30 minute run today !

[ctyguy]

Tomorrow will mark my 9 week surgical anniversary. I don't want to jinx myself but my recovery has really taken off over the last few weeks. I dealt with a mild bout of Pericardial Effussion and then a bout of Plurisy at week 4 and week 6 respectively. Once those passed I really got into running on the treadmill and am amazed at how far I've come.

Prior to surgery I could run no more than 2 minutes before I would get chest pain and SOB. If my heart rate got above 130, thats when it would start. I've been working my way up in run durations and today I ran without stopping for 30 minutes ! 30 minutes ! I ran today and my heart rate was humming along at 140 to 145, NO ISSUES ! My wife wants me to sign up for a 5K at the end of May which will be about my 12 week anniversary and I've decided to go for it.

I want to thank everyone on this site for all their support when I was pre-op still and certainly for the 4 to 6 weeks initial post-op. I had lots of questions and got an awful lot of support and reassurance from folks and I am forever going to be greatful.

I decided to post this running milestone with the hope that some who are still in the early stages of recovery and for those who are still waiting for surgery to use it as motivation and to know that once your done with this surgery and your in the recovery phase you will be amazed at how your body responds. I know I am !

 

[Sean L]

Inspiration

Inspiration

You are a true inspiration. Thanks.

 

[Philip B]

Recovery & Rehab

Recovery & Rehab

I'll probably get trashed by the conservative crowd for this perspective, but I'll share it anyway...

As you move through recovery and rehab, remember to know your limitations and never exceed your limits...push the envelope, and enjoy those moments when you take yourself to the edge, but avoid going over the edge. A big part of successful rehab involves being true to yourself and this requires knowing yourself well enough to know your strengths and limitations.

I'm an advocate of pushing the envelope because I honestly believe it has a positive impact on the rehab process. When you push listen carefully to what your body tells you it can handle; if you fail to hear what your body tells you, it will get your attention.

Keep up the good work and the positive attitude. Make sure to let us know how that 5k run goes. Good luck!

-Philip

 

[Guest]

Congratulations on your run. It feels great doesn't it?

 

[Debbie]

5k

5k

Oh yes, you should sign up for that 5k! I just did a 5k 3 weeks ago and I was 11 weeks post-op. I had so much fun I'm doing another this Sat. May 3rd. I'm not a runner, because of my congential heart problem I've never been able to run and the past few years it was getting hard to walk very much too. The 5k was a great goal for me, it gave me a reason every day to walk just alittle bit more. I walked the race without stopping in 58 minutes and it felt so good to accomplish that goal. My next goal is to keep doing a brisk walk every day and maybe some day I'll be running that 5k Take care and good luck with your race. Debbie

 

[WayneGM]

Congratulations on achieving the milestone! Go for the 5k run if you feel up to it. Just remember there's no shame in stopping if you're having one of those "off" days. It's the attempt that counts. Best wish and good luck with it.

 

[tprice54]

Excellent!

Excellent!

Most definetly sign up for that 5k! Be prepared for a few days where you slide back a bit, but don't get depressed over it. Most of us found this is not a linear recovery...some days running feels better than others. Don't give up!

 

[Jim47]

thanks for the inspiration, I am at 7 weeks and on my 3rd day of rehab snd I am still tired in the mornings and go to bed early. I'm hoping for a big jump in energy over the next 2 weeks with rehab and going back to work.

thanks jim

 

[danbrown]

Congratulations. I hope to join you as soon as I am able.

Dan Brown

 

[westie]

way ahead

way ahead

a few days ago i was excited i had run 50 mtrs and now i read you are going to run 30 minutes. you have come much further than me in 7 weeks.

i guess you followed the post operative regime to the letter

 

[Rick]

Congrats

Congrats

Congratulations Scott. I am very happy for you and that your life is moving back to normal. It is inspiring.

Best wishes to you.

Rick

 

[jds]

'Going for it' is a good attitude

'Going for it' is a good attitude

I know I overdo it sometimes but I would rather push myself and get better faster. Sounds like you are doing this als.

Some only half-in-jest sayings.

"Better to wear out than to rust."

"If you don't have one foot on or over the edge, you don't really know where it is."

Good luck - and use common sense as others have said.

John