Green light

[Adam T]

I had my 3 week follow-up with my surgeon today. He seemed very satisfied. I got the green light to start jogging a little, driving, and curiously enough, riding a bike.

I wasn't wanting to push too much, but I had to at least give jogging a try. It was tough! I've been walking anywhere from 4 - 8 miles a day so I figured I could handle a little bit. I did 5 minutes, 3 times, with about 5 minutes rest in between. This was in the middle of my 4 mile evening walk. When I say jogging, I'm talking extremely slow here, barely faster than a fast walk. Hey, it's progress though.

Just for kicks, I put on the HR monitor to see where I was. Just sitting around, I'm in the high 60's. While walking I was between 100 - 105. Jogging I averaged about 135.

If I even try the bike this week, it will be on the turbo trainer. I'm a little leery of getting on the road and having to steer right now.

I'm also cleared to go back to work, albeit only in the office, on July 10th. I was hoping for another 2 weeks. I was thinking I might be able to catch the entire Tour de France live while I was laid up instead of just the 1st week. Oh well, can't have it both ways I guess.

I'm thinking about posting some metrics once a week like Tommy and Mitralman. I'm nowhere near where you guys are yet, but progress is progress and I appreciate the suggestions and comments.

 

[geebee]

Wow, I think back to work after 5 weeks might be pushing it. How do you really feel about that? I get the impression that you might think it is a little too fast. If you do, you might want to talk to your doctor about another couple of weeks.
Glad to hear about the jogging. Take it slowly and you will be back to speed in no time. I think you are smart to skip the bike on the road for now. I would give that another few weeks. There are dangers out there for a recovering OHS patient that might not be apparent until it is too late.
Have fun but don't push it too hard.

 

[Lynlw]

I agree w/ everything Geebee said. even "only in the office' can wear you out Justin (17 last surgery) had a homebound tutor come to the house starting a few weeks after surgery and he was surprised how tired that made him feel and it was less than 2 hours. . I also would be a little leary of riding a bike so soon too, i can't imagine the pain if ...
have you looked into rehab? they could probably be a big help in letting you know when your body is ready for different things while you are being monitorred. plus that's another good reason to get the extra 2 weeks you want/need to be off, provided of course it's not a problem for you financially.
good luck it is great you are doing so well enjoy the jogging, i sure hope your weather is better than ours lyn www.caringbridge.org/nj/justinw

 

[mtkayak]

I agree with everybody still take it easy. I thinking going back to work at a certain time is a personal decision based on type of work, stress level ect.. I was back at work in a little over 4 weeks and it was great. The boredom about killed me at home and work was much better therapy for me. I told everybody at work not to bother me and to leave me a lone so not to create any stress on me

That is awesome you are walking 4-8 miles a day! Keep up the good work. I would take it easy jogging as well. Baby steps is the key. Yeah, I would wait on the bike riding. I wouldn't want to chance anything that would jeopardize your recovery. That's just me though

Glad to hear your having a speedy recovery

 

[Phyllis]

Congratulations on the great recovery. Dick rode a stationary bike in the beginning, but took to the roads at about 8 weeks- no problem.

 

[MikeHeim]

I wholeheartedly agree with geebee and the others that have said that you shouldn't go back to work until you are totally comfortable. I went back to work to a (mostly) desk job at ten weeks, and it wore me out during the first week in ways that I wouldn't have thought possible. The surgeon doesn't really have a stake in you not being at work, so if you ask for another two weeks, I'm sure he'll sign the papers accordingly.

BTW, I have found getting back into running to be the longest lingering effect of the surgery. I've noticed lately that I feel crappy for about the first 3 miles, but then I finally start to settle in and can cruise pretty well after that. I bike to work at least once per week (13 miles each way), I've gone on 15+ mile hikes up mountains, and did a 1-mile ocean swim without the slightest bit of difficulty. But for some reason, running just isn't coming back as quickly.

 

[mntbiker]

Hey Adam, glad to hear the good news. Now- I know you are a roadie and I will not hold that against you but do you ever MTB? If so, let's meet at FATS in October for a ride.

 

[Adam T]

I don't even have a mountain bike. There aren't too many trails around here. How about the USPro championships in Greenville? Just to watch.

 

[Mary]

Great to hear that you're doing so well, Adam.
I still want to caution you about doing too much too soon.
I gave Phillip the same spiel a few weeks ago, so I want to maintain my standing as a wet blanket without regards to age, sex, race or geographical area!

 

[Marguerite53]

Adam. Way to SHINE!!! Great news!

By all means, drag out the recovery if you can. Or at least build a nap into your day at work (isn't it all the rage, these days?) or just do part time for awhile. What's the hurry?

Anyway. Good job! Congrats!

Marguerite

 

[Adam T]

OK, I'm considering taking another week off from work. My mom and my wife are highly encouraging it. When they team up, there's not much I can do.

I took last Friday completely off from exercise. I just rested all day. I felt great Saturday, so I got out on the road with my bike. 12.2 miles, averaging 15.5 mph, about 45 minutes, nice & easy, just around the neighborhood.

Sunday was a 4 mile walk with 3 five minute jogs thrown in.

Today I got the bike back out for 14 miles at an average of 16.5 mph. Average HR was 130.

I should mention, that my Dr. is highly encouraging all this activity.

