Firstly- touchwood, don't curse myself, don't be too complacent, don't tempt fate, I'm not being cocky God, I appreciate it all and thank you.
I hit a mental milestone this week.
I left the cardio specialist gym I've been attending since my HA in Nov 23 and joined a regular gym. I owe so much thanks to that place, it gave me back my confidence, it was a safe place, with a mental safety net, everyone there was a heart patient.
There were a few reasons for me to leave it, work was the driver, the seed for it. So it had to be done to fit in with work /life balance.
I also knew in the back of my mind that I had to move on, to go through the full journey of rehabilitation I needed to be back in the normal world of excericse, like I used to do pre HA.
How did it feel?
Scary and intimidating - no cardio PT's and nurses on hand to watch over you. No more comfort and chit chat with people in the same position, many who were much older then me.
Now it was like the pre HA days, a mix of younger people, the serious no smiles excericse gym nuts, loads of weights from light to mega heavy, the background of dance music, weights dropping, people grunting, no one is there to exchange stories or make friends. It business. You go in, do your stuff and leave.
But ,It felt bloody great, I left the gym feeling high, feeling like any normal gym goer.
I have absolute total love and respect for all the people who ran and attended the cardio rehabilitation gym I went to, I will miss them, I wish them the best, and they are still offering me support/ work out programmes which are safe but challenging.
But I am now moving forwards in life and my job requires me to move forward, so what had to be done was done.
This post won't make any sense but it was a good day today.
Written by
baly_2023
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After any heart event the security of the Rehab is what we need and is a safety net feeling that helps give us confidence but then we we step i the real world again without that safety net it can be very daunting and yet you have done it and I am so pleased it has made you feel so good as it is a real big achievement you have made x
Well done baly_2023, you’re an inspiration. You’ve done so well and it’s a massive thing to take back control and stand on your own two feet. I have also found the mental side the worst part of recovery and if I’m honest I’ve wrapped myself in cotton wool out of fear but here’s hoping I’ll regain my confidence and strength (been out of action for nearly 9 months with a slipped disc and sciatica not long after my NSTEMI) but the walking has helped and I now go to a Pilates class - need to do a bit more aerobically though to get the old heart muscle going! Keep up the good work and keep the positive posts coming. I love to read the success stories and you’re one of them. Take care and enjoy that banging music at the gym 🤣 best wishes ❤️ 🧚🏼♀️
Great post Baly, I’m in a very similar position to you. My HA was just over 9 months ago. I’m still exercising, walking, golf and rehab gym once a week. I’ve been thinking a while about taking it to the next level. Just like most other fellow hearties I’ve felt scared but the your post has given me real thoughts about doing it. Thank you, all the best in your continued recovery.
Well done. It is indeed a milestone and your reaction makes total sense. How I wish I could have had cardiac rehab but a horrible nurse saw my wheelchair and decided without me even trying that I wouldn't be able to do it at all. I so badly needed it although certainly not with that nurse. I saw the head of dept later who said there was no reason for me to be turned down.
Your post makes complete sense to me and it makes me feel so encouraged and inspired. Your opening sentence made me laugh as it is exactly what I go through my head every time I tell someone how good I feel now ☺️
I’m early days as had a HA and bypass March this year, recovered really well then had another, milder, event mid May which blew my confidence out of the water. But I am getting back there. I love the cardio rehab sessions and ‘security’ you feel.
I was going to the gym 3 times a week prior to HA and would be way too nervous to go into an ordinary gym yet but I am striving for the day I will feel the confidence you have just described! It encourages me that I can find me again - quite a journey we go on eh?
Well done, congratulations, stay well and thank you for sharing 🤩
Hi baby, Really strange, I started going to parkrun about the same time you have moved on, must be 'that' time, whatever 'that' time means 🤯
I still attended an advanced follow on rehab class, don't need to but it's an extra, the same instructor holds, its only ever been exercise as not at hospital. I've now built a home gym in a cabin in the garden, so no excuses for me.
All the best, bit scary moving on but I'm almost 29 months post stemi, work does get in the way though 😜
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