Yesterday I met with the lifestyle coach. Up to this point I've had nothing but wonderful things to say about the treatment and care I've been getting at Community. While this won't be negative, let me say, it just wasn't what I thought it would be.
The woman I met with was very nice, and made be feel comfortable in the examination room where we met. She did a basic review of my chart, and where I am at this point. Heart attack, stent, rehab, nutrition class, medication all got reviewed. I know the repetition is good, because it brings everything into perspective, and it makes them aware that you are aware of everything. This took up 15 minutes of a 30 minute meeting.
Then we talked stress. She asked me what gives me stress. I told her two things: home and work. I detailed where the stress comes from, and she gave me nods and smiles. She told me if I want counseling to deal with the stress I can, but what she mostly advised was breathing exercises. Really?
No, I wasn't expecting a magic pill which would take stress away, but deep breathing? Yeah, I understand there are benefits to it. I just thought there would be something a bit more in depth. Counseling? Yes I could do that again. It's been a couple decades, maybe I could use it. I just thought there would be more. Oh there was....she also told me a good many relieve stress by reading the Bible. She did suggest running. I think that one will work, once I get the approval to run(which should be soon in rehab).
Yes, I was expecting more. Considering the great and plentiful info I've gotten thus far, this just seemed lacking.
Charlie
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
The Checkup
This morning was my first visit to the cardiologist's office since my heart attack. This is a "how are you doing" visit. No tests, but I had my blood pressure checked on both arms. I was seen by the nurse practitioner.
So the good news is I am in good shape for having had a heart attack a little over 3 weeks ago. My blood pressure is normal. No changes need to be made on my medications. My rehab is producing good results. I got a big thumbs up to my going to the gym to workout a couple times a week. All in all, I would say a great checkup.
We did talk about nitroglycerin. It scares me quite a bit. Must be all the old movies I used to watch, where things go boom! The NP told me when it's appropriate to take it, so I'm more comfortable with that.
We discussed my running. When I can start running again will be left more in the hands of the rehab folks, and my progress. I've made it clear to them that I want to do that again. Everyone agrees that is an important step for the future.
I'm pleased with the visit. To celebrate, I went to the gym after and walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Felt good.
Charlie
So the good news is I am in good shape for having had a heart attack a little over 3 weeks ago. My blood pressure is normal. No changes need to be made on my medications. My rehab is producing good results. I got a big thumbs up to my going to the gym to workout a couple times a week. All in all, I would say a great checkup.
We did talk about nitroglycerin. It scares me quite a bit. Must be all the old movies I used to watch, where things go boom! The NP told me when it's appropriate to take it, so I'm more comfortable with that.
We discussed my running. When I can start running again will be left more in the hands of the rehab folks, and my progress. I've made it clear to them that I want to do that again. Everyone agrees that is an important step for the future.
I'm pleased with the visit. To celebrate, I went to the gym after and walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Felt good.
Charlie
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Weight
When I was in the hospital I weighed 273 lbs. Those who know me, know I weighed 200lbs 8 years ago. Clearly there has been a slow progression towards being heavier. A number of factors are in play. Stress is probably number one. I am an emotional eater. Stress drives me to food. You can have all the understanding of food and nutrition, but when you are sad, stressed, down, etc., you eat. I did.
Lack of running. Over the last few years my running has slowed to a crawl. If you aren't active, you gain weight - period. Working in a running store doesn't mean you have time to run. Retail hours are still retail hours. It takes committment to make running happen, and I didn't make it a priority.
Running as a business. I lost sight of running for myself as a source of enjoyment, and saw it more as a business. The minute something is a chore, we don't want to do it. The challenge is to turn the chore into fun.
At this point, I am eating better. Stress is still with me. Really after a heart attack, how are you not stressed that you won't have another one. So while I am figuring that out, the snacks I am eating are more regulated and healthier. My fave of late is a handful of unsalted cashews. Yummy.
Right now, I am 266 lbs.. This is progress. To help further the progress, Mark and I have finally re-joined a gym. For now I will be walking. My doctor told me running won't happen for at least 3 months, maybe more. It depends on my recovery. I can walk though. It's what I do in rehab, and I can do it at the gym, or anywhere. The gym gives me the incentive to go do something.
