My formal cardiac rehab program doesn't begin for another couple of weeks, but I'm under strict orders to walk more each day, and stretch a little, and that sort of thing. Believe me, it's not easy, particularly when one's chest feels like it's had an eighteen-wheeler parked on it overnight, but it has to be done, so I'm trying to stay cheerful and make the best of it.
For those of you who want to know just how cheerful . . . well, with gritted teeth and a game smile on my lips, I'll let the Hamster Dance and the actors from Pirates of the Caribbean do my talking for me!
Peter
10 comments:
Hang in there Peter, the work is just starting...
A cardiac nurse in my rehab told me, over and over, that I had to make walking part of my daily routine-to just "build it into my day".
Harsh words for a confirmed couch potato!
But she was right. Plus, it is far, far more effective than I ever imagined-you just have to take it all on faith at first, but then, cardiac stuff is what these folks do for a living.
Meanwhile, your pillow is your best friend.
OK, walking was not as bad as I thought it would be. I just really hated when they said it had to be mote than just back and forth from the couch to the refrigerator.
What got me expressing the detailed geneology of the rehab folks in what they referred to as a "girly, whiney wail of self-pity" was that thing where you stand facing the wall and finger-walk your arms completely over your head! Excuuuuuse me, rehab folks, but some dude trying to say he was a surgeon just cracked my sternum wide open, then spread my ribs all the way out till they were flat, and then used a couple of cheap paper clips to hold them together. And you want me to strrrrrretch those arms up over my head?
OK, that all took place a few years ago. But I still cringe then I recall those days.
Yes, Peter, rehab will not only make your body stronger, it will increase your vocabulary.
stay safe.
skidmark (2-time survivor of the internal plumbing repair job)
WV = imscandy: what they dangle in front of your face to get you to move on the treadmill.
One important thing I have observed about the prescription of increased physical activity is that it has a tendency to counteract depression; depression may be the single biggest obstacle to cardiac surgery recovery. So, as soon as laughter isn't too painful, look hard for funny stuff?
Glenmore
I see you're keeping your spirit up with humor. That is the most important thign to do in the times ahead, Peter.
Stay happy, buddy: half the work done!
Sometimes it will seem they are trying to kill you. but they are just helping.
Walk as much as you can stand. I just finished my 2nd week of rehab, and honestly - they started me out easier than what I was doing myself (and I still push myself harder than they push me).
The hard part (for me anyway) was figuring out where to stop pushing...
And it does make it easier to battle the blues, a good endorphin high rocks, it makes you say things like:
"Who's my bitch now, Coronary Artery Disease?"
And...
"You may get me someday, but not today, bitch"
Feel free to insert any other colorful language.
use the colorful language on your doc first visit back when he asks you if you are doing a mile within the first week.going up and down the the porch steps was a major accomplishment the first week. ( I did have complications which slowed my recovery, Like dying in recovery) He laughed after his cussing and said you gotta have a goal. It does get easier slowly at first and then rapidly
You're doing well. But I if I try to go running with that song on my ipid I will likely run in front of a truck and end up in the hospital myself.
Glad you are still around, and recovering. You would be sorely missed.
Cardiac rehab? Is it designed to get you over that pulse addiction, so your next round of withdrawal won't cause so many problems? :D
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