10 weeks post-op: no place to go but UP!

[MitralMan]

Just started rowing on a Concept 2, and put in my first 5,000m time. I'm in the bottom 1%, but HEY -- I'm somewhere!

[Jean]

Keep it up. Your progress will be a great motivator. Good luck. :)

[Arpy]

I'm in the bottom 1%, but HEY -- I'm somewhere!

That may well be but you are in the bottom 1% of the 25% (??? :confused: ) of the population that exercises so you are already way ahead of the pack.

Keep it up 'cause if like me you feel as if you have got your life back [Week 14 and ridden nearly 1500 km] there will be no stopping you. Check out the active lifestyles forum and there are a whole swag of motivating stories there for you to keep you going.

Congrats

Russell

[BillCobit]

Good to hear from both of you guys. Keep it up - it's good for you! (and not just in a physical sense) I realise we're not all wired the same way, but for many of us, every workout and incremental accomplishment provides a sense of personal triumph over heart disease and surgery. I have never enjoyed physical activity as much as I do now -- hope it's the same for you guys.

All the best to you!

[MitralMan]

Any particular advice or stories you care to share with your experience, expecially as it relates to "how much/how quickly" in the exercise department, gratefully receivedl

[BillCobit]

Any particular advice or stories you care to share with your experience, expecially as it relates to "how much/how quickly" in the exercise department, gratefully receivedl

MM - Just told a story the other day. See:

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10125

[MitralMan]

MM - Just told a story the other day. See:

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10125

I just completed my cardiac rehab of 3x/week for 6 weeks. About every two weeks I realized how much better I felt and was doing than two weeks earlier. But when I went from a 4.4mph/3.5% incline walk to a flat 5.0mph jog, I left my comfort zone and had to cut back. It was a bit disappointing, but I know I need to take it slowly.

[BillCobit]

I just completed my cardiac rehab of 3x/week for 6 weeks. About every two weeks I realized how much better I felt and was doing than two weeks earlier. But when I went from a 4.4mph/3.5% incline walk to a flat 5.0mph jog, I left my comfort zone and had to cut back. It was a bit disappointing, but I know I need to take it slowly.

MM - you sound like you're doing OK. Don't be demoralised if you have some days when you don't feel as good as others. In the first 6 months I had frequent days when I was "off." Distant memory now, but I'd guess early on 1 out of 3-4 days were just a bit tougher - I felt lethargic, had elevated HR w/ the same workload on the treadmill -- nothing major, though. As time went on, the bad days became less frequent. I'd recommend you just back off the throttle when you don't feel as well, but keep being active.

[Les]

MM,
There are those days when you feel better than others. That's true of anyone, regardless of having heart surgery. The fact you have chosen to remain physically active post-op means there are no "Bad" days. I look at it as "Good Days and Better Days." Considering the alternative, we are extremely lucky. Keep those shoes warm!

[MitralMan]

I feel GREAT -- I just need to listen to what my body is telling me.

My goal is a personal best in the annual local five mile run next fall, but I figure I won't start to train until I'm six months post-op.

What a great board, and what a great section!

[BillCobit]

I feel GREAT -- I just need to listen to what my body is telling me.

My goal is a personal best in the annual local five mile run next fall, but I figure I won't start to train until I'm six months post-op.

What a great board, and what a great section!

MM - Six months post op sounds like a long time to wait to start training - if by that you mean "start running." You can probably feel pretty good jogging well in advance of six months. If you are talking about doing a lot of speed work and intervals and stuff like that, then 5-6 months may be a realistic time to wait. In any event, that first point about listening to your body supersedes any other guidance.

I think it's great that you have a goal to put some purpose in your rehab and your training.

Keep up the good work - we're cheering for you!

[MitralMan]

Yeah, baby, yeah!