new to this........

[MissMoto007]

....after 65 years of living a pretty healthy life, except for damaged lungs restricting oxygen supply to muscles, I went for respiratory checks and was told I had congenital aortic regurgitation and suspected mixed aortic valve disease!!!

I'm waiting for my echocardiagram, but have been told to rest, not to exert myself ... NO EXERCISE!!!

What I'm really struggling with is losing muscle tone and putting on weight. I'm currently at a healthy weight, but struggle with BD, and cutting back my food intake would be an unwelcome change.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Did they really say absolutely no exercise? I have come across people that were told to stop exercising (such as going to the gym or a Sunday morning cycle ride) whist awaiting a procedure but to keep mobile even if this was limited to doing household chores and short walks.

As regards diet if you end up feeling hungry eat more lean protein and vegetables. Be wary of eating too much fruit as five large pieces can contain up to ~300 calories and give a huge hit of sugar (as fructose). At the end of the day unless a person is under weight most doctors would not be over happy with a patient gaining weight!

[MissMoto007 in reply to MichaelJH]

... thanks for the reply, Michael and for caring ..

I think it's because I'm waiting for the echo ... so they can gauge the extent of the regurgitation (and I'm guessing they're erring on the side of caution!!)

The hunger is boredom, comfort-eating and knowing it'll be hard to balance calories in/calories out .. I have Body Dysmorphia, having had anorexia in my 20s , so whilst it's a constant daily battle, over the years, I've made myself aware of nutrient values and food limits. But when you get a sudden diagnosis that is life-limiting (I also have COPD & osteoarthritis), it's difficult to avoid reaching for those foods that give instant pleasure followed by guilt.

My main problem is the depression caused by everything that's going on, which will be lessened when I know the results of the echo, I'm sure ... and don't worry, I'm not overweight