling in love with your reconditioned heart and that you have forgiven it for nearly letting you down. 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. It was my main motivation for sharing it. It reminded me again of all the great health care professionals whose skills extended my life. Pete recalls the senior registrar quoting the risks of surgery before the operation. This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery. Your breastbone will … They prompted me to read my story posted ‘back in the day’ it seems now. My new valve has been ticking away for nearly 14 years now. He was a real comedian so I needed a spare pillow to hold against my chest. But then other times you think, this is awesome, you’ve got a second chance, so make the most of it. In the end, I … I just received a great question form Mort about exercise, biking and heart valve durability. However, as with any surgery or procedure, complications can occur. 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. 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 … “I had some dramas with atrial fibrillation which meant a visit back to the Step Down Unit. Lisa says, "Merry Christmas heart family, today isn...", Ana says, "Hello dear brothers and sisters of the...". “I remember getting really tired going for walks. 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!) 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. 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. “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. Luckily we live in a country with a great health system! “You go through different emotions. Risks of Heart Valve Repair or Replacement. When Pete had open heart surgery to replace a heart valve, he discovered his surgeon and anaesthetist shared his passion for cycling. I’m pleased you found some encouragement and motivation from my story. Speedy recovery, Pete. My 15th Heart Valve Surgery Anniversary!!! Atlanta, Georgia says, Kimberly says, ""Joy To The World " " "Read more, Search 1,500 patient-recommended surgeons. The replacement is done at the time of aortic valve repair or replacement. Aortic heart disease is a condition affecting the aortic valve, one of four valves in the heart. Most aortic valve problems are related to stenosis, when the valve becomes rigid an unable to open properly, or regurgitation, when the valve … I did three Grape Rides in Marlborough with my old valve and I’ve now done ten with my new valve. It can also depend on whether the patient undergoes transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or open heart surgery. I could sit and look around while hopefully disguising how munted I felt. The cardiac liaison nurses were particularly valuable to me both in the lead up to surgery and during recovery. 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. If the aorta has enlarged but the valve is still good, the optimal time to repair … Arnold Schwarzenegger is “feeling good” three weeks after undergoing major heart surgery.. Any thoughts on best practices for cardiac rehab after Aortic Valve Replacement. 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. 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. Dr. Gerdisch has performed over 6,000 cardiac procedures and more than 4,000 operations involved heart valve therapies. “They were really, really good, the whole team, I couldn’t fault them. They were interested in my heart journey and how I was going. I did 12 weeks of rehab which consisted of exercising at a heart rate not above 135. “It was a bit daunting leaving all that support but great to practice normal life within reach of the hospital before flying home.”. The short answer is “enjoy life to the fullest after heart valve repair or replacement surgery!”  Moderation is the key. 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. In patients who have a leaky aortic valve and an enlarged aorta, a special procedure (David procedure) can be performed. 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. Great question Mort! So when patientsundergo successful surgery to repair the initial dissection, it is not uncommonfor the surgeons to declare victory, Dr. Pochettino says. 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.”. Close Cookie Statement. 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. Ruth started out running … In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. I’ve been very fortunate to see Dr. Castro operate before. Four athletic males … Lisa Coombe from The aorta is the large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to your body. 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. You can see 154 patient testimonials for Dr. Castro here. Whit’s life was going full speed–until his aortic stenosis forced him to stop. Mort asked me, “Adam, Will long distance bicycle riding – approximately 12 hours a week – prematurely wear out an aortic or mitral valve replacement … Sometimes you think that you don’t seem to be afraid of death any more. Pete was impressed with the care he received from his medical team. “You feel like you want to do a lot of things. “But he said not to worry, I was only in my 50’s and so was considered a ‘young man’. Hi Pete, inspirational story, thank you for sharing. Since undergoing his surgery Pete has used his passion for cycling to raise considerable funds for the Heart Foundation. #heartfoundationrocks. 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. 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. I have tried to start … “It was just an amazing experience to meet some of the top cardiologists in the country. 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. 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. Later he discovered that was the maximum number it could display. 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. Your aortic valve separates the lower section of your heart from your aorta. Sometimes his heart “went nuts,” and he was forced to rest. © Heart Foundation 2020. Most tissue heart valves are designed to last at least 15 years after implantation. 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. 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. Finally in 2006 Pete went for a ‘warrant-of-fitness’ with his GP, which led to an appointment with a cardiologist. This … reasons for a heart valve replacement vary slightly, depending on which of the four heart valves is involved Just to get the patients tosurvive is a success, even though often the aorta is not a norm… A range of tests revealed a severely leaking mitral valve, and he underwent surgery 12 months later. Or you can also contact us by filling the online contact form. 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. The timing for repair of an aortic aneurysm is critical. Thanks for taking a look at our personal stories pages, could you please spare a few moments to tell us what you think? Find answers to common questions concerning aortic and mitral valve replacement surgery, including information on getting an MRI scan and other post-surgery concerns. It is only when … All of those risk percentages, which were low anyway, would be working in my favour. There is an association between mitral valve … 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.”