struggling: Had a pacemaker fitted April 2... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

133,934 members159,343 posts

struggling

Buddi12 profile image
17 Replies

Had a pacemaker fitted April 24 unexpectedly after suffering from Heartblock 2 at age of 54. Husband also had new hip in August 24 at age of 64. We both wanted to start C25K this year. I have never run before although husband has. Just completed week one, husband fine but I have found it a real struggle but determined to continue. Legs fine but struggle mainly with breathing! Think my lungs wonder what’s going on 😂

Written by
Buddi12 profile image
Buddi12
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
17 Replies
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate

What a year for you and your husband! I hope your operations mean you can put your health worries behind you. If you're having difficulty with your breathing slow down until you're comfortable. There's a tendency to think we must always run FAST but it's really not necessary. Slowing down will make the run much more enjoyable and it's still doing you a whole lot of good 😁

Buddi12 profile image
Buddi12 in reply to Yesletsgo

Thank you, to be honest don’t think I can go much slower 😂 but will keep trying!

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate in reply to Buddi12

You'd be amazed how slow you can go if you try really hard 😁

Buddi12 profile image
Buddi12 in reply to Yesletsgo

😂😂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Huge welcome to you!! Very well done to both!

Did you check out the pinned post...loads and loads of important information there..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Your body, you are right, it really does wonder what the heck is happening and that is quite normal...!

Slow and steady is the way and of course enjoying so, check out the section on that pinned post on breathing,.

We have many questions, and many, many posts about this, right or wrong ways, etc. The answer is, You breath as you always do, without thinking about it. The way that is right for you; it may be nose breathing or breathing through your mouth.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Do take a read of these posts, if you get chance too.

You run at a pace, where you can breathe comfortably. and if you cannot do that, you are moving too quickly, even though it may not feel like it.

Please do keep posting your progress and let us know how things are going!

Buddi12 profile image
Buddi12 in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you that’s really helpful

RufSpk24 profile image
RufSpk24

well done both of you. It will get easier the more you do. Take it easy and try not to overthink the breathing otherwise you may become tense and that will affect it. I usually just leave my mouth open and just breathe naturally. Husband is doing really well too from a new hip in august of this year. I had mine a year ago and took over 8 months before I could run again, lovely you are doing it together. Take care

Buddi12 profile image
Buddi12

thank you, I just realised I should have put last year for us both! Menopausal brain as well 😂😂

RufSpk24 profile image
RufSpk24 in reply to Buddi12

😂 I did think it was very ambitious of him a couple of months post surgery but brilliant all the same

Tremby profile image
Tremby

It sounds like you have both been through it! If your GPs have given you the "go ahead", the responses of others makes sense, go slower and build up gradually. I could pretty much guarantee that I am slower than you- but just doing it!

Buddi12 profile image
Buddi12 in reply to Tremby

Thank you

stevenbrown profile image
stevenbrown

I struggled with my breathing, it will come don't panic. Try watching Wim Hof on YouTube his breathing exercises are really good, and try introducing it to your running focusing on your breath. I hope this helps. Steven

Buddi12 profile image
Buddi12

thank you

KingKongGroover profile image
KingKongGroover

I am 14 years younger and couldn't complete the first run (I walked the last minute). That was the end of July. Yesterday I ran 25 minutes.

You will get there. Take it slow.

Buddi12 profile image
Buddi12 in reply to KingKongGroover

Well done you! That’s encouraging thank you

drl212 profile image
drl212Graduate

Well done on taking such positive steps for your fitness.

I agree with everyone here in that slow and steady will get you there. I used to laugh that my briskest walk was faster than my running...

How far in are you? Were you given the all clear by your healthcare providers post-implantation?

If after making some adjustments, you are still finding yourself with the same issue, I would recommend checking back in with your GP/cardiologist for advice.

Buddi12 profile image
Buddi12 in reply to drl212

I realised I meant medical conditions weee 2023 not this year, menopausal brain. Yes ok to do medically. Just finished first week but did run 1 week two this morning and that was better, remembering to slow down!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Struggling week 7

After a break of 10 days I thought I’d struggle with R1w7 but managed it no problem then found run...

Struggling! Bloomin ankle! 😖

Week 7 and my left ankle is painful again! It was fine after my last run on Friday - week 6 -...

Help I'm struggling!

Hi All. This is my first post on the Couch to 5K site. I have never thought of myself as a runner,...

Struggling

I started C25K in September. I've consolidated my 30 minutes runs and I've been changing up my...

Struggling

Week 4 Done run 2 today but have had to have 4 days rest since last run, shins and calves not upto...