Today was the first day of Cardiac Rehab. A nice 30-something named Jody (former student of Barb Steen's) walked me through heart healing and function, discussing everything from pressure gradients to circulation to exercise physiology to the effect of salt on getting liquids out of the body. Then - we were off! The bike felt stiff, but great. Jody cut me off at 10 minutes. I got to use a sort of 'reclining Stairmaster' for another 10.
He was pretty surprised that I had not had symptoms from the damaged valve; and attributed it to my general cardiac health. My angiogram was "great".
The coughing/choking will continue for a bit, and apparently Voldemort will be my 'best bud' for awhile....
More rehab next week, plus meetings with the exercise physiologist, nutritionist, and relaxation specialist...mmmm, now that sounds pretty good.
I was a little worried about what was behind the big CARDIAC REHAB door, envisioning a bunch of older men (you know, the ones you see in the Viagra commercials) huffing away with monitors attached. I guess I should not have been surprised to see a variety of ages of men and women, even some younger than myself.
Just another reminder that heart patients come in all shapes, sizes and ages...
Jody cautioned me again on lifting/pulling and the healing of my sternum. He said there are probably 4 wires holding it all together...no wonder I'm so creaky!!
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