It feels like things are slowly starting to return to normal. Tomorrow is 4 weeks to the day!

 

[dj/utvolsfan]

How old are you? 12? Good gosh! I thought I had energy. I couldn't hold a candle to you. You are doing unbelievably great. I am assuming you were in super shape pre-surgery??!!!! Keep up the good work. If you can do all that I would think you would be ready for work....but then going back to work might zap you of the energy you are expending strengthening your heart! And I vote stay home, work on heart!!! (My unsolicited $.02....I'd stay off road until 12 weeks....but that's just me....I do admit I didn't follow some of the rules....was driving full time 3 weeks...drove one night to my school at week 2)
One to talk.....
Debbi

 

[BillCobit]

I felt great Saturday, so I got out on the road with my bike. 12.2 miles, averaging 15.5 mph, about 45 minutes, nice & easy, just around the neighborhood...

Sunday was a 4 mile walk with 3 five minute jogs thrown in...

Today I got the bike back out for 14 miles at an average of 16.5 mph. Average HR was 130...

It feels like things are slowly starting to return to normal. Tomorrow is 4 weeks to the day!

"It feels like things are slowly starting to return to normal."

Slowly? Man, you are recovering at blazing speed! Bike pace and HR is incredible for just 4 weeks out. I can only imagine the performance you'll be capable of in a few more months. Congratulations on a super recovery so far and best wishes for continued progress.

 

[mntbiker]

Adam, that sounds great, the times and distances are truly incredible, I don't have the guts to ride on the road yet, falling is the only part of riding I have truly mastered and with how badly sneezing hurts I would rather not risk it. Of course I will have to push harder now to try and keep up with you!

Now are you going to do anything special for 4 weeks? Run a marathon?

Keep up the good work, remember I am a day behind you (hmm, need a sinister face for that)

 

[tommy]

Wow, I look forward to you really cranking it up. That's terrific.

 

[Adam T]

Remember, it's really flat here, and I'm just in my neighborhood. (It's a pretty big neighborhood) There's very little traffic, so I feel safe.

Today was a little tougher. I waited too late to get out and it was way too hot! I was walking and had to cut it short.

I marked four weeks with my wife taking me to see Superman in 3D at the IMAX and then we went to Wild Wing for what else, wings. I've been good with my diet so far, so I had onion rings too.

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

 

[Adam T]

Update, 6 weeks

Update, 6 weeks

Well, it's been 6 1/2 weeks and I've been back to work for a week. I think the hardest part was getting used to getting up so early again. No problems so far, and surprisingly my energy level is better than before I had surgery. I saw my cardio Wednesday and we got caught up. I should be able to resume "normal" activity in another 6 weeks. Anyway, I filled him in on what I've been doing workout-wise and he was OK with it. I'm settling into a routine, and this is where I'm at. As always, I like to hear constructive comments and opinions.


Saturday: Day off
Sunday: Bike 17 miles, avg 17.8 mph, avg HR 135
Monday: walk 4 miles with 2 mile jog, 11:30 min/mile, avg HR while jogging 140
Tuesday: Bike on indoor trainer, 45 min, avg HR 130
Wednesday: 45 minute walk downtown with my wife
Thursday: Bike on indoor trainer, 60 min, avg HR 130

Friday: I plan on walking 4 miles with a 2 mile jog
Saturday: Bike 20 miles, keep HR around 130
Sunday: Walk 5 miles, with 2 mile jog

I plan on increasing distance about 10% on 1 or 2 workouts a week, probably Saturday and Sunday, and taking every forth week easy. I'm not working on increasing any intensity for several months if at all this year. I think the key is to add things very gradually and not wear yourself out all at once.

I think I'm getting close setting some fitness goals, but I'm not ready to commit to anything yet.

Adam

 

[tommy]

I plan on increasing distance about 10% on 1 or 2 workouts a week, probably Saturday and Sunday, and taking every forth week easy. I'm not working on increasing any intensity for several months if at all this year. I think the key is to add things very gradually and not wear yourself out all at once.

I think I'm getting close setting some fitness goals, but I'm not ready to commit to anything yet.

Good plan. Stay in "fun" mode for a while.

BTW, I8 mph at 135 HR sounds wonderful to me. Maybe someday I can do that as well, only 5 1/2 years post AVR.

 

[MikeHeim]

What are you taking for beta-blockers? I'm on 50mg of atenolol twice daily, and I can't seem to get my heart rate above 135.

 

[mtkayak]

Looks like you've got a good plan and if your card is fine with it, then continue on. Yeah, you do need to count on those down days where everything catches up with you at once. And it will happen! Just rest those days or all week, listen to what your body tells you. Between week 7 and 8 all I did was sleep and it was well needed. I was walking 4 to 5 miles a day every day. My card told me no jogging till week 12.

At my 6 week mark, I starting taking Yoga classes. I highly recommend it! It helps you stretch your body out esp. your chest. It worked all the soreness out for me so when I started lifting weights at 12 weeks, I didn't experience much soreness in the chest area, only in the muscles I was working out since I hadn't been in the gym for a while. At the end of the class, there is time for relaxation.

Right now at 4 Months Post Op. I'm lifting weight every other day (M,W,F) and jogging 4.5 miles (TT and sometimes S) on the other days. On the weekends I'm paddling 6-7 miles a day. Life is Good!

Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!