heart attack

[Mervyn1]

had my heart attack on the 13th march and got 2 stents. although I have improved a lot I don't know if ive improved as much as I should have as im still not able to walk any distance before feeling sick or tired as I saw a post a man put up he had been out 8 weeks and able to walk 5 miles and im almost out 8 weeks and only able to walk a few hundred yards. Anybody have any advice?

[lettingoffsteam]

Everyone is different Mervyn so don't feel disappointed with your progress.Take one day a time and listen to your body.Things will get better.

[Mervyn1 in reply to lettingoffsteam]

Thank you much appreciated

[Squash1961]

Hi Mervyn. Just take your time there is no rush. Everyone recovers differently. How fit were you before the HA? I had my HA on the 9th March and also 2 Stents. I was a very keen and fit cyclist before the HA, but I just eased back into exercise and gradually built up the efforts. I still get tightness pain in the chest (Ticagrelor side effects, apparently) and occasional sharp pains in the chest, but usually after exercise, not during. This is also quite normal in recovery as your heart muscle heals and your stents settle down. Just listen to your body and take your time. Good luck !

[Mervyn1 in reply to Squash1961]

A reckon I was Farley fit didn't think I would lose as much energy through the HA just feel weak at times thanks for the reply

[Lew15]

Hi merv, I had heart attack and stents fitted early Jan. So it's now just over 4 months for me. I was similar to you that the first 2 months were very slow Improvement, struggled to walk short distance without chest ache and tiredness. Nd wondered is this as good as it will get. But trust me things will improve I'm feeli g much better now and last week was able to slowly jog for a full mile on my treadmill. Our bodies are unique and our healing process is also u unique but trust me you health, wellbeing, fitness will improve stay patient its still very early for you.

[Mervyn1 in reply to Lew15]

sounds very familiar just didn't think it was gonna be this slow thanks for the reply

[Petosmum]

Hi Mervyn, I had my heart attack exactly 2 months before you with 1 stent fitted (what is it about the 13th?). I struggled a fair bit for the first few weeks. I went back to work after 6 weeks, lasted 1 day and was floored for over 2 weeks. As others have said, listen to your body, it will tell you when you're doing well. Several people have told me it can 6 months or more to really feel like yourself again. Once lockdown is over, ask to be referred for gym rehab, I'm told that really helps too, I've not been yet due to the lockdown.

Try not to worry too much but if you are really concerned, give your cardiac nurse a call, I've found they're really helpful and reassuring. All the best 😊

[Mervyn1 in reply to Petosmum]

never believed in Friday the 13th now i'm wondering lol thanks for the advice

[Petosmum in reply to Mervyn1]

I can't even blame the date for nine, it was a Monday and I was on my way to work lol

[Mhutch]

I had a second HA three years ago that wasn’t stented until last year due to various complications. Recovery afterwards was variable for around six months but then it leaped forward. I’m now feeling fitter than at anytime over the last ten years. FWIW, I’m 70 and a few kilos overweight. But very active. Hang in there!

[Mervyn1 in reply to Mhutch]

thanks much appreciated

[Outforawalk]

Hi Mervyn

I suppose fitness level before HA, age and severity of HA all have a bearing on what you feel comfortable doing.

I had HA on 2nd March, 42 year old non smoker, gym three times a week and mine was described as a minor heart attack despite needing 4 stents. The stents were all in one lower marginal artery and the rest of my heart looked in good shape. I have recovered relatively well I think, but there’s still a long way to go. As long as you are making progress that’s the main thing. All the best.

[Mervyn1 in reply to Outforawalk]

Thank you much appreciated

[Ianc2]

Hi Mervyn

Nice and easy does it. try and get a consistent exercise pattern going. Find a nice flat path and walk along it. Don't be afraid to stop and have a blow if you need to, but try and get it done every day. After a little while you will probably find it gets easier and you will start to improve . If you are overweight you will find it helps you to lose weight.

Now is the time to totally review your lifestyle, get your bloods tested and chuck any bad habits you may have. Consider getting a fitness tracker so you can see how much exercise you actually get and how much energy you burn.

I had fairly drastic surgery that I wouldn't wish on anyone and It took 3 months just to get over it, and a further 9 months to get up to speed. Before the operation I could barely put 4 steps together. Now I feel unhappy if I don't get 4 miles every day.

It takes time to get your body moving and you are doing well in getting started. As the saying goes 'The longest walk starts with a single step'. Good on you.

[Mervyn1 in reply to Ianc2]

thanks for the encouragement ill keep at it