Any advice please help: I had heart... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

49,267 members31,182 posts

Any advice please help

Ceeking profile image
13 Replies

I had heart surgery 10 years ago now and it took me 2 years to fully recover as had a bad time. Upto 3 years ago I was still doing the gym under the eye of a great team of the after care of the cardiac dept.

I haven't done much fitness since and just joined a fitness group. The first 2 times killed me I even struggled with the warm up. It's so depressing, but so hard. I've had dizzy spells in between and numbness in my tongue. I think am I over doing it and need a lighter fitness or do I stick it out and it will get easier

It makes you feel so useless

I just want to be fit 😣

Written by
Ceeking profile image
Ceeking
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
13 Replies

First and foremost go see your GP for a medical.Tell them all your worries and symptoms.Then and only then start with some walking,build it up slowly.Get your endurance up to speed,then you can think about doing some gym work.All the best Wayne x

Ceeking profile image
Ceeking in reply to

Thanks x

Grayjay profile image
Grayjay

Try taking up Yoga ,Pilates. Swimming, Cycling. Don't punish yourself and do some thing that you can control at your own pace.

Ceeking profile image
Ceeking in reply to Grayjay

Thanks

jimmyq profile image
jimmyq in reply to Ceeking

You could also try Shibashi or Chi Kung or Tai Chi. Videos for the fist 2 are available on YouTube, Netflix and Amazon, etc. Tai Chi is best done in a class. Shibashi is very gentle and was recently shown on "Trust Me I'm A Doctor" as effective as Zumba, without the exertion.

Ceeking profile image
Ceeking in reply to jimmyq

I used to do tai chi everyday so I will get back into it thanks

jimmyq profile image
jimmyq in reply to Ceeking

I am jealous! I did Tai Chi - 24 form - for over 20 years but then stopped because of time pressures. My body has forgotten how to do some of it. I really need to get it going again. I loved doing Tai Chi.

Ceeking profile image
Ceeking in reply to jimmyq

Theres lots on you tube

jimmyq profile image
jimmyq in reply to Ceeking

I have it on DVD but can't watch it an do it at the same time. Ha ha!

Ceeking profile image
Ceeking in reply to jimmyq

😅😅

dunestar profile image
dunestar

I agree with Ravaging and Grayjay. It's very tempting to do too much. We all want to shorten the process of getting fit quick but it's important to go at your own pace. I go walking on my own now. At the start I went with a couple of friends but they shot off very quickly, so I was faced with the choice of trying to keep up or slowing them down, so nobody was happy.

I am trying to be systematic about it and set little goals. If you walk the same route are you able to do it in a bit faster time or without so many stops etc. Your GP maybe able to recommend a fitness programme locally which is for wonky heart people where everyone goes at their own pace.

Good luck and see return to fitness as a long term project.

Ceeking profile image
Ceeking in reply to dunestar

Thanks, just thought after 10 years I'd be ready but gonna get back into walking and work my way back! Thanks very much

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to Ceeking

Do check with your GP first to get the OK for exercise/gym. Also bear in mind we also age. In my forties I had a number of heavy falls with nothing more than the odd cut and bruise. In my fifties I managed to first break my wrist and then a few years later my femur. I don't bounce anymore! :)

You may also like...

Any info or help please.

I had a stemi heart attack on the 3rd june this year, with 2 stents.I can walk which i do most days...

Any advice would be helpful

diagnosed 5 years ago. I’m wondering what’s coming and when things will change. I get a yearly...

Any advice please?

until a couple of years ago and still plays golf up to 4 times week. I’m not sure what to expect...

Haven’t had any support please help

Hi I had a heart attack 6 weeks ago and a stent fitted. When I was discharged I was told that...

Any advice on Lead extraction op welcome please

Unfortunately though, I had another defibrillator shock recently after nearly 2 years without any....