Do I push or no?

Just had an ICD installed 4 weeks age and still not able to get moving. I had an MI in 2004 and it destroyed 80% of the anterior section of my heart. I have CHF for the last 3 years and my EFR went down to 28%. I'm 52, was in great shape not so great now lol

So anyone else similar? I'm looking for input I guess to settle my mind a little if that makes sense at all to anyone. Thanks.

5 Comments

TraceyE

by Shock - 2014-03-29 05:03:05

Sorry I should have been clearer. I totally agree with you on everything you say. I guess I'm just wondering about limits, physical limits. After my MI its been many adjustments and I never had any stability in terms of "being well". But I still moved forward but now, with the RF at 28% and feeling so tired all the time everyday is a struggle, in terms of having energy and the ability to even go for a walk. I fight fatigue constantly and I'm not sure how to deal with it. Do I just get up off my ass and walk no matter what and get to it. Do I follow who I'm feeling and not push to get at it? I'm not sure if I'm explaining myself with any better clarity but maybe this makes sense.....

push, how?

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-29 05:03:46

Not sure what you mean by pushing, do more and be active? If that what you mean, I would say yes, but with caution and supervision. Have they discussed cardiac rehab? I'm a big believer in doing as much as we can for as long as we can, don't go down without a fight.

talk to your dr

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-29 06:03:30

Unless walking makes you feel worse, then that's a great place to start. Physically it's good for you, but fresh air and simply moving are good for us too. I would talk to your dr, ask what's ok and what's not as far as symptoms and fatigue. Sitting around is a vicious cycle- you are tired so you sit, sitting too long makes you out of shape and tired. Cardiac rehab is wonderful to get started because they supervise you and monitor your heart so you know right away if it's a good push or too much. They'll help you find your limits and learn to distinguish.

Exercise

by Marie12 - 2014-03-29 09:03:39

I agree with the cardiac rehab. I am 53 had a massive heart attack causing CHF, ICD implant as a result of heart attack complications and have an EF of 30. I exercise aggressively on a treadmill everyday even when I really don't want to. I started out slow and yes it was hard but I see improvement every day.

You said it right. Just get up and do it. Don't over do it at first and build yourself up. Sometimes the less you do the less you want to do.

Thanks y'all

by Shock - 2014-04-08 11:04:37

Hey Thank you for your remarks. Just an FYI ... I'm trying everyday and it's a struggle ... I have no fear ... no joke .. and feel like crap but I 'm doing my best ... all your words mean much thank you.
Marie 12 you and I are in the same boat ... tell me what aspect of your heart was damaged front your MI and how long ago?
Mine was the anterior and it took 82% away ... that was in 2004 ... my CHF was diagnosed 3 years ago and my defib was installed last month ... I'm just curious as to others who have had the same thing as to what they are feeling ... if you don't mind sharing but if you do no worries k.

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.