Exercise advise

[Menhennet]

I have been told I have a bicuspid aortic valve that needs replacing before Christmas !! I have always been very active and at aged 55 played badminton and netball ,on diagnosing the worn valve was told by my cardiologist to stop my sports immediately as I was at risk of a blackout(not sure what that meant). I have personal issues also going on so feel really low and depressed and scared ,Consequently I sit in alone of an evening and just eat rubbish and have put on a stone in weight . Looking for some advice on what exercise I can do safely to try and make myself feel a better? Any advice welcome please.

[Midgeymoo17]

Best thing maybe- go for a walk in the evening when you would sit alone. By the sounds of it your cardiologists really did not want you pushing yourself but walking is really easy for most people and if you go in the evening you will be away from the house so that you can not keep shovelling rubbish. FYI: Been there with the depression and even very lite activity such as walking helped lift it a bit.

[Menhennet in reply to Midgeymoo17]

Thankyou yes I will make a conscious effort to do that ,don’t really want to put obstacles in the way but by the time I get in it’s dark and feel a bit unsure about walking on my own . Since posting I have read other posts and am wondering if I went to my local gym if they could give me some pre op exercises there in a safe environment .I will make some enquiries tomorrow Thankyou for your advice x

[Nathan53 in reply to Menhennet]

Sorry to hear you are going through a difficult time. You could discuss a suitable exercise plan with a BHF Nurse on here. Have you thought of discussing your depression with your GP or considered some counselling. Depending where you live there may be a MIND support group which can also be useful. You are doing well by already thinking of ways to help yourself. Depression can feel very threatening at the time but situations do improve - I hope that doesn't sound patronising but it's worth reminding yourself that you won't always feel like you do at the moment. There is also the Samaritans Organisation who are brilliant at giving people the time to talk things through - there telephone number is 116123. All the best and let us know how you get on

[Menhennet in reply to Nathan53]

Thanks Nathan 53 Thankyou for your kind encouragement, I am already doing Counciling as unfortunatly in the middle of investigation into my valve problem my husband of 32 years left me ,turns out there were 4 in my marriage ,totally floored and then this op to contend with . Finding it all very hard x

[LauraUK]

Hi there, as you, a very active tennis player so has been a blow for me, however I am 6 weeks post double heart valve replacement. Made sure post op they get you into the Cardio rehab if they do it your area, I have just started, it is fabulous. I asked about racket sports and they have the said I can start 12 weeks post surgery so there is hope Why don't try pilates or yoga - very good for the mind ad if you do it properly and regularly can be a very good work out.

[Menhennet in reply to LauraUK]

Wow 12 weeks post op that’s really good on my pre assesment I was told I couldn’t hang the washing on the line for 12 weeks!! Good luck with your recovery .How far are you into your recovery ? Let me know how you get on x

[Menhennet in reply to Menhennet]

Whoops sorry just read your 6 weeks in x

[LauraUK in reply to Menhennet]

Hi there, I was given a leaflet at Cardio rehab that states however it suspect it all goes according to your recovery. You will be amazed how quickly you recover, I had multiply issues with meds , fluid etc however felt I really turned a corner 4 weeks after a hospital stint. I certainly can't do what I used to however have accepted it will be a process so going with the flow.

[Menhennet in reply to LauraUK]

Yes everybody’s individual ,sound like eventually your doing quite well , not sure that I’m going to be very good at being patient but I guess I will just have to listen to my body. I should have gone in today but couldn’t as my limited support my sister is away at the moment . Probably won’t go in until after Xmas now x

[Ashleigh_BHF]

Hi Menhennet

If your cardiologist has specifically stated that you shouldn't exercise, then it's best to stick to what they have advised. They are aware of how well your valve is functioning, and it's important to follow their advice as exercising would put too much strain on your valve and this can be dangerous.

Whilst you are waiting, it's a good idea to try and make healthy swaps for your eating-see this page: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Using meditation or mindfulness may be a way to help you cope with the stress before your operation (and some people find it also helps reduce emotional eating, and low mood). If you would like to talk to a cardiac nurse, please call us on 0300 330 3311 and we can talk you through the surgery process and support you.

Best of luck,

Ashleigh

[Menhennet in reply to Ashleigh_BHF]

Thankyou I really must make a conscious effort to eat better ,I eat healthily throughout the day it’s at night I just munch on rubbish . I know it’s down to me not too .x

[KG176]

Hi there. Blackouts first - these are really scary. I rode home from work on my bike, got to the back gate, and woke up in the flower bed. It could just as easily have been under the wheels of a lorry.

With regard to exercise, my dad had a heart attack and was told by his consultant to stop swimming and hill walking, his two favorite pastimes. The conversation then went as follows:

Dad. If I stop doing these things, can you guarantee that i won't have another attack?

Consultant. No

Dad. if I continue doing these, can you guarantee that i will have another attack.

Consultant. No, but probably.

Dad. thank you for your advice.

Dad decided to keep dong the things he loved, and had 10 good years. He died while changing his boots after a walk, which I think is a good way to die.

Conclusion

You pay your money, and you choose your options. Good luck!

[Menhennet]

Aah sad your dad passed , have you had heart problems too with the blackout? Mmm descisions xx

[peterjones105]

Walking as others have said is a great exercise, one thing that you can try is no food after 7pm, none at all until breakfast, once you get used to the discipline it becomes easier.