exercise or not?

[Legendsofthefall]

hi everyone , me again! As you know lm worried about my heart problem as, no doubt you all are. My question is- should you exercise with myocarditis?? Truth is l darednt. Anyone know what l should do? I have had 1 heart attack !??

[Murderfan58]

Talk to your GP . Where I live the council has an active ageing GP referral class. It is for 12 weeks free once a week it includes sitting exercises,standing holding on to the back of the chair and walking exercises. My GP was happy for me to go and it was fun.

I started to exercise as after having jaundice in 2017 and was seriously ill for 5 months infact I found out when my gastrologist discharged me people with my bilirubin levels normally died. Because I couldn't do much during those 5 months . I had a lot of thinking time. My mom had died in the February and finally I had no one depandant on me any more. Only wanted 3 things. Lose weight I was over 19st, move house and get fit. When I got to 15st 7lb joined an Age UK community fit club . It was for 2 hours talking about nutrition and hour of exercise. I had a brilliant teacher who adapted the exercises for me as I need a chair to hold on to for leg exercises and sit down for arm. At that time didn't have my correct diagnosis for my heart or what I was born with.

I go to a sit fit class Monday afternoons held in my local church my GP, cardiologist and neurologist are all happy I am exercising and I always feel better doing them. It costs £5 for hour . Sit fit is not an easy option as we get a lot of work done . But our instructor always says if it hurts stop you need to feel the exercise but no pain. We do stand up exercises holding on to the chair and use ankle weights but I can't use them because of my legs so use a circular resistance band and get the same work out. We also use a straight resistance bands.

I know there are healthy heart classes think they are run by hospitals so ask you GP or cardiologist team.

My brother had permanent AF 2 stents in his heart and swims every morning at 6.30am as he finds it's the best exercise for him plus he walks 5 miles a day. He has had angina and a mini stroke. He's 64.

At my sit fit class I am the youngest at 65 our oldest is 91. We all have various health problems. But no matter how I feel and how bad my mobility is I always go as it always makes me feel better. I am fitter than I have ever been . I do get breathless but no chest pain .

Lost 7st and moved house in 2019 to a bungalow which I had adapted to my needs.

Our instructor gave us homework to do of a morning a body wake up which I do every morning and if I don't go out that day do 25 mins of exercise at home.

A friend of mine goes to hydrotherapy class every week at our local hospital. They do exercises in the water and have a 10 mins swim at the end. She has cancer. But the man who is there the same time as her has had heart surgery and feels better for doing it.

Like I said talk to your GP or cardiologist team. But I think they will recommend gentle exercise. I never thought I would like exercise but I love it. My husband died 20 years ago aged 47 from cancer he would laugh his socks off me liking exercise.

Good luck and hope can exercise is does both your body and mind good plus gives you a sense of achievement.

[Stent2024 in reply to Murderfan58]

Such an inspiring post . Had my stent fitted 6 weeks ago and have only done a few little walks as too scared to do anything more , although would like to try Pilates or yoga as I’m always so still , probably due to meds side effects . I have my first cardiac rehab session tomorrow so hope fully put my mind at ease . Great you achieved your goals and made me think excercise is the way forward . Thanks

[Murderfan58 in reply to Stent2024]

Thank you. I was also born with a rare hereditary neurological condition called hereditary Hyperekplexia gene mutation SLC6A5 type 3. Which effects my mobility it's stops me doing things in the usual way but when the limb jerks started in 1988 my late husband just said we alter our life to suit you. Out children where 4 and 6 months . Which meant it was easier for me to go out in a wheelchair. But I was a hands on mom only things I couldn't do was go out by myself and carry the children. I have used a stick since I was 29. As they got older I used to walk .

There are things I can't do but find ways to do what I want my way. Didn't get diagnosed with HPX the shortened version of what I have got. Until April 2022. But my neurologist had started me on Clonazepam March 2020 within 2 weeks after 32 years of limb jerks and 4 seizures my limbs where still . It was like a switch turned off but the damaged to my limbs had been done.

The sit fit class helps keep my limbs active and like I said it's fun and social.. If you have anything wrong health-wise being socially active is very important not just for your physical health but mental health.

My dad always said no such thing as can't.. You make the world to suit you and not you it.

Best of luck for your recovery. 🤸

[Barre01]

it is natural to be concerned, after my HA, now 5 years ago, I joined the local Action Heart programme which mainly involved supervised exercise at their gym 3 times a week. This built up my confidence and got me back into an active lifestyle. If exercise is advised I would definitely go for it.

[Stent2024 in reply to Barre01]

Does every town have one of these groups ?

[Barre01 in reply to Stent2024]

I have heard of some form of exercise based rehab in several other areas, but ours is a local initiative. Your consultant or gp will point you at any local facilities.

[alicebear]

I think you can start off gently with some walks but then work yourself up to more when your feeling fitter and stronger

[Lparis1]

I have chf less than 25% heart function and I go on at least 1 hour walks a day now. My doctor says it's good for your heart because more oxygen flows through the blood stream and like any muscle it should gradually get stronger. It wasn't easy at first, I d walk a few steps then stop, walk a few steps then stop until my body built up the strength. I also had a life vest on and now an internal pacemaker which makes exercise a lot safer. I'm only 41 btw, good luck and Godspeed.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

I suggest you discuss with the BHF Heart Helpline nurse who will give you a professional opinion. Everyone is different and what might be good for one person may not be good for you, and vice versa.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...