Tag Archives: Heart Attack

Fat and Bald

I turned 43 this week. I definitely consider myself middle aged despite the fact people try to convince me that I’ve got a long way to go… middle age starts at 60 apparently (mostly according to people too young to really care, or old enough to be horribly biased!).

Like many men of my age, I had been losing the battle to maintain the physical attributes of my youth… although, to be fair, I wasn’t fighting very hard. I was drifting towards the stereo-typical look of a middle aged man who’s slightly let himself go… “Fat and Bald”.

My personal journey into middle age took an “interesting” twist with the Heart Attack in the summer. I am quite proud of what I’ve managed to achieve since in relation to getting myself into decent shape…

It’s been 150 days since my first post-Heart Attack visit to the Doctor. At that stage, I had been out of hospital for about 10 days, and I was able to walk for about 15 mins, twice a day. My Body Mass Index was about 29 (Overweight, borderline Obese) and the amount of superfluous weight I was carrying seemed ridiculous (See: It all smells a bit fishy – 28th June 2013).

Since then I’ve lost about 40lbs and really started to build some strength and fitness. For the first time in a very long time, my weight is officially in the “normal” range:

To achieve this. I wouldn’t say I’ve dieted as such. If I’m hungry I eat. I just tend to eat much more healthily. I have significantly reduced the amount of fat and sugar I consume. I haven’t drunk any alcohol. I eat lots of fruit and vegetables. I also make sure I have Breakfast every day, which I think makes a big difference. Regular exercise has also made a huge impact.

In summary, as far as the “Fat and Bald” equation is concerned, I am fighting back (and winning) on the “Fat” front… which brings me to hair loss!

I visited the Barber’s today. A not particularly frequent or regular trip to get my hair cut. I have to say, I look forward to these visits less and less as time goes on. In particular, I don’t look forward to the end of the visit when a mirror is produced to check that I’m happy with the back of my head… actually, “No, I’m not!“.

My poor baldy heid!

My hair is quite fair. Technically I could argue I still have a reasonable covering of hair however it isn’t very effective at making itself seen! In short, I have a bald patch that has been increasing in significance in recent years.

In the great scheme of things this really isn’t a big deal (although it causes much amusement to some members of my immediate family!) and I’m looking forward to the day when I get all my hair cut short so the patch becomes irrelevant.

In the meantime, I guess it acts as a good reminder that time only moves in one direction, and I should spend my energy on things that I can directly influence.

Let middle age roll on… I’ll fight it where it matters!

Twice the satisfaction

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I’m a believer in the principle that exercise counts twice as much if you don’t want to do it than it does when you do. As a result, I almost look forward to days when I lack motivation because you get so much more satisfaction after your work out.

Today was one of those days. Work was busy. The weather was grim; cold, wet and windy. I arrived home from work a little late, feeling a jaded.

I’ve got into a good exercise routine over the past couple of weeks:

I swim first thing on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday
I cycle Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Wednesday alternates between swimming lessons and a visit to the gym
On Monday’s I rest.

So far, I’ve had no trouble getting up and out in the mornings. I don’t have much time to think about it, I just grab a quick bite to eat and head out the door. I’m finding a swim a good way to start the day. It makes me feel different… good different.

I’m not the only one to enjoy an early morning swim!

Depending on the day I’ve had, the evenings are more difficult. Fortunately, once I’ve started, it only takes a few minutes for the fatigue of the day to dissipate and for me to get into my exercise. I generally feel great afterwards too – clean, healthy and relaxed.

The overall routine is definitely doing me good. I’m getting stronger and fitter all the time. I have the continual challenge of staying within the safe working range of my Heart, but it’s satisfying to see my work rate slowly increasing over time… twice as satisfying after a hard day in the office!

The Heart Attack Predictor

Totes Emosh

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Today I received some fantastic news…

I recently presented the medical form for my Charity Bike Ride to my Doctor for his consideration. I had two main concerns: (1) that he wouldn’t think that embarking on a 300 mile cycle was a sensible thing to do less than a year after having a Heart Attack and (2) that his insurance company might have an issue with the wording of the statement I was asking him to sign.

A “No” would have left me lacking direction somewhat!

On one level I would have understood if either of these issues had arisen. I was potentially asking a lot given my recent medical history. I would even have understood if he had asked me to come back in a few months so he could see how my health and fitness have progressed.

On another level, I would have been totally gutted if he had said “No”. It would have thrown the ride into some jeopardy. Given it’s been my main focus for the past few months (at least as far as motivation for exercise is concerned), it would have felt deflated. I think I’m progressing well, and I want to stay motivated. Having something to work towards really helps.

***

Today I received the form back, signed and stamped by my Doctor. As far as he is concerned, I am “good to go”. I just need to continue to gradually build up my training and listen to my cardiologist.

For the record, I have never used these words before!

It was just some ink on a bit of paper, but I felt quite emotional as I left the Surgery. I’m not sure exactly why. It may have been the removal of doubt about whether he’d sign the form. It may have been the fact that the ball is now in my court as far as the ride is concerned – no excuses. It may also have been the small vote of confidence that he recognises the progress I’ve made and trusts that it will continue.