So while I am not happy about the weight, I am working on it, and focused on losing it as part of my recovery.
Charlie
Lack of running. Over the last few years my running has slowed to a crawl. If you aren't active, you gain weight - period. Working in a running store doesn't mean you have time to run. Retail hours are still retail hours. It takes committment to make running happen, and I didn't make it a priority.
Running as a business. I lost sight of running for myself as a source of enjoyment, and saw it more as a business. The minute something is a chore, we don't want to do it. The challenge is to turn the chore into fun.
At this point, I am eating better. Stress is still with me. Really after a heart attack, how are you not stressed that you won't have another one. So while I am figuring that out, the snacks I am eating are more regulated and healthier. My fave of late is a handful of unsalted cashews. Yummy.
Right now, I am 266 lbs.. This is progress. To help further the progress, Mark and I have finally re-joined a gym. For now I will be walking. My doctor told me running won't happen for at least 3 months, maybe more. It depends on my recovery. I can walk though. It's what I do in rehab, and I can do it at the gym, or anywhere. The gym gives me the incentive to go do something.
So while I am not happy about the weight, I am working on it, and focused on losing it as part of my recovery.
Charlie
Friday, July 25, 2014
Stress
Since my heart attack, the mantra has been "You have to reduce stress." I'm finding that is easier said than done. Stress comes in little packages, as well as big packages. It isn't always the big event. Sometimes, it's pulling out of the driveway, and being confronted with traffic.
For me stress is a number of issues. Money issues are always there, and they always cause me a certain amount of stress. Then again, money in general has always been a source of stress for me. When we were young, the simple act of asking for an allowance, or for a new toy, was met with 20 questions. This has carried over into adulthood. I get stress if I have to part with more than $50 for something.
The next issue is work. My work is not stressful. It's the things around my work which bring stress. Lack of good communication, so I can do my job effectively brings me a great deal of stress. I can handle the angry customer in front of me. I go nuts if I have to ask a question requiring timely response, and the response either requires me to ask several times, or I wait too long. Pick and choose your battles. I always pick communication, because it determines how well you can do your job.
Finally I think about the stress I self induce. If I am OCD on anything it's time. For me, being 5 minutes early is on time. I have a big problem with tardiness, and it churns my up inside to not be on time. So clearly, this is something I can work on. The others sometimes feel beyond my control.
Next week I sit down with a lifestyle coach who is going to talk to me about my life, where my stress is, and how to reduce it. Should be an interesting topic to say the least.
Charlie
For me stress is a number of issues. Money issues are always there, and they always cause me a certain amount of stress. Then again, money in general has always been a source of stress for me. When we were young, the simple act of asking for an allowance, or for a new toy, was met with 20 questions. This has carried over into adulthood. I get stress if I have to part with more than $50 for something.
The next issue is work. My work is not stressful. It's the things around my work which bring stress. Lack of good communication, so I can do my job effectively brings me a great deal of stress. I can handle the angry customer in front of me. I go nuts if I have to ask a question requiring timely response, and the response either requires me to ask several times, or I wait too long. Pick and choose your battles. I always pick communication, because it determines how well you can do your job.
Finally I think about the stress I self induce. If I am OCD on anything it's time. For me, being 5 minutes early is on time. I have a big problem with tardiness, and it churns my up inside to not be on time. So clearly, this is something I can work on. The others sometimes feel beyond my control.
Next week I sit down with a lifestyle coach who is going to talk to me about my life, where my stress is, and how to reduce it. Should be an interesting topic to say the least.
Charlie
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
The Routine
Today was the first active day of rehab. It's about a 45 minute workout. It starts with me attaching various heart reading things(the technical term) to my chest. This measures my heart rate as I workout. Also, once I rip them off my skin, it serves a dual purpose of waxing my chest. After a quick blood pressure check I am off.
There is stretches, a couple laps around the room, and some weight lifting. Don't worry, no bench pressing 200lbs here. I did 4 lbs weights today. 200 is next time. After this is done, you get into the cardio aspect. I got on the treadmill, got me walking at a 3.0 MPH, and was off on a 10 minute walk. After 5 minutes they took my blood pressure again, it had gone up, but it was expected it would, and I was well within the norm.
