Anniversary!!

Eight month anniversary on Monday for ICD/pacemaker implant and 8 1/2 months from 100% blockage of LAD heart attack. Ended up with 30% EF and significant heart damage. The ICD was result of V tach episode after the heart attack.

Can't believe the differences that have happened in those eight months. I've reduced my stress, lost 26 pounds and I am exercising six days a week for at least 30 minutes. Doing the treadmill at 3.7 mph and going up to an incline of 10 for at least 9 minutes of the 30.

For people out there struggling, if you can, go to cardiac rehab. They provide diet and exercise instruction that can get you on the right path to health.

All of this wouldn't have happened without my husband of 33 years who has been with me every step of the way. Even to the point of being in the ER room with me when they shocked my heart twice while awake. He has never left my side, especially emotionally.

I know I have a ways to go before I have full acceptance of my situation but it's getting there. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train!

To all of those out there struggling, keep pushing through and I wish everyone much success.

P.S. This site has been instrumental in my recovery. Thank you all so much

6 Comments

Congrats!!

by kmom - 2014-03-01 01:03:04

On feeling better and your improvement!! You are on your way!! Such great news!! Keep it up!! And its so wonderful you have such a supporting husband!! Iam thankful for mine as well!!

Fantastic!

by bluebowtye - 2014-03-01 11:03:03

That is such great news for sure! Congratulations! I just received my PM less than 2 weeks ago and it is so nice to hear success stories like this. They give me hope and reassurance that some day soon my life will be back to the way it was and maybe even better!

I wish you all the best and keep up the good work!

~Sheila

!! Great !!

by wjs1954 - 2014-03-01 11:03:16

Sounds like you have been through a lot and you have made the right choices now, great job!!!!

Way to go Marie!

by Grateful Heart - 2014-03-01 11:03:50

You've come such a long way and have worked hard, good for you!

As you know by now, I can't praise Cardiac Rehab enough. I think it should be mandatory for all of us that can exercise with our Cardios approval.

Acceptance is a huge part of the process. You're doing great!

Grateful Heart

Focus

by Theknotguy - 2014-03-01 12:03:13

Marie:

Don't forget to tell your hubby thanks. Sometimes the caregivers get overlooked because we focus on our problems. It's normal because things are being pushed in our face and we tend to focus on that. So a word of thanks goes a long way.

Ask him how he's doing and if there is anything you can do for him. Taking a little time to thank him for the little things he's taken care of while you concentrated on survival will go a long way.

I try to let my wife of almost 40 years know I appreciate the clean clothes, meals, helping with calendar issues, and all that stuff. As I got better, I stepped up to doing things I had done before but couldn't. And I try to tell her often I appreciate everything she does.

Glad to hear you're doing so well.

Theknotguy

Thanks to hubby

by Marie12 - 2014-03-01 12:03:40

Don't worry Theknotguy, he get's lots of appreciation. Everyday I express my thankfulness for what he does. I even just bought his boat a new oven and generator (lol). I tell him all the time that I know I wouldn't be here without him. I don't know how he stayed in the room with me while they were shocking me. True measure of a man. Side benefit is that I now have him on the treadmill too as he needs to lose a few pounds.

You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

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