Walking the dog

[Lummum]

Hi. New here and loving all the information. My question is literally the title. My husband, 47 , was fitted with two stents three weeks ago, following an MI he didn't know he had had.( Long story!!). We haven't had contact from the rehab nurse yet, and are in limbo regarding exercise. Hubby has always been very fit, played squash once a week, Zumba, walked the dog for around an hour a day. We have built his walking time up over the last two weeks, but I have been holding the dog lead as it's a hefty golden retriever who likes to pull a bit. Hubby would dearly like to be back holding that lead but we are unsure because of the pulling. Has anyone else had experience in this? Thanks.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi there,

If he had had a bypass it would be a little more of an issue but i would suggest not to jsut yet, 6 weeks post op should be fine. Give the BHF helpline a ring on 0300 330 3311, they will be able to offer a little bit more advice

good luck

[Lummum in reply to skid112]

Thanks. Will tell him about advice line. He misses the bonding with his furry son. Lol

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to skid112]

Tend to agree with Skid112. Although he has had a minimally invasive procedure this and the HA will have taken it out of him. At the moment the focus has to be on regaining his fitness and leaving the dog to you for a few more weeks. Has he (your husband not the dog )been referred for cardiac rehab - they should be able to answer any questions.

[Lynny12]

I have stents and was told to take it easy for 3 weeks. Unless it's a very large dog I think your husband should be fine holding the lead.

[sue2002]

I have dogs too and was told not to walk them for six weeks. He could try clipping the lead round his waist though.

[Didnotfinsh]

I’ve never posted on this site before.I had what the experts say was a massive HA 5 weeks this Sunday while running Manchester marathon .100 % block to left ventricle one stent fitted.I live I West Midlands But stent was treated in Manchester ,only now getting appointments to see doctors.Ive walked my dog 1week after she pulls being a big soft Staffie .ive had no problems but had no advice either.

[wiltsgirl]

Hi, I too have a Goldie, hence the picture and am 8 weeks post op bypass surgery. I too did the small walks, my partner would take the dog for longer and I would meet him on the way back. I worked up to about 2 miles by 6 weeks and also decided that I would take her lead to see how it was. She is 3 and doesn't pull very much and I have been fine. I now think I could take her on my own now. Went for 3 mile walk today including hills with my partner. I'm not sure I would do a really long walk on my own yet but maybe a mile, mile and a half. I started rehab classes last week and they were happy with my progress and said that a dog should be on prescription! Good luck.

[Lummum in reply to wiltsgirl]

Thanks for that. Dogs should definitely be on prescription.

[naedoot]

I had stent fitted in2015 started out with small walks with my wife and our Irish setter who likes a wee pull on the lead. Within a couple of weeks I was out on my own with the dog and she was very good ( possibly realised something wasn’t quite right). Got a phone call from the cardio rehab team to confirm my appointment and they were not too happy about me being out by myself at that stage( was in woods) think I was over 3 weeks post discharge when I stared the rehab as I had 2 days of the rehab before my 4 weeks of non driving came to an end.

[Brokenheart19]

Loved reading about all your doggy offspring. We had a Newfoundland and with a Haltie our children were able to walk and hold her back. She was 9 stone fully grown and they were 7 and 10. 🐾🐾 walking all the way!