After the treadmill, I have to do the weights again. Same routine, same 4 lbs. Once this is done you move on to the next 10 minute cardio exercise. I did a seated bike. Again, I did 3.0 MPH. It seemed the effort was more on this, then on the treadmill. The nurses come by and ask on a scale of 1-10 what our effort is. The goal is to be in the 4-6 range; light moderate, to heavy moderate exertion. I felt both the activities were 5's.
Once the second cardio is done, then it's the weights, stretches and laps around the room. At the end, you sit until they tell you that you're done. They are checking all the measurements to be sure everything is normal. They ask if you are feeling dizzy or are in pain. If everything checks out, you go home. All was good, so I headed home.
Tomorrow I do it all over again, and then I meet with a nutritionist.
Charlie
There is stretches, a couple laps around the room, and some weight lifting. Don't worry, no bench pressing 200lbs here. I did 4 lbs weights today. 200 is next time. After this is done, you get into the cardio aspect. I got on the treadmill, got me walking at a 3.0 MPH, and was off on a 10 minute walk. After 5 minutes they took my blood pressure again, it had gone up, but it was expected it would, and I was well within the norm.
After the treadmill, I have to do the weights again. Same routine, same 4 lbs. Once this is done you move on to the next 10 minute cardio exercise. I did a seated bike. Again, I did 3.0 MPH. It seemed the effort was more on this, then on the treadmill. The nurses come by and ask on a scale of 1-10 what our effort is. The goal is to be in the 4-6 range; light moderate, to heavy moderate exertion. I felt both the activities were 5's.
Once the second cardio is done, then it's the weights, stretches and laps around the room. At the end, you sit until they tell you that you're done. They are checking all the measurements to be sure everything is normal. They ask if you are feeling dizzy or are in pain. If everything checks out, you go home. All was good, so I headed home.
Tomorrow I do it all over again, and then I meet with a nutritionist.
Charlie
Monday, July 21, 2014
They Told Me I Had to Go to Rehab, and I Said, "Yes, Yes, Yes"
This morning I headed to my first visit in the rehab clinic. This was not a workout day, but a testing and questions day. I was asked all kinds of lifestyle and nutrition questions. We reviewed my medication, took vitals, and went over what I will be doing.
At this point in the game here is what I know. In six minutes I can walk 1300 ft., which the nurse told me is good. I weigh 265 lbs. When I was in the hospital I was 273 lbs. So since July 7, with healthy eating I have lost 8 lbs. The goal for rehab is to get me moving, and lose 10 lbs. Seems like a good goal.
They asked me what my overall goal was. I told them I want to get to a point where I can run like I did. I was told I should be able to do that. For now, I walk. I will go to rehab 3 times a week(Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8am).
I mentioned on Facebook I was the youngest patient in the room. The nurse confirmed that. So for the moment, I'm the youngest.
On the eating front, while Anne was here, we began to establish better and healthier eating. We have discovered the Farmers Market, and brought lots of fresh produce home. We are looking through cookbooks and websites for tasty healthy meals. I'm not to do fad diets, or anythings rash. I am to cut down on fat, sodium, and manage portions.
I'm feeling ok physically. I have times when I haven't eaten I get a bad headache. I snack or meal takes care of that.
I'm also dealing with some depression. This is hard for me. I think I cried for about 10 minutes yesterday, which poor Mark had to endure. He was good though and assured me things would get better.
Also...we are looking at a gym to join. Planet Fitness offers $10 a month and no commitment. We're going to give that a try, as Mark is with me on this. We want to be sure he doesn't get a heart attack.
Charlie
At this point in the game here is what I know. In six minutes I can walk 1300 ft., which the nurse told me is good. I weigh 265 lbs. When I was in the hospital I was 273 lbs. So since July 7, with healthy eating I have lost 8 lbs. The goal for rehab is to get me moving, and lose 10 lbs. Seems like a good goal.
They asked me what my overall goal was. I told them I want to get to a point where I can run like I did. I was told I should be able to do that. For now, I walk. I will go to rehab 3 times a week(Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8am).
I mentioned on Facebook I was the youngest patient in the room. The nurse confirmed that. So for the moment, I'm the youngest.
On the eating front, while Anne was here, we began to establish better and healthier eating. We have discovered the Farmers Market, and brought lots of fresh produce home. We are looking through cookbooks and websites for tasty healthy meals. I'm not to do fad diets, or anythings rash. I am to cut down on fat, sodium, and manage portions.
