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For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=148412
I have had no internet access, so I haven't been able to get to this site. I'm at my girlfriend's house, so I'm excited about getting a chance to post.
First of all, thanks so much for all the kind and encouraging responses to my thread. It was great to get all that support and the encouragement meant so much. Even with a good attitude, there are still moments of fear that creep in and the messages of all of you helped me through that tremendously.
Turns out that the surgeon had to replace my valve, which he hoped he wouldn't have to do. I received a mechanical valve, which means that I'm on blood thinner and will be on it for the rest of my life. It doesn't mean I can't ride, it just means I have to be mindful of the risks I take. Since I'm a wussy, slow rider, that's not too much of a limitation.
What's interesting is that the valve ticks like a watch, which a couple of people alluded to in their messages. You kind of get used to it. From my point of view, I see it as a reminder that God has given me more time with my life, and I should constantly reevaluate what I'm doing with that time. It's pretty amazing. Pretty big incision, but the scar looks like it will heal up pretty well.
Healing is going okay. I'm impatient by nature, so I'm really trying to take it easy. Can't lift much for a while, can't drive for a few more weeks, etc. Don't know when I'll be able to get back on the bike, but I'm off work till the end of February. Hopefully before then I'll start walking more and gradually build my strength up.
I'm debating if I should part out my bike (29er hardtail singlespeed) and see about getting another geared full suspension bike, just to make the riding a bit easier. We'll see about that.
Until then, I'm playing guitar, reading, and watching a lot of ESPN. Thanks so much to all of you, and your thoughts and prayers made a huge difference. Hopefully I'll see you out on the trails in a few months.
And you thought I was slow before . . .
Joel
I have had no internet access, so I haven't been able to get to this site. I'm at my girlfriend's house, so I'm excited about getting a chance to post.
First of all, thanks so much for all the kind and encouraging responses to my thread. It was great to get all that support and the encouragement meant so much. Even with a good attitude, there are still moments of fear that creep in and the messages of all of you helped me through that tremendously.
Turns out that the surgeon had to replace my valve, which he hoped he wouldn't have to do. I received a mechanical valve, which means that I'm on blood thinner and will be on it for the rest of my life. It doesn't mean I can't ride, it just means I have to be mindful of the risks I take. Since I'm a wussy, slow rider, that's not too much of a limitation.
What's interesting is that the valve ticks like a watch, which a couple of people alluded to in their messages. You kind of get used to it. From my point of view, I see it as a reminder that God has given me more time with my life, and I should constantly reevaluate what I'm doing with that time. It's pretty amazing. Pretty big incision, but the scar looks like it will heal up pretty well.
Healing is going okay. I'm impatient by nature, so I'm really trying to take it easy. Can't lift much for a while, can't drive for a few more weeks, etc. Don't know when I'll be able to get back on the bike, but I'm off work till the end of February. Hopefully before then I'll start walking more and gradually build my strength up.
I'm debating if I should part out my bike (29er hardtail singlespeed) and see about getting another geared full suspension bike, just to make the riding a bit easier. We'll see about that.
Until then, I'm playing guitar, reading, and watching a lot of ESPN. Thanks so much to all of you, and your thoughts and prayers made a huge difference. Hopefully I'll see you out on the trails in a few months.
And you thought I was slow before . . .
Joel
