ve had my indduction to the excercise programme and start on Thursday. Now, I am 84, I have never been into a gym in my life! I walk a lot - well, I did, and swim which I love. I biked a lot too, until we moved here which isn't good for elderly lady cyclists - so i a little nervous.
The only reason anyone can suggest for my , I sometimes think, paranoia is the "Tickle Gregor" - (sorry, I have to call it that to cheer myself up). I am told my body will adjust to it - it is 9 weeks now since my stent and I am still out of breath doing anythig normal though I am managing to talk myself out of panicking when I get any twinges anywhere.
I have never been poorly - apart from tonsillitis - so this has come as a mighty blow. Thanks for listening!
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Bartie123
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Hi Bartie I go to rehab and regularly partner a lady who is 84 and she isn;t the oldest one there. The youngest is late 20s. We have a real laugh every week and a great chat whilst doing the exercises or circuits. I think the problem is everyone expects the gym to be really hard going but you should work at your own pace. You build stamina over the weeks and what starts off as a challenge becomes automatic. The session I go to starts with ten minutes or so of following the instructor's movements (very gentle activity and again work at your own pace) then we go round "work stations" stopping for one minute at each one whilst nattering. We throw a ball up and catch it, step up and down on a step, lift tiny weights, stand up and sit down on a bench etc, all the time chatting then we head off into the gym where you can sit on the disabled bike (it has a back to lean on) or one of the other bikes, and pedal for a bit, then you can row or walk on the treadmill, then back for a cool down set of exercises for ten minutes. You just do what you are comfortable with. It isn;t aertex shirts and gym knickers stuff. I dreaded going but I was just being silly. just wear something comfortable - no one is watching you as we are all dealing with our own shortness of breath or cracking knee noises. I go twice a week and the difference it makes to me is enormous. Socially and emotionally it helps too as the people there understand exactly how you feel and that sometimes you have an off day.. Go with an open mind and I hope you really enjoy it.
My mam loved it. When she came home it was lovely to see her so enthusiastic about something. She said she enjoyed the exercise and also learnt a lot from the education session. I learnt a lot as well by just listening to her when she came home. She is looking forward to next week. Thank you for asking
Great to hear. I've been going twice a week for about 18 months. I can;t begin to describe how much it has helped me, physically, socially and emotionally. Tell your mum to buy some nice trainers - I've just bought a pink pair with silver sparkle on the heels - well it amuses me. But not as much as the T shirt I have with "Youth and talent is no match for old age and treachery" written on the back!
Go for it. As Calliope says go and enjoy it. You will slowly but surely get better and better and will be able to measure your progress as you go, and you will also enjoy meeting new people
I'd fully support the earlier comments. After my 4 stents, 5 years ago, it took me almost 6 months to get the medication right for me and be back to feeling (what I consider) normal. I joined the local rehab programme which is supervised by an exercise trainer with heart care knowledge. There are graduated classes as people become fitter but our trainer monitors us in whatever class and tailors the activities for each individual, if necessary. She also makes sure we 'listen to our own bodies' for signs that we might be doing something that doesn't suit us and makes sure we stay on the best path. It must be working, I've been going for almost 5 years!
My experience has been very positive and I hope your continuing recovery will be similar whatever way you choose to continue with life.
Hi Bartie my mam is 80 and starts her rehab sessions tomorrow. She has all the same concerns as you do. Reading your post is like listening to my mam as she too had never been ill and kept herself fit. She is struggling with it all emotionally. Hope you have a good first session.
Well it was great! lovely people, so caring and helpful. All very gentle, weights, bikes step ups,, chair ups and downs (no idea of the correct terminology!) coloured bands for arms etc. And I have found all the bits of me that really need work! Frankly, I think I could become seriously addicted! Looking forward to the next session! Thank for your encouragement. it wasn't scary at all and there are people far worse off than me.
Hi Cornet, It was great andI loved it too! Could become seriously addicted I think! Say hi to yourmam from me and we have to stick together in this. |I think the mental thing is so very important. Bartie.
Hi Bartie, like you never been in a gym in my life but after valve replaced and bypass went to rehab. As others have said it’s more than just exercise it’s meeting people just like you and not feeling your an oddity! I am 72 and in my classes were people in their 30s up to 90. You go at your own pace and have a good natter on your way round. You find out all the feelings and aches and pains you are experiencing someone in the class also as the same. After a few weeks you find your stamina improving and feel you are getting back to your old self. I wish you the very best for 2020.
5 weeks after my op my husband had a large stroke! I have become his full time career so going to rehab was a definite for me. I just had to get back some stamina, 3 years on and we are still coping. Life can really throw you a curve ball but we had 47 years of happy life no health issues so now we have a few but every day is a bonus , and managing to have at least one laugh in the day is what it is about!
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D.N.R Interesting post, what are your thoughts?
Another question after stents
post stent breathlessness (very worried)
Bicuspid aortic valve and enlarged ascending aorta. 
Not prepared for the anxiety that follows heart surgery
