Can i do any excersise : Morning all... - British Heart Fou...

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Can i do any excersise

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Star
β€’30 Replies

Morning all, please excuse any spelling mistakes ...its early morning and my eyes are adding to my dyslexia .

So after being signed off for 8 weeks!! By my doctor last week and still waiting to hear about my angiogramme appointment

I have already fell in to the doldrums ,I have spent far too much money online on books I don't need and on stuff from TKMAXX which is about 15 minutes walk from my house. Dangerous at the best of times !!

I don't know what to do with myself , daytime tv drives me nuts, I keep eating everything in the cupboard and seem to have gone backwards in taking care of myself . If it wasn't for social media and my Mrs Bee Vintage dressmaker Facebook page I wouldn't speak to a single person all day . I don't want to sit around brooding

I have a vibrating excersise plate and although I haven't been for a long time since my health and fitness started to deteriate I like to swim. Both solitary pursuits.

Do you think I could go swimming at all? even if it was just 2 lengths of the pool and not the mile a day i used to do.

Or use the vibraplate?

Just sitting about with nowhere to go or anyone to speak to is having the opposite effect on my health that I thought some time out from work would have.

I feel like after 20 years teaching my students I was replaced so easily and now I feel like I'm missing out ..its a case of careful what you wish for.

I am feeling a bit lonely and sorry for myself but maybe some excersise would help.

Answers on a postcard...πŸ˜‰

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Mrsbeevintage
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30 Replies
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Lynne1a profile image
Lynne1a

Hello Jax I would check about exercise I had to stop my circuits and other classes immediately and whilst waiting for hospital appointment, I would ring up and check if you can go swimming, walking is okay but it is a bit cold.

I can understand your emotions, all schools worry about is getting another face in front of the class (believe you me I know about these things) don’t feel undervalued you will go through a helluva lot of emotions it is natural. Stay away from the biscuit tin, TKMax on,one shopping etc. Catch up on emails, tidy cupboards but no heavy lifting, cook , ring some friends for support. Will private message later. Love lynne xx

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply toLynne1a

Thanks Lynne. Decided to go for a good walk in the end xxx

Philippa_BHF profile image
Philippa_BHF

Hi,

I'm sorry your time out is making you feel so low. It's very difficult and frustrating waiting for appointments... However, I wouldn't actually recommend swimming, as the heart has to work even harder,even though we feel weightless.Also, as mentioned before, the temperature may cause your blood vessels to constrict ,which we don't want to happen!

I appreciate you just want to do a few lengths as opposed to your previous mile,but unless your GP says it's ok,I would give it a miss.. ( something for you to look ahead to doing again once you have had your investigations.)

Try and get out of the house though, even if it's just that 10 minute walk around the block.. In this weather wrap up warmly,including a scarf loosely around your mouth/nose so you breathe in warmer air. At least by getting out you are more likely to meet other people even if it's just to pass the time of day..

Perhaps have a chat with your GP about how you are feeling too. It is very difficult to adjust to not working after all these years ,so he may be able to offer some additional support.The others on here are very supportive though,so I really hope you can strike a balance.

Take care,

Philippa

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply toPhilippa_BHF

Thankyou x

laura_dropstitch profile image
laura_dropstitchHeart Star

Sorry you're feeling so fed up. When I was signed off work after having my device fitted, I liked going to the cinema. It got me out of the house, involved a wee bit of a walk, but was ultimately restful. Depends how much you like going to the cinema though, I love it regardless of the film I see. I saw Phantom Thread this weekend. It was amazing and might appeal to your sewing interests.

I also find it helps to make a to-do list for the day. Is there a drawer in your house you've been meaning to sort out for ages? Or a wardrobe that's overdue a clear-out? Now is the time! It might not sound the most exciting, but it will give you a mental glow. I cleared out my bathroom cabinet at the start of this year and was buzzing over it for weeks! Ha!

And this suggestion might sound totally crazy, but have you ever played Pokemon Go? It's totally daft (and very addictive) but it can keep a slow stroll entertaining and "purposeful". I started playing it just over a year ago and it's made me walk miles and miles and miles and is a great excuse to stop for regular breaks as you go.

What about cooking? You could take your time preparing super healthy but amazingly delicious slow-cooked meals. If this takes your fancy, let me know and I'll see if I have any recipes I can pass on to you.

See if there are any good programmes on iPlayer. Storyville documentaries are always fantastic, whatever the topic. Have you been watching A Stitch In Time? If not, you could catch up on the last few weeks of that. On Netflix, if you have it, we recently watched a couple of weird but interesting documentaries - one called Jim and Andy: The Great Beyond and one called Voyeur.