I'm feeling ok physically. I have times when I haven't eaten I get a bad headache. I snack or meal takes care of that.
I'm also dealing with some depression. This is hard for me. I think I cried for about 10 minutes yesterday, which poor Mark had to endure. He was good though and assured me things would get better.
Also...we are looking at a gym to join. Planet Fitness offers $10 a month and no commitment. We're going to give that a try, as Mark is with me on this. We want to be sure he doesn't get a heart attack.
Charlie
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
How to Manage Cooking
The message from the doctor was pretty simple - low sodium/low fat diet. Of course when we think of a diet like this, we think tasteless food, bland even. This is where creativity and planning come into play. Cooking a healthy meal requires some prep work, and an ability to try different things.
Instead of salt, use pepper, or garlic powder, or onion powder. If you have a spice rack, you have a lot of options in front of you. Maybe a dash of chili powder to give that pork a bit of kick? Maybe some tarragon for that chicken?
Time in this day and age means we prepare meals fast and on the go. To make the right heart healthy choices, you need to slow down a bit and prepare. We are getting a memo board for the kitchen, which will allow us to plan meals, and what we need to prepare. The world may be fast paced, but your kitchen doesn't have to be. Plus if you do enough prep, then the cooking part will be quicker, and maybe more fun.
This is our plan for now. Tonight, I'm thinking pork chops....now what to do to make it more interesting.....
Charlie
Instead of salt, use pepper, or garlic powder, or onion powder. If you have a spice rack, you have a lot of options in front of you. Maybe a dash of chili powder to give that pork a bit of kick? Maybe some tarragon for that chicken?
Time in this day and age means we prepare meals fast and on the go. To make the right heart healthy choices, you need to slow down a bit and prepare. We are getting a memo board for the kitchen, which will allow us to plan meals, and what we need to prepare. The world may be fast paced, but your kitchen doesn't have to be. Plus if you do enough prep, then the cooking part will be quicker, and maybe more fun.
This is our plan for now. Tonight, I'm thinking pork chops....now what to do to make it more interesting.....
Charlie
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Adjusting
For those who have been through a heart attack, or those who have loved ones who have gone through it, you understand there is a period of adjustment. This is my period of adjustment. Emotionally I am still stunned this happened, and a bit depressed over it.
I also know Mark is having a difficult time adjusting. Difficult is probably an understatement. He doesn't want to talk about what he is going through, but he tells me he knows he needs to talk about it. I feel bad for him.
I have to focus on how I am coping though, and be a bit selfish, in that good way. I'm more aware of what my body is doing, probably hyper-aware. That's good I think. I'm more cautious about what I do. I know in time that caution will fade as I feel stronger, but for now, I'm good with it.
It's been good having my sister here. Of course it's fun to have Sabrina here, as she helps me take my mind off the really bad things that have happened. Never underestimate the power of Uno games.
Anne is helping us re-evaluate what we eat, she's helping with household chores, doing some driving for us. She's a good nurse, and an even better sister. She's preparing us for when it's just Mark and me.
Friday is also being extra good, and loves the fact there is someone home all the time now.
In over a week I will begin rehab, then I have doctors visits to do. The main thing for now is to reduce stress. That's why I'm oh so glad the insurance company is already letting me know what is being covered and how much....did you catch the sarcasm.
Hard to believe a week ago my life changed. While it happened fast, adjusting to a new lifestyle will take time.
Charlie
I also know Mark is having a difficult time adjusting. Difficult is probably an understatement. He doesn't want to talk about what he is going through, but he tells me he knows he needs to talk about it. I feel bad for him.
I have to focus on how I am coping though, and be a bit selfish, in that good way. I'm more aware of what my body is doing, probably hyper-aware. That's good I think. I'm more cautious about what I do. I know in time that caution will fade as I feel stronger, but for now, I'm good with it.
It's been good having my sister here. Of course it's fun to have Sabrina here, as she helps me take my mind off the really bad things that have happened. Never underestimate the power of Uno games.
Anne is helping us re-evaluate what we eat, she's helping with household chores, doing some driving for us. She's a good nurse, and an even better sister. She's preparing us for when it's just Mark and me.