. Recovery from aortic valve replacement varies based on a patient’s overall health. “I think that my wife Sheryl was more concerned than I was, which is often the case. Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. 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. The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand is a registered charity (CC23052) under the Charities Act 2005. 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. I am determined to make a full recovery just as you have and lead an active life again. Learn about recovery times, activity limits and life with a biological or mechanical aortic valve replacement. One day I walked around Nelson airport and back home, but I paid for that the next day. Most cardiothoracic surgeons prefer to repair the native valve (your own valve) if feasible since there is less risk of rejection. The one-way valve inside your aorta opens to allow blood to surge from the heart to the rest of your body. The following short video shows a 3D animated video of aortic valve replacement … “It’s great to be an encouragement to others beginning or progressing on a heart journey of their own”. 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 For people whoexperience aortic dissection, simply surviving the event is a triumph. About 12% of people ages 75 or older have this condition, known as aortic … “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. At times, he noticed his heart rate monitor showed exactly 222 beats per minute. Just in case I get too, Ana says, "Hello dear brothers and sisters of the"Read more, Kimberly Goodloe from 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. Hi Alexis - Thanks for your comments. It was special to catch up with my surgeon and anaesthetist after the race on the 10th anniversary of their handiwork.”. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. The time it takes to fully recover varies depending on factors like your age and overall health. Find out how to share your story and help other people on similar journeys. 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. The team at the Austin were super professional, Waking up after surgery in ICU wasn’t exactly like … I have always been fit and active and to discover I had a leaking valve came as a huge surprise - I had no idea. 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). That is a great question! First, Dr. Castro provided some great counsel about life after heart valve surgery. Hi Jeanette. 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 … 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. (Yes, you read that right… 154 patient testimonials!!!). After that, the choice of exercise is up to you, as long as your health professional agrees. “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. You just have to help yourself and slowly build up without overdoing it and remember to stay active.”. 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. Had my bi-cuspid Aortic valve replaced and aneurysm repaired December 5th, 2013. A fifty-year old has experienced approximately 2 billion heart beats; get to 75 years of age and add another billion! Heart valve surgery video. Eddie Caldow, Exercise … Thank you! 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. Many thanks to Mort for his question and a special thanks to Dr. Castro for sharing his clinical research and experience with our community! Now health professionals will sit down and draw you diagrams, show you pictures, and explain what’s going on and discuss treatment options. It is safe to say that most tissue heart valves do not last one billion beats. I was the only ex-patient in the ride, and the friendly cyclists would ride and chat with me. 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?”. There certainly is a few emotions post surgery aye? 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. It was in 2005, five years after he started cycling, Pete started having problems during hill climbs. 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. After a night in ICU, Pete was closely monitored in the Step Down Unit for a further two days before progressing to the ward. Pete explains that sometimes after heart surgery emotions can be conflicting. I remember him telling me they would use a machine to pump and oxygenate my with! Sharing your experience - it has given me inspiration biking and heart valve disease surgery. For about a week under the Charities Act 2005 remote monitoring of his heart “ went nuts, and! The lower section of your heart fibrillation which meant cycling after aortic valve replacement visit back to go-go-go his heart, even going... Been very fortunate to see Dr. Castro provided some great counsel about life after heart valve or... Featured by the American heart Association and Medical News Today visit back to the fullest heart... 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Pete, inspirational story, thank you for sharing to fully recover depending. That my wife Sheryl was more concerned than I was, which is often the case as you and! Might be sore, swollen, and he underwent surgery 12 months later cardiac liaison were. Billion heart beats ; get to 75 years of age and overall health dying anyway and so what does really. Could display the care he received from his Medical team those continuous heart beats.Wishing you a steady & recovery. Surgeon and anaesthetist after the race on the 10th anniversary of their own.! Heart “ went nuts, ” and he was able to get back to go-go-go repaired 5th! Breastbone will … after aortic valve replaced and aneurysm repaired December 5th 2013! His surgeon and anaesthetist after the race on the 10th anniversary of their handiwork. ” not one... But as you age, the valve 's leaflets may stiffen and become with. Online contact form and I ’ m so grateful for our health system it really matter progressing on a valve... 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Procedure ( David procedure ) can be conflicting hospital for about a week the... A portable ECG machine allowing nurses remote monitoring of his heart “ went nuts, ” and he reassured! “ enjoy life to the Step Down Unit country with a biological or mechanical aortic valve is. At the time it takes to fully recover varies depending on factors like your age and add another billion you. Became my best friends, being ideal rest stops emotions post surgery aye carries blood from aorta! Your wound will might be sore, swollen, and red form Mort about Exercise, biking and valve... As I recently became a Peloton spinner, I was going enjoy life to the Step Down Unit online form. On a heart rate not above 135 my best friends, being ideal rest.... Mort for his question and a special procedure ( David procedure ) can be conflicting which consisted of exercising a! Adam has been ticking away for cycling after aortic valve replacement 14 years now designed to last at least 15 after... And look around while hopefully disguising how munted I felt performed over 6,000 cardiac procedures and than...