You could sign up for Postcrossing - postcrossing.com/about. You basically send postcards to random folks from around the world and for every postcard you send, you get one back from someone else.

Good luck! x

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply tolaura_dropstitch

That's a fabulous answer...i decided to go into town for lunch in the end ..yes I was lucky enough to see phantom thread twice in preview one of my students made the red dress the young woman supposedly made herself 😊 all good really and I have been thinking about exactly what you said ,i took a load of books to charity shop today and will work my way through stuff...i have a lot of vintage that I have been saving in case I open my own shop ,I think it's time to start listing it on etsy and eBay.

Thanks for the kick up the bum .Jax x

laura_dropstitch profile image
laura_dropstitchHeart Starβ€’ in reply toMrsbeevintage

I know exactly the dress you mean! That's so cool! Glad you are feeling a bit brighter x

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply tolaura_dropstitch

Xxx

AnneMargaretMary profile image
AnneMargaretMaryβ€’ in reply tolaura_dropstitch

What a wonderful, kind, thoughtful response!

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply toAnneMargaretMary

Yes indeed ..a joy xx

AlaninSpain profile image
AlaninSpain

Check out if there is a 'Walking for Health' group near you, this is organised by the Ramblers Association and MacMillan, if there is then you can get out for a healthy walk in the company of others.

Since my Hill Walking was stopped back in 2016 following having an ICD fiitted, I formed a 'Walking for Wellness' group (I live in Southern Spain and wouldn't want to invoke the wrath of those using the W f H name). For instance this Wednesday there are around 30 of us walking alongside a river for about 6 km and ending up in the local Venta for a Tapas lunch, all very civilized. Excersice, Fresh air, company and good food, what more would you want for cheering you up.

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply toAlaninSpain

Sounds perfect Alan and something I look forward too when I'm a bit more fixed,

And you paint a wonderful picture which makes me very jealous although I would rather Greece over Spain is take either over dull old WatfordπŸ˜‰

Heartlady1 profile image
Heartlady1

Some great suggestions on here already. 're walking and this cold weather- definitely wrap up warm - which helps protect the heart - and I always wear a a snood which easily helps cover my mouth and nose which is very important.

As others have said a short walk will get you out of the house and stop you going stir crazy. I live on a large estate in the middle of a town..... but have seen squirrels, watched the birds, and enjoyed the skyline as I stroll around. Walking also releases those dolphins ( er I mean endorphins) anyway those happy emotions 😁 and then it's back home reenergised cup of tea and a bit of eBay selling.

And Netflix have some great series/ documentaries. I am currently watching mad men which is fab.

And then there is always your heart community on here 😁 you are not alone x

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply toHeartlady1

Thanks for that it all sounds perfect ,I didn't get in with madmen , too much testosterone for me😜.may have over done it yesterday I as i had a very bad night, woke up in pain and had to take spray ..im a bit drained this morning ...note to self , dont push so blooming hard ,it's getting closer to that time that I take myself to AandE but first a day of unadulterated sitting in front of the telly i saw something about a women comedian in the 50s advertised on prime tv so I will search for that. And a blog or two πŸ˜‰

Heartlady1 profile image
Heartlady1β€’ in reply toMrsbeevintage

Oh dear it does sound like you have pushed yourself too much. Do be careful until you have had your diagnosis and are told what treatment you need. If you have been signed off work for 8 weeks they must want you to take things easy. Why not time any walks and limit yourself to a maxtime. I would check with your doc how far they think is ok for you to walk at the miment. I was asked to slow everythong down and althouhhvwalking is good for you.... they told me not to do mote than 10 minutes while I was awaiting my results and trearnent. Hence my legs have turned to Mush .

Of course my condition is different to yours but I would definitely seek advice on how much exercise you should be partaking while you await your tests. Be kind to yourself x

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply toHeartlady1

Will do I think I learned my lesson xx

Good Morning, I asked both my cardiologist and the cardiac nurses, if it would be ok to do yoga and they said ok, I do the Hatha yoga, so no hot room stress, you start with breathing exercises and then gentle stretches, finishing off with a relaxing rest, but try a yoga class near you from the British Wheel of Yoga website (bwy.org.uk) they provide experienced yoga teachers, you will meet other people as well and they wont stress you. I find it very invigorating and gets rid of back pain in the process! I leave the lycra to the ladies :-) It also calms me down.

