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Show rmMtmdfftmamfim- - by Marcella Walker This past couple of weeks have proved to be a learning experience for me. I had an aortic valve replacement which was interesting. First of all, I cannot believe the things they can do in medicine these days and it is done as if there was nothing exceptional about it at all. I am a kid who grew up thinking that the hero of the town was the family doctor and he could do miracles. This was in the pre-polio vaccination days. Many children either died from polio or were left crippled in their arms or legs or both for the rest of their lives. My cousin was one of these. We never hear of polio anymore and many other diseases have been eradicated such as mumps, measles, chicken pox, whooping cough, Scarlet Fever, etc. I have mentioned this before recently but it is really awesome that these diseases are not around any more. Anyway, I went to Utah Valley Hospital and that same day they took out my old aortic valve, which was in the process of filling up with gunk, making it so that less oxygenated blood could get through. They replaced the old valve with a cow valve. They originally planned to put in a pig valve but the cow one would fit so they used it. No, I have not started to "moo" yet. The stay in the hospital was relaxing and a good learning experience. The folks who work there are great. They make you feel like you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Anyway they only keep you about four days and send you home with strong instructions to do exercises and things which will keep your body improving from the surgery and walking is a part of that. Every weekday we spend some time' in the cardiac workout area where they keep track of our heart rate and all the rest that goes with it, while we walk on the tread mill or do other such athletic events. They put monitors on you so that they know how your heart is doing, etc. while you exercise. After a while you sit down and rest for a little while before doing it all over again. They increase your walking time daily and it is quite fun. At least you know there are a lot of other people in the same boat you are by the number of folks walking on the treadmills or working out on other exercise equipment near you. It is always good to know you are not alone. Of course, it is better to not let your heart get to the point it needs replacement parts, anyway. But, just in case, follow your doctor's ' advice, get your checkups and exercise and eat right. I did some of the above but not on as regular a basis as I should have. I hope that everyone who reads this will stay up to date on your heart checkups and do a better job than me of eating right, exercising right, and seeing your doctor regularly if you are over 50. Anyway, in the meantime, I am doing the exercises, trying to eliminate my bad health habits and trying to be better. My best to all of you and have a great week. (I would tell you to try and stay out of trouble but then you might not have any fun at all!). |
