Slow running

[mnnewy]

Fortunately I had this group for grounding me a couple months ago and need more now. I am about 3.5 months after ablation. Mostly feel great, still getting a few light headed spells but AF in 2.5 months.

My question is on running. I started after 3 weeks and have built to 18 miles a week but it's exceedingly slow and in the humidity I'm pretty well floored after a few miles. I am not really making progress. Pace is still more than a minute slower and not getting any improvement in endurance.

Any advice?

[JaneN40]

Hi. I am one week post ablation and was going to ask a similar question as I am keen to return to my daily 30 min runs and gym sessions. I was going to start with a gentle jog after two weeks but that maybe too soon? Think the heat will be hard going as we Brits aren't used to this Mediterranean weather!

[mnnewy in reply to JaneN40]

My doctor told me a few days. I waited two weeks and started with a couple days a week. I actually felt better 6 weeks ago when maybe my patience level was better and the heat hadn't set in.

[rosyG]

Hi

I think you have to be very careful- gentle exercise is good for your heart but endurance type running is thought to perpetuate AF take some advice from your EP please

[mnnewy]

My EP and another cardiologist said I should be running like normal within a couple weeks. I don't think I trust their advice!

[BobD Volunteer in reply to mnnewy]

Yes but they never had AF nor ablation most likely! Gentle exercise is good but don't push yourself and above all listen to your body. If it tells you it is distressed then SLOW DOWN. It can take three to six months for full recovery so please be patient.

[opal11uk in reply to BobD]

I was a leisure centre manager before I retired and yes you must listen to your body at all times, always start with gentle exercise and take your time in building on it.

[lorate]

BobD is spot on!! 4 ablations behind me plus aortic valve and route replacement 22 years ago 3 off my ablations where done in 2016 for AF,FLUTTER & SVT bpm maxing out at rest 285-290-- I also have a reveal device implanted,time for each of my ablations taking approximately 6 to 7 hours under GA, being a long distance cyclist for last 20 years I thought no problem I'll be up and away big mistake after first & second ablations in 2016 and resting up for just 2 to 3 weeks, when last ablation in 2016 just before I left hospital EP who also is a cyclist sat down and gave me a mega Bollocking said take easy and work at it slowly this time & keep max heart rate down when exercising if possible, and to send him Karida trace if I had an event, it means you got to ware a chest strap when exercising can be a bit irritating, I monitor myself via iPhone app and set an alarm point yes I still get lots of ectopic&jump beats plus sets of fast runs there not nice but you can tolerate them I have had them since I was 18 years old I am now 68 it's 6 months since my last ablation, now again walking and riding bike on Devon hills but now all at my own pace, once more please do not try and rush at it give the heart a chance to settle ,good luck to you

[Mrchips in reply to lorate]

Is unfortunate you've had this since being 18 years old but nice to know your living your life and doing things at 68 !

I'm 42 and diagnosed with AF ( thru drinking a lil too much ) have etopic heartbeats ( which I hate ) every other day.

But trying to live my life ( without too much alcohol ) a glass of red every other day

[pottypete1]

I am no athlete and never have been.

However I believe in good exercise and in my opinion it is a good thing to do even if you suffer from AF.

I think you should do what most athletes who are injured do, which is to pace yourself very slowly back to normal activity and firstly listen to your body.

Whenever I have had a heart procedure I have always thought I was back to normal long before I had fully recovered.

I am sure you will know when the time is right.

Pete

[Tracyrdh]

Listen to your body dont over do it. It takes a while for your heart to heal. It really has taken me about 6 months post ablation to feel really better.

[Mike11]

I think you need to lower your expectations. Ablation is a wonderful way of getting rid of AF, but the damage has been done as soon as you had the first AF attack and your heart will never be the same again. Whatever you can manage is great, but don't expect to be matching pre-AF times.