New Member - Exercise Question

Hello

by Shocked1 - 2018-02-05 12:08:19

I can understand how fearful all this is. I don't have heart issues myself other than a heart murmur probably related to scarlet fever, but my husband has a potpourri of heart issues. Just take it one day at a time. I have to say that they have so many great things and technology is amazing.  My husband's first incident was in 1990, and the advances since then are phenonmenol! So take heart--he is going to be 8i in a few months and only because the medical world has saved his life.  Please though--these things: DO NOT SMOKE!  Eat lots of fruits and vegetables (4 each a day!) and lots of whole grains. Get exercise. Start moderately, don't rush it. A nice walk around the block a couple times a day, maybe on your lunch break if you are employed-- it helps you relax and it helps your heart. Try not to sit for more than 2 hours at a time.  At least stand up every 30 minutes if you can. And most of all--please try not to worry.  Let go and let God if you are religiously inclined. The worry is what is hardest on you.  Try to volunteer, that takes your mind off your problems and makes you feel good--they say volunteers live longer.  Write down 3 things that you are thankful for each day.. I don't mean to belittle your concerns, because they are valid, but try to look ahead.  At the end of the storm, there's a bright golden sky and the sweet silver song of the lark......

Thanks Shocked1

by MatterOfTheHeart - 2018-02-05 12:56:16

Thank you for the reply, you raise all good points, many I am trying. I've never been a smoker and I'm not a drinker other than maybe a cocktail on my anniversary, holiday, etc.  I've made great strides on my eating, I just have to get over the fear of exercising.  THere is a new gym opening and I'm planning to join,  I think I need the group envrironment to help me feel more secure and that people are around me.  Doing something alone is where I get real anxious.  Going to keep telling myself one day at a time and I'm blessed to be here and there's a reason for that.  Things I'm meant to achieve and will.  Take care.

Cardiac Rehab

by Gotrhythm - 2018-02-05 15:47:27

I echo Robin. Cardiac rehab is the best thing you can do. Not just for the physical part, but for the emotional rehab as well. Nurses are monitoring you at all times so you feel very safe while pushing yourself to new levels of fitness. You'll meet people with all kinds of heart conditions who are there for the same reason you are: to get a handle on their "new normal" and get on with their lives. As you learn from and encourage one another, many areas of your life improve.

Now, doctors around here will only suggest cardiac rehab if you've had a heart attack. I never did, so I had to ask for a referral and my insurance (since I didn't have a heart attack) wouldn't pay. But it costs less than a gym membership and it's worth more.

Cardiac Rehab

by MatterOfTheHeart - 2018-02-05 22:23:31

I'm working with my cardiologist & neurologist and we're trying to get therapies approved.  Because I'm 46 and able to walk and talk the insurance company acts like I have no need for therapy. They wouldn't approve cardiac, speech they approved and even though my psych / neuro testing shows I can't work they are fighting us on vocational.  Its been a long road, my doctors and I keep trying so we're hoping to eventually get it approved.  It won't happen overnight but I refuse to give up.  This is why I'm really hoping I can find a comfortable, safe place on my own to exercise and feel confident in what I'm doing until we can cut through all the insurance red tape.

Thanks for your feedback and suggestions.

:)

SCA and recovery

by islandgirl - 2018-02-06 23:24:13

I had a SCA in July 2016 with no known cause (R on T).  I have a healthy heart but bad electrical conduction.  I had a pacemaker for sick sinus syndrome and got upgraded to an ICD.  I've been paced out of ventricular arrhythmias but not shocked, and my EP says it's doing its job..  Fear of being shocked is normal.  My EP tells me I can plan on being shocked--I guess he is preparing me for that.  Make sure you have a good EP.  I am on meds that are protecting me from shocks.  I hate taking them, but my EP won't budge.  I still can't believe this has happened,  losing a week + of my life and memory. I found out recently that my 10 minutes of flat line was 20 minutes and a total of 30 min. of CPR.  I find out more details as time goes by.....I can only handle little by little.

I see the neurologist next  month.  I had short-term memory loss, my memory used to be really good never having to write anything down, and it seems much better again, just in the last 2-3 months.   I've taken control of my life, probably doing things and travelling to prove to myself and my friends my life has not really changed.  I did go to counseling about 8 months after the SCA, as the psychologist that saw me daily in the hospital (I didn't remember him at all) did not accept my insurance.  As my 1-year anniversary/rebirthday as my EP calls it was approaching, I got more apprehensive.  I saw the psychologist monthly for about 8 months, ending in November.  I have travelled extensively since the defibrillator and am very active.  My friends worry about me, and I also believe they feel more vulnerable.  I also feel like I prove to everybody and particularly myself that nothing is holding me back.  But.....when will the shock happen.  My EP tells me to drive in the right lane in case I need to pull over.  

Best of luck to you.