Views on running after CABG?

[bagsypartime]

I suppose this is a addressed to people who used to run before their operation.I used to run and I wasn't very good.Pre op on a treadmill I could run at 5mph, or twelve minute mile pace, if I veered over this I might have chest discomfort and had to take a rest.I was warned not to exert myself but felt life not worth living if I couldn't exercise and also as I was due a CABG my reasoning was the fitter I could be in terms of CV and BMI the better I would recover.

I seem to be recovering well but I find long walks boring.I'd sooner a 5, 10, or 15 minute jog and maybe a walk in between to recover.

If I sit for too long and stand up I get light headed, but once I'm moving I can go up and down stairs briskly with only some heavy breathing.I want to see what happens when I break into a run.What are your (Mainly people who run because I think people who don't run have some prejudice- such as my wife ) thoughts on this?

My ideal would be to equal at least what I could do pre op, but would consider anything faster without discomfort a success.

I had a double bypass.One of the surgeons told me I had the most common type.One to the left main and one to the right I think.Not sure where these start.(Do the mammaries stay attached or is one end now sunk in the aoerta?)So I expect my plumbing is different now and my body and regulatory systems will have to get accustomed to this.My BP is very low, as is my heart rate, and the discharge nurse said I also had aneamia at 78.(I take a tablet every other day)But I feel okay and have had no pain or issues since the op.

The thing about running as you know it's bit embarrassing if you're not very good at it, or if you have to stop after only running a short distance.So how did the rest of you ease back into it?Or did you run too soon and set yourself back?

Ditto weights and weight machines.(not heavy obviously).

[Swalecliffe88]

HI ☺️ lol I never ran before CABG …… but do now !!!

[Wooodsie]

Hi bagsypartime, I had a double back in 2021. I run, do weights exercise regularly. I'm not a great runner, like you, but can manage 15 mins on the treadmill, any more is just too boring for me. My only problem is arthritis in my knees and hips, so I often use the cross trainer instead. Work out your max heart rate and (apparently) stick below or near that, ask me not why. After my op, the cardiologist told me a couldn't damage what he has done and I believe him 😊😂

[Lizty]

Try Scouts' Pace. That's were you run for 8 [or more] steps then walk for 8, and then continue alternately. I learnt SP many years ago as a girl guide! I still use it if I suddenly have to break into a run for a bus!

[Qualipop]

It must depend on how recent y our op was and whether you are fully recovered and healed. You really need to get your cardiolosists advice and permission on when to start and ease yourself into it very gradually.

[Stentsrunner]

Hi Bagsy.

I too enjoy running for physical and mental health and have continued since a couple of heart attacks and stents. I'm not medically qualified to comment on your specific situation but I think the advice to ease yourself back in very slowly, not to push yourself and listen to your body if you get even minor chest pains all sounds good.

You've been through a major trauma and your body needs to reset. But (and sorry if this is not what you want to hear) so does your mindset. I understand where you're coming from when you write 'it's bit embarrassing if you're not very good at it, or if you have to stop after only running a short distance' as I've been there, setting goals for my parkruns and even marathons. But that has to change now, and the starting point is to thank God and the surgeons and the pills that you are alive, and even able to run at all. Your mile times are currently irrelevant; what's important is that you are getting outside to do some exercise and look after yourself to protect against another heart attack.

I used to run Parkrun in 23 mins. Now I do it in 40 or more and its OK. In time you might get back to your 12 min miles but you might not. They might become 13 or 14 min miles and that's OK - what a gift that you can still run at all! It might take a while to dump that embarrassment (there really is no need for it) reset your expectations and stop competing with yourself and others ... that's all part of the mental recovery us heart attack / disease survivors have to go through. Just remember to take your GTN spray and your phone!

I've just got back from marshalling at my local parkrun and what a beautiful thing it was. Everybody pushing themselves towards their potential, whether they took 19 mins or 59 and of this I am sure - the real heroes are at the back.

Wishing you well in your recovery - Andrew