how do you start with the fear factor

I was wondering what is an appropriate amount and type of excersize following surgery. I have been trying to walk for 30 minutes in the early AM but It feels so strained at points that I keep thinking "if I colapse in this or that spot someone will find me" stupid I know but I want to enjoy myself not be micro focused on every little pinch and ache. Any thoughts on how to get past this part? I'm also pretty tired all the time, is that normal?

3 Comments

Fear is a powerful factor!

by donr - 2012-05-22 04:05:20

PJ: I'm guessing that you live in San Diego - as opposed to South Dakota!

Been at least 6 mo since implant. You SHOULD be good to go for anything reasonable.

Napoleon had a Marshal who said "In battle, the mental is to the physical as 3 is to 1." That is also true of medical & especially following surgery.

You are authorized to feel fear at this point. (Actually, it is anxiety/stress you feel. But - you register it as fear.)

Here's how to deal w/ it: Walk - walk - walk! But when & while you do it:

a) Make sure someone knows where & when you are walking & the route you are following. DO NOT DEVIATE from your plan.

b) make sure that you walk in a public place so that if you have a problem, there are people to help you out.

c) Tell whoever is your backup EXACTLY when to expect you back & to get help if you are not back by then. Then BE BACK ON TIME!

Walk at a rate & distance that leaves you feeling comfortable. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, anxiety will take over & the three will overcome the one & you will start feeling worse.

By now, you SHOULD be completely physically healed enough for anything but a power walk for the Olympics.

Give this a try - after a few weeks, your mental will flip to positive & you will start feeling more confident & the anxiety/fear will dissipate.

By now, you are PROBABLY tired because you have been inactive & suffering anxiety. Trust me on this - that will make you tired. It is not unusual to feel tired for the first week or so post-op. That is for physical reasons. Then the mental takes over.

Been there, done that w/ walking.

Don

One day at a time

by CanadianTicker - 2012-05-22 04:05:57

Hello PJimSD,

I just recently had a pacemaker and a defibrilator installed (3 weeks ago).

Following the surgery, I immediately asked my doctors when I could resume going to the gym on a daily basis. In my case, they gave me a 2-3 month waiting period following the surgery.

I don't know if it is "normal" to feel tired, however, I can assure you that I am also constantly tired & drained during a large portion of the day.
I am usually up and running since I am a "Type A personality".
I am on this site to actually obtain additional information regarding this very same topic of being tired.

Well said about panic attacks

by donr - 2012-05-24 08:05:23

Hurt: Very well said about panic attacks. I have never had the physical troubles you have suffered, but my experience w/ panic mimicking a heart event sure ring familiar!

When you are new to this world, it is a terrible place to reside!

"I was paniced of the dizzy spells I was having, I could not tell what was happening, was I going to have another heart attack or stroke, why were they getting worse. I was afraid to go anywhere alone, I clutched my cell phone like it was my life line."

The lines I cut & pasted just above says it all - so true, so true! I have on many occasions told my cardio that were I to go to the ER every time I had those panic symptoms that I'd have to live in the waiting room.

I can see where the Service Dog (SD) is a real help - she keeps you from ever feeling ALONE - the worst part, IMHO, of feeling panic. There is always someone right there who understands & can help when needed. MY Good Wife became my SD - she never left me alone when I was having my worst panic problems. I would NEVER stay home alone for ANY length of time - I was terrified that something would happen while she was gone.

Thank you for finally explaining why you have a SD! I have been wondering why ever since you first mentioned it some months ago. I'd never thought about an SD for people w/ severe panic problems.

What kind of dog is she? Big? medium? Small? We have three Shih Tzus, one of which is really attuned to me. When I get sick - like w/ the flu - she will not leave me lying on the bed. While I'm sleeping, she crawls up & lies down w/ her little head & neck across my neck - sort of like a scarf. Think she'd make a good SD?

DARNED GOOD JOB of facing & coping w/ panic!

Don

PS: Thanks for the good words.

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

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