I am now in the beginning phases of yet another resolution to get fit, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Pray that this time it takes. T he good news is that there is no physical barrier to as much progress as I want to make. My last several examinations have shown satisfactory function of the St. Jude's valve. My cardiologist encourages me to exercise and places no restrictions, other than the lifting of heavy weights.
T here are some lingering effects of the operation.
First, I continue to get occasional pain in my upper middle back. It is more an annoyance than a real hindrance, though deeper than a surface muscle strain, and I counteract it when necessary with Tylenol. It doesn't keep me from any activity. Second, I continue to get occasional episodes of what I think is ophthalmic migraine, which manifests itself in bands of spots around the edges of vision, usually in one eye. This happens perhaps once a month and seems to accompany times of more than normal fatigue, such as when I have just exercised or gotten a poor night of sleep.