I'd be extremely interested to read the experiences of swimmers who climbed back into swimming after undergoing cardiac surgery.
My mitral valve was successfully repaired in early July. I'm waiting for the scabs to heal before I can return to swimming. In the meantime, I've been speed walking every day and have started to ramp up weight lifting now that weight restrictions have been lifted (no pun intended). It would be interesting to hear the experiences of others who've been down this road (and the road beyond).
Also, is anyone aware of any good articles on this subject?
Thanks.
Wyane,
I am scheduled for a mitral repair next month. Could you share more information about the procedure you had (i.e. was it robotic, where did you have it done), and about your recovery? Did you have any symptoms prior to the repair? Have you noticed any cardiac changes since the repair?
I would also mention that a repair is different than a replacement. With a repair you are not on blood thinners or any other medication after the surgery.
Steve,
Sorry to hear you're having some health issues. I'm not sure of the difference between repair and replacement but Jeff Farrell had his valve replaced with a bovine valve about 4 or 5 years ago (open chest) and came back swimming better than ever (24.1 50 free as a 71 yar old). Cav Cavanaugh just had this operation (orthoscopic) a couple of months ago and is back in the water. PM me if you need contact info for either of these gentlemen and they could give you more details. I cite them as resources because they both take competing very seriously as I know you do.
Rich
Wyane,
I am scheduled for a mitral repair next month. Could you share more information about the procedure you had (i.e. was it robotic, where did you have it done), and about your recovery? Did you have any symptoms prior to the repair? Have you noticed any cardiac changes since the repair?
I would also mention that a repair is different than a replacement. With a repair you are not on blood thinners or any other medication after the surgery.
Steve,
Sorry to hear you're having some health issues. I'm not sure of the difference between repair and replacement but Jeff Farrell had his valve replaced with a bovine valve about 4 or 5 years ago (open chest) and came back swimming better than ever (24.1 50 free as a 71 yar old). Cav Cavanaugh just had this operation (orthoscopic) a couple of months ago and is back in the water. PM me if you need contact info for either of these gentlemen and they could give you more details. I cite them as resources because they both take competing very seriously as I know you do.
Rich
