I don't understand why the Dr's didn't catch this when I first went in over eight months ago. It boggles my mind but the important thing to be thankful for is that the disease was caught, and fixed. I'm no expert on symptoms of heart disease but let me give you the symptoms I experienced.
Exhaustion. I couldn't walk up or down or driveway without stopping to catch my breath and let my heart settle down. I could barely pull a cart at work without feeling like my heart would explode.
Cold sweats. It didn't take but a few minutes at work before I was dripping in sweat from my brow. I normally told people something like this, "gosh, it's hot in here...are you hot also?"
Nausea and sickness after I ate. After I ate my lunch at work my team partner new I would be sick within minutes. This wasn't just sick but this was 15-30 minutes of violently feeling ill. There were many times at home, and as a matter of fact, this happened the night before my surgery, but I would go up and lie down in my bed because I was so sick and nauseated from eating. Any of you readers who might know what was going on here leave me a comment because I can only guess as to what was happening. My guess is this. When you eat your body goes into high gear to try and process or digest the food. My heart simply did not have the blood pumping capacity needed to carry out the needs the body had. Just guessing here.
I never felt any pain in any of my arms. I did self medicate myself with aspirin. I'm not sure why but I guess perhaps in the back of my mind I thought an aspirin couldn't hurt anything.
Exhaustion, Cold Sweats, and Nausea were my heart symptoms. So, where am I at now? One word, Rehab. I began Heart Rehabilitation on December 21. This is a 12 week program which will take me all the way up to my return to work. Rehabilitation is important and I'm happy to be participating. Depending on the nature of your injury or surgery will designate the program the Rehab center chooses for you. I'm attending Gordon Hospital Rehab Services here in GA.
The first two weeks are somewhat slow as they begin to build you up, get you used to the equipment and give you 15 minutes of education each session. I attend three one hour sessions each week. I am now finished with my education and we are kicked into high gear. I work out on the tread-mill for 40 minutes, I work on stretching, joint movement, strength exercises and balance exercise the remaining 20 minutes. I've learned that if I show up about 15 minutes early I get an extra 15 minutes of exercise.
Those of you who have been in rehab understand some of the basics. All heart patients are monitored the entire session. It's a bit awkward to carry the monitoring device around in your pocket with five leads attached to your torso but it's for my own good. Your blood pressure is taken before and after your session. Your weight is recorded and each patient works directly with their physical therapists.
So my friends, that's it in a nutshell. I'm on the mend and on my off days I work out at home. I don't have a tread-mill but I have the great outdoors and I have a bunch of other exercise equipment. The rest of this post is pictures to give you a visual. Thanks again for all your support.
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| I put my monitor in the cup holder of the tread-mill, my iPhone is in the other cupholder. |
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| This is a row of bikes with and the first three have swivel seats for easy access for patients with leg, knee or other injuries |
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| There is plenty of monitoring equipment available |
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| Next week I begin serious weight training but currently I only use the rubber band style equipment |
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| I use this equipment to help me with my balancing exercises |
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| My favorite Tread-Mill |
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| I begin to use the weight training equipment next week Jan 14, 2012 - I started four different exercises this week dealing with 20, 40 and 50 pounds. I'm excited |
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| This is the heart monitor I attach before each session |
15 comments:
I hope you continue with your recovery and get stronger and stronger, with each day. You'll be a more "buff" DeanO, in no time, with a good ticker, to boot!
My gosh - you were one blessed man - I know God isn't through with you yet. I mean to tell you - 8 months you went through this and never suspected. The widow maker. I am so glad you are okay! The heart monitor in your cup do you have to wear this all the time???
Sabdue
I have to wear the heart monitor during the whole session. I put it on before the session begins and take it off after the final blood pressure reading. It's a pain to work out with but I understand the reason why I have to wear it. PS, Ms. A, I'd like nothing less then to reach a buffed 150 pounds; but that means dropping 20 pounds
Glad to read you caught it in time! Hubby had the same thing happen to him this past summer. Scariest time of our lives!
Sorry to hear of what you're still going through, I'll keep praying for you.
It's a starting point... one that will give you so many more days, months, years to continue on. You are so lucky that you were able to get the help you needed.
Slow and steady, Dean-O...
DeanO you are truly a blessed man and I too think God has some awesome plans for you! Rehab is no fun been there too! Not for my heart but for both of my new knees. It's now 1 year postop for me. I used to tell my physical therapists they enjoyed torturing me, but it was for my own good and progress was made. I can hike several miles now without pain. So glad you're doing much better!
Thanks Mamabug. I know from talking with knee replacement patients that they go through a lot more pain then I do. Yes, God has been gracious in my life. One step at a time.
Wow DeanO, I'm happy to read you are recovering from your heart problem.
I echo the sentiments of others here, and wish you continued good progress and the strength to return to your normal and healthy self.
I'm post-op four months from Achilles tendon surgery, I can attest to working hard in Physical Therapy :)
Hugs,
~Jo
Graças a Deus que está a caminho de uma vida mais saudável. Não podemos falar de cura mas de força de viver procurando sempre as causas e os remédios que nos podem ajudar a viver mais tempo e melhor.
Obrigado por todas as explicações.
A melhor de todas é não ser doente.
I can only imagine how scary this had to be for you DeanO. But the good news is that if you faithfully keep working on your health from now on, I think your life will greatly improve. And you should be even better than before. Thank God and Modern Technology. All the best to you in your recovery. Keep working hard my friend. Love Di ♥
Praise God and thank Him for modern medicine. It is always good to be ready to go but a blessing to your family that you have been spared.
We look for your return.
Grace and peace.
I'm glad it was caught in time.
Everyone will have different symptoms if/when having a heart attack and won't necessarily have all the symptoms. My husband went through this almost eleven years ago.... LAD 100% blocked. His symptoms were chest pain, arm pain and shortness of breath. He kept thinking he was out of shape. He had emergency bypass surgery.
All was well until just before Christmas when he suffered another heart attack. His LAD is 100% blocked again and was told there is nothing they can do for him this time.
We have changed our diet to gluten-free and Paleo which seems to be helping him.
I would encourage you to look into the relationship between diet and health. And, I'm not talking about following all the big organization's (AHA, ADA, etc.) recommended diet. I think you will be amazed at what you will find.
Get well soon and keep up the therapy.
Gone Country that's an excellent comment, thanks. One thing our nurses talked to us about in ICU was this "There are NO re-do's" I shouldn't be surprised because I know a little about the nature of man but many heart surgery patients don't change their ways. Karen and I have done a 180 regarding are eating habits, plus my wife walks with me. Believe it or not she's lost 11 pounds by participating in my heart healthy diet and exercise. I'm sorry your husband had another heart issue. I understand that the veins used in the bypass are not the God given veins with the heart so I'm cautious about this. As hard as it is to say no to a burger and fries, I know I have too. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Dear Bro. DeanO, I have not checked the blog in a very long time due to some factors here. Sorry about your health situation. However, I am very glad to know that your are doing better via your rehabilitation. Know this that we will be praying for you. May God continue to heal you in Jesus name. Amen!
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