Phase IV

[DaveyG71]

Happy weekend all!

Just thought I’d give a quick update on progress, hopefully a positive story and will help others struggling with they’re ‘episodes’!

Almost 11 weeks post STEMI 2 stents and a few other persistent issues, I have lost 2 stones, completed cardio rehab, started my new job, nervously told them about my issues and had a long sit down chat with my new MD who told me his story of the two ablations he has had for his irregular heart beat and we compared meds, immediately mind put to rest and settled in, however jumping back to rehab which for me mentally was as much a life saver as my angioplasty, with the absolutely superb NHS cardio nurses and made a couple of pals there also on same course, as you can hopefully tell my mental state has improved 10 fold! What a great bunch! So decided to go into phase 4 😁, where I am being looked after by the brilliant Rachel at my local sports centre 6pm until 7:30. First session down and I thought jeezas, this lady is trying to kill me off, this can’t be good for the old ticker 😂 but she is like a ray of light, full of encouragement always checking she’s pushing you just enough, not too hard and always a smile on her face, anyway..... got home completely exhausted thinking that was purgatory.....2 hrs later I was thinking ‘when can I go back’ .... addicted completely and more importantly I am loving and living my life again! Don’t let heart issues define you guys, take the rehab and possibly phase 4, it not only fixed me physically but mentally it has gone a loooong way to putting my mind right!

Hope this shows the massive light at the end of the tunnel for those struggling to come to terms. Remain positive and you’ll get there

Dave

[Chappychap]

Well done Dave.

It's a shame to read about the heart patients who retire into their shells after surgery, or those who won't change their lifestyles.

So full credit to you. Taking responsibility for your heart disease, doing something about it, and living life to the full along the way!

[Maisie2014]

That’s great Dave.

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Well done Dave

As has been said on here many times, cardio rehab is an excellent programme which is well worth taking up. It really does make such a difference both to your body and mind

[Zena166]

Brilliant Dave. So pleased to hear you’re enjoying life. Stay positive. Big hugs. Zena x

[Evans123]

Hi Dave

Thank you for your post most uplifting. I have been attending phase IV cardio rehab or as it’s called at our leisure centre where it is run ‘gentle exercise’ for several months. Like you I have nothing but praise for the team that run it and for the help it has given me both mentally and physically. Just an add on it doesn’t feel like gentle exercise but it is brilliant. Good luck in your new job too, that is my next goal.

[Harrison4]

Hi Dave what are the four passes please

[DaveyG71 in reply to Harrison4]

Hi Harrison, phase one is heart attack, phase 2 is recovery in hospital, phase 3 is rehab, phase 4 is next level health and fitness to further reduce heart risk 👍🏼

[Hidden]

Brilliant Post. Very uplifting for all of us. Well done to you and ALL your Team. Keep up the Good Work! 😊😊

[Brokenheart19]

Hi DaveyG71 your post is very inspirational. I’m just starting cardiac rehab - week two complete and am loving the atmosphere too. Am the only girl in the group which apparently has put the guys on their best behaviour. Can you self refer to Phase IV in the form

Of Leap? I’m itching to get back to my gym but must wait it out and get better slowly. Typically for me I want to run before I can walk.

Take care and keep inspiring the rest of us! X

[DaveyG71]

Hi Brokenheart19, thank you for your nice comments, I honestly hope progress reports help others and give some positive energy back. So, I am not sure where you are based but with my phase 4 I had to be signed off that by either my GP or my Phase 3 Cardio nurses. Done by the latter. You then move onto Phase 4 at will, where you have induction and instruction (Poet and I don't know it) and they keep progress checking you through out. My honest advice would be enjoy and complete your Phase 3 rehab and then go all out on phase 4

Further progress I have made, 1/2 stone more lost I am at my lightest weight for about 25 years, I can run on treadmill for 15 mins add in 10 mins rowing 10 mins cross trainer and 15 mins cool-down on bike, I am the fittest I have ever been!! All in the space of just over 3 month. Visceral fat just above recommended level, Cholesterol down to 2.5 and now I have started upping my weight lifting targets, under supervision of the evil Rachel of course (Not evil at all after the session). I have 2 different programmes to follow and we are now analysing my dietary intake as my muscle level has dropped over last month, too much salad.....not enough good healthy carbs and protein eeeek.

All this bearing in mind I couldn't run up the stairs in my own house without gasping for breath at the top pre HA!

The way I see life now is I don't want another heart attack I want to live a long happy life doing the things I want without giving them a second thought, but if for some reason I do and I don't...........at least I've tried my total best to beat the disease

I love phase 4 and I love getting healthy......

PS I do have a few pints at weekend and i do allow myself the odd treat meal, as I said all about doing the things i love doing

[Maisie2014]

Well done Dave.