Friday is also being extra good, and loves the fact there is someone home all the time now.
In over a week I will begin rehab, then I have doctors visits to do. The main thing for now is to reduce stress. That's why I'm oh so glad the insurance company is already letting me know what is being covered and how much....did you catch the sarcasm.
Hard to believe a week ago my life changed. While it happened fast, adjusting to a new lifestyle will take time.
Charlie
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Home
Hello All....
I am home from the hospital where Mark, my sister Anne and my niece Sabrina are taking great care of me. I'm feeling good. Occasionally I'm tired, but I will take that over how I felt a few days ago.
Today I was visited by a home health nurse who took my vitals, quizzed me on my meds, and just did an overall check of how I was doing. She thought I looked great, and I told her I felt really good.
I did go walking today. I walked at the mall. Am a bit tired, but feel it was a good thing to do, without pushing it.
On the food front, we are learning how to reduce sodium(mostly by reading labels and being stunned at the amount of sodium in foods). Anne took us to Paradise Cafe and Bakery. I had an amazing salad. Strawberry Poppyseed and Chicken. I ordered the 1/2 salad which tasted so summery and good. The salad has(other than the previously mentioned items), mandarin oranges, pineapple, blueberries and pecans. The Poppyseed Dressing I had on the side and used sparingly.
Bottom line - feeling good and glad to be home.
Charlie
I am home from the hospital where Mark, my sister Anne and my niece Sabrina are taking great care of me. I'm feeling good. Occasionally I'm tired, but I will take that over how I felt a few days ago.
Today I was visited by a home health nurse who took my vitals, quizzed me on my meds, and just did an overall check of how I was doing. She thought I looked great, and I told her I felt really good.
I did go walking today. I walked at the mall. Am a bit tired, but feel it was a good thing to do, without pushing it.
On the food front, we are learning how to reduce sodium(mostly by reading labels and being stunned at the amount of sodium in foods). Anne took us to Paradise Cafe and Bakery. I had an amazing salad. Strawberry Poppyseed and Chicken. I ordered the 1/2 salad which tasted so summery and good. The salad has(other than the previously mentioned items), mandarin oranges, pineapple, blueberries and pecans. The Poppyseed Dressing I had on the side and used sparingly.
Bottom line - feeling good and glad to be home.
Charlie
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
The Road to Recovery
Hello My Friends,
It looks like this blog is about to take a new turn, and hopefully for the better. Sunday night I suffered a heart attack. This originally came as a shock to me, but as I lay here in the hospital, thinking about things, it probably was going to happen. I have not been actively running, and I had put on a lot of weight. Add the stress in my life....heart attack.
My life is taking a new journey, and I have never been shy about sharing it with you. I have to re-learn the positive lifestyle changes I let go, and focus on living as healthy as I can for the rest of my life. I won't be running anytime soon. I will be walking though, and I will take you along on those walks. I will share the food habits I have to re-start, and I will discuss what is going on physically and mentally.
First off I should tell you I am scared. Nothing like this has happened to me, and I am scared of it happening again. I'm also a bit depressed that this has happened. I've been as upbeat as I can, but I am a bit depressed.
If you, or anyone you know has words of advice having gone through something like this. I am all eyes and ears.
In the meantime, I do my best to share as I go forward.
Charlie
It looks like this blog is about to take a new turn, and hopefully for the better. Sunday night I suffered a heart attack. This originally came as a shock to me, but as I lay here in the hospital, thinking about things, it probably was going to happen. I have not been actively running, and I had put on a lot of weight. Add the stress in my life....heart attack.
My life is taking a new journey, and I have never been shy about sharing it with you. I have to re-learn the positive lifestyle changes I let go, and focus on living as healthy as I can for the rest of my life. I won't be running anytime soon. I will be walking though, and I will take you along on those walks. I will share the food habits I have to re-start, and I will discuss what is going on physically and mentally.
First off I should tell you I am scared. Nothing like this has happened to me, and I am scared of it happening again. I'm also a bit depressed that this has happened. I've been as upbeat as I can, but I am a bit depressed.
If you, or anyone you know has words of advice having gone through something like this. I am all eyes and ears.
In the meantime, I do my best to share as I go forward.
Charlie
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