I know what you mean about being being down, I was used to being in a team of IT nerds working, 2 months before the op, I was lucky in starting a permanent IT role (and 64) but based at home, and the company was great, just "on the bench" picking up new skills, this meant too much time alone, but I was lucky in it being the summer, so loads of walks. They are a great gentle exercise

I would love to swim, but my kids and grandkids, say I swim like a hippo in water! but I also find it is cardio in effort, so would advise getting advise from the cardiologist.

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply to

Thankyou for your comments ..it does help knowing people are listening not doing anything today but getting my nails done but yoga is on my to do list 😊

gal4God profile image
gal4God

I was told as a kid swimming was the onli heart healthy exercise and I had to enjoy lengths as I was born with a heart condition but since been told I can do any exercise once I’ve got my stamina up slowly. I was put off swimming as a kid.

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply togal4God

I used to love swimming I find it hard work now but would live to build back up after I'm fixed

Rangersgirl61 profile image
Rangersgirl61

HIya. I know daytime TV can be boring, and when the highlight of your day is getting the countdown conumdrum correct (cos you know your mind is still working!!) . I too am limited to how much I can do now with regards to going for walks, if I do too much then I suffer the next day. I have been doing jigsaws, not only do they keep your mind a little bit active, they are therapeutic, and as you are keeping your hands and brain occupied you eat less than if you are sitting watching TV. Although I do like watching the old Casualty on one of the channels!!

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Starβ€’ in reply toRangersgirl61

That's funny I was thinking if getting s jigsaw ..i will take a slow general walk to the range tomirrow to see if they have one ...i over did it walking to town and back the other day and have suffered since .but I have just found a great series on prime tv ' the marvellous Mrs M?' I can't remember the rest if her name but it's brilliant so I'm all sorted for the rest if this week ...thanks for the reply it makes me fill happy that you guys are out there. Jax

laura_dropstitch profile image
laura_dropstitchHeart Starβ€’ in reply toMrsbeevintage

My mum usually has a jigsaw on the go and I can't resist doing some when I visit, it's so satisfying and quite addictive! If you are looking for more brain stretching activities, there is a great puzzle/game called Rush Hour. Have a look on Amazon for it x

laura_dropstitch profile image
laura_dropstitchHeart Starβ€’ in reply toRangersgirl61

I hardly ever get the Countdown conundrum, I'd be excited about this on the best of days, never mind while feeling unwell. Kudos! πŸ˜‚

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Star

Morning ladies, right I have just finished of a lump of bread pudding for breakfast and had an email that I have some flowers arriving today sometime ,somebody lives me πŸ˜€ and then I'm off to the shops for a puzzle,my daughter said I should get the 'baked bean' one but I think I'll start with something a little simpler , I will keep you posted ...in the mean time I am looking at the muddy kitchen floor thinking blooming dog should learn to mop it himself πŸ˜‰

mariancolyer profile image
mariancolyer

hi there,

I can empathise but my kids think I have ADHD so I hate sitting down for too long but really concur with your views on daytime TV!

After being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy I was terrified of pushing myself but was sent to a cardio rehab class. Well, it was brilliant. It was just enough to push me to a rapid heartbeat but completely controlled by fantastic physios and heart nurses. It was also great fun and I always came out on a high. It proved to me that exercise is fantastic for the mind as well as the body! It's just finished but I have no notion of stopping being as active as I can as I also raid any sugar like substance that might be in my cupboard too!

Do walk and get yourself a pedometer. It gives me the incentive of 10,000 steps a day and my dog doesn't know what's hit her. I'm not sure who's more tired!

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Star

Thanks for the positive post ..i have given the kitchen a bit of a going over this morning I think that's enough for today πŸ˜‰ I have to wait until after the hospital decided what I need to happen to get well before I can start the physio as I'm still waiting for tthe original promised angiogram as hospitals have been full to capacity so I'm playing a bit of limbo game at the moment but i will be on some proper exercise as soon as I can .

NineToTheSky profile image
NineToTheSky

From being really active to being really sedentary after my heart attack is something that I find quite difficult. But it helps to see that I am not the only one. Without this forum I would feel rather isolated.

Mrsbeevintage profile image
MrsbeevintageHeart Star

Yeah this forum is my life line at the moment ..hope your up and running soon .

Hi Mrs bee vintage

I was very similar to you 1 year ago and still waiting for something to be done. But I walk to my local shops everyday have a cup of tea outside the coffee shop and then buy 1 nigths food so I have to go out each day. I walk gentle and stop when tired but I do about 5k steps at least a day. I also took a 9 week mindfulness course which has helpedal with the unpleasant feelings about my job. You get used to it slowly it's not idea but I was careering towards a disaster. This forum has help lots. Good luck x

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