Bicuspid Aortic Valve

[Phillypilgrim]

What the heck. Since 2% of the population has Bicuspid Aortic Valve or BAV, the most common congenital heart defect, I thought I would start a new thread under Medical Issues. I am not quite ready for replacement surgery yet but have been told that I can not walk anymore Caminos until AFTER surgery (and proper recovery). So, I am bummed, but know I have many more walks in me in the future. Anyone else have this?
Pam

 

[wayfarer]

Sorry to hear your news Phillypilgrim, but you will be fighting fit again after your surgery and walk many more Camino s, God willing.

 

[Phillypilgrim]

Thanks Wayfarer, it will all be good.

 

[Raybert]

Pam, I was born with the BAV as well as a genetically weak ascending aorta--the two are often paired for the lucky few. Lived with it for many years, but finally had to have both replaced at age 66. Taking off on my first camino in September at 68. Still don't have full heart function back, but my cardiologist says "go!" And so I am going.

 

[Phillypilgrim]

Hi Raybert! I'm so glad you are going in September, you will really love it!
No aneurysms for me, which I am so grateful for. It's good to hear of other Pilgrims who have had successful surgery and are walking!! I wondered if I could drum up a little support system here, thanks for responding and Buen Camino!
Pam

 

[Kanga]

@Phillypilgrim and @Raybert here's cheers to you both - just lovely to hear you both have the "heart" for the walk. Take care, be gentle with yourselves, and looking forward to hearing how it goes.

 

[camino-david]

I had an Aortic Valve replacement in 2008, with great success, and it a fairly common, though serious, operation these days. I didn't really hear much about the Camino until 2010, but I was hooked and booked my flight within a month. I checked with my cardiologist and he said 'go for it and send me a post card from Santiago' and he told me that hard walking is the best exercise for the heart. So I walked from St Jean to Finisterre in 2010, and since then have walked many caminos, probably about 3500 kms in total. I still feel totally fit and healthy, and I return in 5 weeks, for 2 weeks as a volunteer hospitalero and about 4 weeks walking. And may I add that age is only a number, but for the record I am 84.
Pam: I have already replied more fully to you privately, but the above is a bit more information I didn't mention.

 

[Phillypilgrim]

Hi David, yes I responded to your PM. You are a true inspiration to me! Have a delightful time as a hospitalero and Buen Camino!
Pam