Back in the saddle after a heart op..how long did it take you?

[kocourek]

I am feeling a bit sorry for myself.

 

I have to go for a mitral valve repair (NOT replacement) op in a few months time. Done a few IM and I still enjoy doing the shorter triathlons and cycling in particular. I was hoping to put this op off for as long as possible but I fear its is time. HR going over 185 on a 750m swim 155 -175 on the bike and I wont mention the numbers on the run. BTW I am 49.

 

I know I will not be doing much for 6 weeks after the op but I would just like to hear from anybody that has had a similar op as to how long it took them to be up and running again. I don't expect to be near the front of the pack, I would just like to keep them in sight.

[seven]

Hi Kacourek

 

If the procedure goes according to plan with no complications you should be fine for progressive (almost unrestricted, if you don't have symptoms) training from 6 weeks. With the decreased load on the heart you should also feel a lot better and stronger during training.

 

I know its a scary thing, but you should be much better off afterwards (with regards to your training too!)

 

(PS. I have done post-grad course in cardiac rehab in the UK, and have had a similar pathology myself - but am much younger than you)

 

Good luck!

[kocourek]

Thanks, I feel a lot better now, Was doing the IM shuffle on a 5k run!