Whatever the reason, it reinforced the fact that the ride is important to me. 180 days to go!

Things you learn at a Cardiology Conference

Tired and Grumpy

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There are different sorts of tired: Exhausted, Fatigued, Weary, Drowsy, Pooped, Jaded, Sleepy, Run Down, Flagging, Broken…

As predicted by people that know better than me, I was tired this morning. Which sort of tired I don’t know exactly as it took me several hours before my brain had warmed up sufficiently to properly assess the situation. By which time the feelings had leaked away.

untitled (34) There are many days when I return from work feeling jaded. A sort of dull fog gathers around my head and upper body as the work day wears on. It’s not a positive tiredness, it’s one that grows despite you, rather than one you’ve actively gone out and earned. Since the Heart Attack, I’ve found myself slightly more aware of this sensation, perhaps because I’m more aware (“listen to your body”) or perhaps because I’m affected more.

In the old days I would have poured myself a drink and the woes of the world would have drifted away. Now, I choose exercise. An hour on the bike is sufficient to blow the cobwebs away. A post-exercise buzz, and everything is tickety-boo all over again.

I continue to sleep well, but occasionally wake up feeling sleepy. Again, in the old world I would resort to chemical stimulants to liven me up. A couple of strong coffees and I’d be “good to go”.

imagesCAFA5V8Z I’ve also eliminated caffeine from my diet, so I guess I’m a slower starter than I used to be. This is, however, offset slightly by the fact that I am not impacted in any way by the after effects of alcohol and unhealthy late night snack-attacks!

As it turns out, the early morning sleepy feeling can also be accompanied by grumpiness. Severe grumpiness on some occasions.

This morning was a case in point…

I had an introduction to the gym last night. The 20:15 start time seemed fine when it was arranged, but as it happened, I got home from work feeling jaded. I snuck in a very short period of shut-eye before getting ready, but not enough to make a real difference,

The introduction session was good. It turned out that there is a lot I can still do in the gym, providing I’m sensible, and keep my feet moving.

By the time I finished, however it was 21:00, and I hadn’t actually done any exercise. Having made the effort to get there, and inspired by the introduction, I figured there is no time like the present, and launched into a gym session.

Afterwards I felt great! My exercise buzz wiped out my fatigue. I was ready to take on the world. By the time I got home, I was not however ready to sleep.

So I sat up for a while before heading upstairs…

“It was way past my bed time!”

“I would regret it in the morning!”

And I did!

So, sincere apologies to all the people who came into contact with me during the early part of today. Lesson learned (again).

Louise – I’m sure your Fruit Juices are lovely. It’s all very exciting! 🙂

Out and about

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It was another cracking morning in the North East of Scotland this morning. I marked it with my latest venture out on the bike. It’s the second weekend I’ve been out early, not quite the crack of dawn, but certainly a good start to the day. It’s definitely a routine to get into!

A cracking morning to be out on the bike!

As a result of my recent “Sore Leg” post, I have received some guidance that the reason my legs have been hurting is because the cleats on my shoes were slightly at the wrong angle. Having made some subtle adjustments to my shoes, it felt much more comfortable. Hopefully problem solved… it’s good to share your woes!

This morning’s ride was the longest continuous effort I’ve put in since my Heart Attack. We went at a steady rate and kept going. We covered about 16.5 miles in just over an hour (including spending some time trying to correct a mechanical “knocking” sound that turned out to be the lid of my water bottle rattling against the frame!!). It didn’t feel fast, but it felt quite tough.

The first of many loops around Westhill – slightly more undulating than the Turbo Trainer!

I do have to remind myself that I’m recovering from a Heart Attack, and back this up with frequent checks of the Heart Monitor. I am however also making up for about 20 years of physical neglect, so my of my body is at the limit, not just my heart!

It really is great to be out and about though. It gives me confidence that I’m making good progress. I’m just about to enter my last week of Cardiac Rehabilitation, so it’s a good time to start to (slowly) push the boundaries!

My poor old legs

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I feel a little sorry for my legs.

After years of neglect, I have asked quite a lot of them recently.

My legs have been abused, but not this badly!!!

My legs had little, if anything, to do with my Heart Attack but they’ve been required to play quite a significant role in my road to recovery. Walking, cycling, cross-trainer… I would have struggled to get this far through my recovery without them!

They have had little in the way of assistance. Other than the occasional stretch, they’ve been left to their own devices. Conversely, my Heart has had the assistance of lots and lots of drugs to help it recover, to make it more efficient, to help it out. My legs have had none.

Over the past couple of weeks my legs have started to fight back. Little niggles have made getting moving in the morning a slow process. Aches and pains have come and gone. Nothing bad enough to stop me from exercising, but sore enough to be a constant reminder.

I’m going to need to cajole my legs into coming along for the ride (quite literally!). They continue to have an important part to play in my on-going recovery. Hopefully the niggles will recede in time. I certainly won’t be taking them for granted again!