i ran 50 metres!

[westie]

yesterday i was at work down the back in the car park and heard the phone ringing and without thinking, i ran like crazy for 50 to 75 mtrs to awnser it. i got to the phone fresh as a daisy, no pounding heart, no puffing; i felt like i could run forever. i was estatic!

then i hoped i had not over done things; did not want my on-x valve comming loose or my heart popping out of my chest.

just few seconds of emotions, but i an indication of how far i have come since surgery on 03-03-2008.

is it too soon for me to be running a bit?

 

[ctyguy]

Westie...congrats !

We had surgery about the same time, mine was 2/29/08 and I also have an On-X valve. Prior to my surgery I wanted to run and couldn't because of SOB and chest pain. I didn't know I had an issue otherwise I wouldn't have been trying to begin with.

But I've been running now for about 2 weeks. I started running in two minute intervals, then walking two all on a treadmill. Today I did 3 miles on the treadmill, it took me 36 minutes and I ran for 28 of those ! And just like you I have no pain ! Its great so no worries ! Run all you like !

 

[KathyM]

Wow you guys are giving me confidence. Although at this point 2 1/2 weeks I walk really slow but am doing 4 blocks ususally 3xday. I hope you guys started like that....please tell me yes. I can't imagine running right now. I do use it as my goal though


Thanks
xoxo
Just
KathyM

 

[ctyguy]

Oaktree is right regarding weight lifting. I've been going to the gym to do some lifting and all chest related stuff is off the table for now. Arm exercises are fine, legs, shoulders, and core are also good. But anything that involves the chest (pushing or pulling) needs to wait till at least 3 months.

KathyM - At 2 1/2 weeks I was doing not much more than puttering around the house a bit, with probably 22 hours a day in my recliner. I THINK by then I was walking on the treadmill for 15 - 20 minutes but at a sloooooow pace. If you have a history of exercising I bet by week 5 or 6 you will be walking briskly and maybe even throwing in a few minutes here and there of jogging. Prior to surgery I couldn't go 1.5 - 2 minutes without SOB and pain in my chest. Yesterday when I did my 3 miles I did run intervals of 15 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, and 4 minutes. Each interval separated by 2 minutes of walking. I walked because Im trying to keep my heart rate below 145, when I see it get above that I walk for a minute or two to allow it to reduce. And also the fact that my legs are freaking out wondering what the heck I am doing ! But no pain, no SOB. Im thrilled !

 

[jds]

Do what you can do

Do what you can do

Hello -

If you can run a little after six weeks, go for it. My PA, surgeon, cardio, and PCP all said to do as much easy aerobic exercise (walking) as I could and add in more stressful aerobics so long as it did not get my heart pounding.

But to hold off on chest related weights or "risk of chest injury" activities like biking or rock-climbing for 2-3 months. They said non-risky chest exercises were ok in moderation after 2 months and in immoderation after 3 or 4.

I think they don't often get people pushing to do more than they are recommending.

John