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Staying healthy physically (and mentally) post heart attack
Hi there, I just now joined your group and after reading a few of the posts, I am glad to be here with so many informed folks. I'm not sure how to start other than to give a brief story of my heart. Back in 5/14 after finishing my workout I went home for a late lunch which I've done for years. After getting cleaned up I sat down to lunch and conversation with my wife of 38 years. I began noticing a faintness and then a pain that began in my left arm and then moved into my chest. Immediately sat down and told my wife what was going on and as much as we were surprised especially because I had not had any symptoms till then. We jumped in the car & headed for the ER a 20 min. ride from our home. There was no question in my mind that I was experiencing a HA, but I was in a lot of pain. Although it took more than 2 hrs. for the ER to determine I was having a HA, fortunately after several tests they brought in a Echo cardiogram tech and halfway through the procedure he left and returned with the Cardiologist. From that point things ramped up big time and after 4 hrs. of coming in I was rolled into Cath lab and received a stent. I survived a "Widow Maker" that was caused by my LAD being 100% blocked. I was released within a day and began there Cardio Rehab program which although I felt out of place with many that had never used a treadmill or elliptical, this was really a great time not only meeting others that had recently gone through HA, but it helped me tremendously regain confidence working out and being monitored. It's been nearly 2 yrs. ago now and I have gone back to the gym after graduating from cardio rehab and I am doing well. My biggest let down was after a year of working hard with exercise, weight control and diet my next echo showed no signs of improvement. I am on 2.5 mg of lisinopril, 50 mg of metoprolol, 80 mg of atorvastatin & a 81 mg of aspirin. I never realized how mental this whole thing could be? Even with the efforts of all that I mentioned it seems like I am "damaged goods". I'm working hard to get past this and live my life with thankfulness every day.
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Thankful, thanks so much for your message. I'm happy to hear you 've had 2<br>years of improved health. Have your numbers improved? Cholesterol, and HDL?<br><br>
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1 ReactionIt's a journey. Step by step. Good luck!<br><br>
@joem. It is a process of small steps. Also, don't deprive yourself, as it has been said to me. It is okay to have that "treat" occasionally and in moderation and exercising---walking three times a day for 10 minutes each and weightlifting 3 times a week whether you use weights or your own body weight helps.
I'm trying to get referred to Cardiac Rehab for exercise advice.<br><br>
@sharlene, if you cannot get to Cardiac Rehab, there are many gyms including the Y who have personal trainers that will be able to help you. I remember going through Cardiac Rehab, it was the scariest time, as I did not know how much to exert myself, as I was afraid of having another heart attack. But it was the best thing I did. I now workout 5 days a week (30 to 60 minutes cardio and 30 minutes weightlifting). If I get fearful now, I just think positive! I actually don't feel good if I don't exercise any more, it is so helpful with stress and just an overall good endorphin feeling.
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2 Reactions@sharlene, I would think that your Cardiologist would be able to get you into Cardiac Rehab? As I had said in an earlier post, that was the best thing I ever did! The staff was very helpful and I felt very confident that by being monitored through the exercise time for the 1st month gave me that added confidence that they "had my back" and that even if I felt a little pain or something they were right there letting me know that things were going fine. One time the staff person said if anything were to happen where else would you rather be (the Cardiac Rehab was located next door on the same floor as the Heart Center). I could not argue with that!
That's the advice I'm getting. Thanks. My Family Practice Nurse<br>Practitioner is unfamiliar with cardiac care so the plan since my diagnosis<br>is developing slowly.<br><br>
Thank you so much for advice. I know exercise is very important. I'll find<br>a way to do it safely.<br><br>
Good for you! Your story is inspiring.
@sharlane. My Mayo cardio dr said walking is the best thing for any heart patient. In my case I have to do it in small time frames through out the entire day. I get on my treadmill and do 2-5 minutes then 30 minutes later do it again. I also have to do the same while doing light housework.
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