It’s been two months to the day since my heart attack — here’s an update:
So far, I am asymptomatic except I still tire easily. Since I am still taking a heavy dose of medications designed to keep my heart from working too hard, it’s difficult to walk inclines — flat or downhill no problem. Plus I am somewhat short-tempered. People who know me have noticed.
I participate in monitored cardiac rehab 3x a week which means I am sore most of the time. This may have to do with the heavy dose of statins that I am on, as well.
I am down 20lbs to 165lbs and trying to keep it there or even just a bit lower. Cheese and organ meats are out entirely; I still enjoy wine but candidly the flavors are different now so have been cutting back. Also cutting back on carbs as much as I can — difficult. Lots of salad lately. I am especially fond of the “big bowl” salad with tuna at The Creperie (corner of Polk and Washington). Very light dressing and the tuna is made without mayonnaise (as far as I can tell).
Naturally I’ve been sharing ideas with other cardiac patients. I have found that many have not suffered heart attacks as I did but we’re alerted by symptoms or by their physician during an annual exam. Sadly, not my fate. My heart is damaged and I am doing all I can to rehabilitate it.
I am up between 530a and 6a daily — this allows me to call over to east coast clients for Informedika. I tend to tire out around 4p — this is vastly improved from a month ago when I was napping all afternoon.
My next ECHO is mid-July; I am hoping for 50% or higher. Perhaps my drug regimen can be modified at that time, as well.
Steve
