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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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Thank you!! That's so helpful!! That makes total sense. Do you have angina?<br>I'm thinking I can walk around close to home until the symptoms occur and<br>then rest. Now it's only a few minutes before that happens.<br><br>
Yes I have chronic Prinzmetal angina. I've learned to pay attention to my heart/body and know what I can and cannot do. We also have an above ground pool however I must have an adult with me and not over do that as well. It's great for me bc it helps me relax as well as exercise
Thank you so much. You've made my next step clear. You're more helpful than<br>my Primary and my Cardiologist. They are taking forever to answer my<br>questions. Sending you best wishes~<br><br>
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1 ReactionHals. your two times up to bat (52 & 53) with the bases loaded , you hit it out of the park with your attitude! My father died at age 52 after having a series of heart attacks. His first one at age 40. He had a type A personality, was physically fit, not overweight but he smoked and had high blood pressure. You can die of anything! One thing he had , he never felt sorry for himself and he played his cards. I agree 100% with you on your attitude. In my case , yes I have stress, I had high cholesterol and blood pressure, that is controlled by Crestor 20mg and Irbersartan 300mg and a aspirin 325mg. Every time I go see my cardiologist ( every six months) my BP goes up 140/90 otherwise it is generally less than 120/80 I would say 90% of the time . I am 63 right now. I have gotten depressed , I don't take nothing for that except playing 70's music and having a glass of red wine (tempranillo) every now and then, but as you say I try to write a new page every day. Right now I am 20 lbs overweight even though I do not look it. I am working on that , but will not let that make me lose my sleep.
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1 ReactionHi Coleen, Managing by listening to 70's music, Having a glass of wine every now and then (tempranillo red spanish wine) and helping other folks with their problems and situations. Its gets the mind thinking about other things and not myself.
Hi @thankful @joem @HeartPatches @hals @sharlane @ronbee @lisab62
Just thought I'd check in and see how everyone is doing. What have you done for your physical fitness and stress management these past couple of days?
Hi Coleen and the Gang!<br>Have been a bit tied up with my Mom who has dementia.<br>But that is another topic I will address in terms of stress that it<br>causes. I have a few experiences to share on this topic.<br>
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1 ReactionGreetings to all! Well I had a scheduled Colonoscopy early Monday morning that made the 2nd half of the weekend not very fun! The results were great, so I am delighted! My dad passed away at age 67 from Colon cancer and he was always very healthy so ever since, I have screenings every 5 years.
I am working in the field doing a major reconstruction of a Kitchen, Dining & Living room and I am really getting in some hard physical work. I am averaging 12,000+ steps on my Fitbit. Normally I would be working out 3 x a week, but right now this is what I am up to. I also am putting in my garden so this last week I hand dug up a bunch and ran my tiller through a few times. I really been feeling good.
Hope all is well with you!
Best regards,
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1 ReactionHey @joem, hang in there. I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. Dementia robs the whole family. I hope that Connect can provide an online support group for caregivers taking care of family members (or friends) who have dementia. A new thread just got started yesterday https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/husband-with-early-alzheimers-question/ I hope you'll join the conversation if the time is right. Thinking of you and your family.
@thankful umm, sounds like we have some parallel universe thing happening. I lost my Dad to colon cancer too. Now I get screened regularly. Last one they found and removed a nasty polyp for that I was thankful. We're preparing for a kitchen renovation. Just making design decisions at the moment, not into the demolishing yet. Good for you for turning chores into FitBit success. Keep up the good work.