Hello im a first time visitor to this site had a triple bypass on 14th July and am recovering well so much so my surgeon has agreed that my wife and i can visit Spain for three weeks i have been walking half an hour each day and wondered whar else i can do whilst in Spain to further improve my condition
I hope to start the Rehab program on my return
Morning Tobago and welcome to the forum.
Congrats you are indeed doing very well, though I wouldn't be trying to do too much the half hour walking a day plus general relaxing and resting is good enough to start with. Maybe some leg lifts as you are sitting having a cold one, some arm extensions as well, can of tomatoes nothing heavier than that.
Rest and relaxation and don't overdo it, if you feel light headed, breathless, can't walk and talk then stop. You'll get used to learning what your body says and try and ignore that little stubborn streak that says 'go on I can do more' as that's the key to wiping yourself out for the next few days. This us a marathon not a sprint.
Look forward to hearing more have a great break
thankyou for the useful advice, must admit the holiday was a goal that I didn't think I would achieve, will raise a glass to all who helped me through especially my lovely wife,.
Steve
Most welcome, one other thing I noticed when I went away first time, albeit four months post surgery, was the swelling in the leg and ankle post walking. I would imagine you are still wearing those fetching compression socks, if not may want to elevate the legs post exercise
Hi Steve, well done on doing so well but as Mark has said, try not to overdo it. A lot of us have fallen foul of our stubborn streaks and it causes you to relapse. These relapses often take weeks rather than days to get over so if it happens in Spain that's your holiday ruined.
My brother lives in Spain, and has heart problems, but he's moving back to the UK soon as he says unless you speak very fluent Spanish you will struggle in their hospitals. It's not that the care is poor but the language barrier when talking medical terms can be a huge stumbling block.
I'd take it easy on your holiday and use it to recuperate and relax. Carry on with half hour walks by all means but you'll be ramping up your exercise when you get into rehab on your return. You've now got a lifetime that you'll be exercising for so no point in rushing and it won't do you any favours so early on. Despite how well you might feel, It's all about small steps at this stage.
Enjoy your holiday.
Yes as above, very well done you.
Like the guys said, use this time to relax.
My advice, carry on with 30 minutes walking. Don't forget, temperature will probably be hot. So very important to hydrate.
Then rest & elevation of legs on return most important.
You can do these walks as many times as you like each day as long as you rest in between.
Also, you could download a Tai Chi for beginners vidi. It is very gentle & the stretching goes as far as your body allows.
Just be careful on upper body though. As long as you arn't lifting arms too high & defo no pressure on chest. Of course no exercises that would make chest expand etc.
The important thing is monitor your heart rate by taking your pulse throughout, begining, middle & end.
Don't allow it to go too high at this stage, as remember the heart is a muscle that has been pulled around recently. It is still in the healing process.
So bottom line, little & often, don't sit for too long at anyone time.
Also I don't know if you are aware not having been to rehab yet.
No exertion for at least two hours after eating. Just light walking.
This is due to the heart having to work pretty hard to digest our food. So you don't want to overload it.
I am sure you will, but remember to take extra prescription & meds with you, incase of delays.
The prescription is also as it has your Gps name & address. Therefore, access to full medical history.
So, I hope we have all helped in some way.
All you need to do now, is go & have some fun. Defo have a cocktail for me.
Wishing you & your with all the best,
Jo 😊
I am sure the holiday will do you the world of good but remember you are probably going to help with the rehab not hinder it. It sounds as if the walk you are doing is doing you the world of good but try to increase the time, I was given a leaflet when discharged from hospital and I believe after 6 weeks it says walk for 45 mins even with a break in between if necessary but other than that take it easy.
I was discharged by the Cardiac Surgeon after 6 weeks and had felt so well but then for the next 6 weeks I really suffered, mainly it was the mending/repairing process of the muscles and nerves - I felt really really bad, especially when I tried driving. I am now week 13 (exactly) post op and for the last 2 weeks have been feeling really well again (long may it continue)
I just want you to be cautious as 6 weeks is a magic post op time but it doesn't mean everything is done - don't push yourself if you feel okay doing what you are doing then don't risk any problems while you away it is a lot harder to get help, it also means that the trip for your wife isn't as relaxing as you would hope.
Also remember you still shouldn't be lifting anything too heavy and that includes suitcases.
Sorry I am a bit doom and gloom as I am really envious of your trip but personal experience has me being cautious.
Have a fantastic time but don't do too much and not more than you usually do as there is nothing worse than being poorly away from home.
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