Walking after heart surgery

[digbyg]

I am curious to know if there are any hikers out there still walking after heart surgery such as angioplasty? Has the operation made walking possible again, or is it still too hard?

[neilmny]

Anzac Day 2011 I had a severe heart attack which involved having to be zapped back so to speak.
In an emergency, obviously life saving procedure 3 stents were "installed" and my recovery began from there.
Since then, after carefully and diligently following a recovery plan set up by the hospital and my specialist I became quite fit and lost 30kg. Back then I could hardly get up a couple of flights of stairs, now unless I'm walking up the side of something I don't feel like I'm exercising.

The secret apart from the top knotch care I received, seemed to be to follow the plan, diet, medication and exercise very carefully. The level of the attack I had has a very low survival rate. Within 7 months my heart function had recovered to 100%. My specialist was ecstatic and so was I when it's all said and done.

I walk at least 3 to 4 days a week for around 2 hours, often with a 10kg pack in the Dandenongs or if possible somewhat further away at somewhere more exotic if I can.

It has been a new life. So yes walking after heart surgey is very possible.

A couple of other things - I always carry Anginine tablets (everywhere), a mobile phone, a PLB
and someone knows where I'm going and when I should be back.

[stry]

And if your not confident, wear high vis and climb onto a stump or something else high if you feel crook

Seriously - I think Neil has nailed it. Take the advice of those to whom you are paying bucks to give that advice. Be diligent and thoughtful in applying that advice.

[Empty]

That's a good story Neil. I am pleased if turned out well for you and I imagine your perspective has changed immensely as a consequence of that experience.

[puredingo]

I had major heart surgery when I was 7 years old and have walked somewhere everyday since. I'll be 42 on Monday....hopefully.

[corvus]

I am curious to know if there are any hikers out there still walking after heart surgery such as angioplasty? Has the operation made walking possible again, or is it still too hard?

Yes it is possible to walk after angioplasty which I have had ,big hold up in my walking is arteritis that is a pain in the knees and other joints

[digbyg]

Thanks for those stories. Makes me much more confident to get back on the trails.

[Nuts]

Good luck digbyg!

[neilmny]

Thanks for those stories. Makes me much more confident to get back on the trails.

Before you start talk to your doctor, get a check up and get some advice on what level to start at.

My initial plan was 5 minutes on flat ground and about a month after leaving hospital involved not letting my heart rate increase more than 30 beats above resting and only walking for 20 minutes on level ground. So it was a long slow road.

I use a heart rate monitor on hilly walks and keep my heart rate below theoretical 80% of max (220-age)
Theory being to stay below anaerobic levels. The alert goes off, I stop and wait until the rate drops below 115 beats. It does get frustrating but atleast I'm out there. I also use a Pulse Oximeter to keep an eye on how well the engine is working. Neither was prescribed by my docotor but both these help my confidence greatly.

Good luck digbyg.

[stry]

That monitor sounds like an excellent idea Neil.

Would also be a handy preemptive tool for those who haven't been in as much trouble as you.

[slparker]

Thanks for those stories. Makes me much more confident to get back on the trails.

I was a CCU nurse in a previous life.... i can't think of a better rehab exercise than walking. Stay on your meds and progress back to where you were before the MI. The heart remodels extensively after cardiac procedures and using the heart promotes successful recovery.

Your arteries won't be the same or better than your 20 year old arteries, but it's about restoring function which is a factor of diet, medication and exercise. Fear is the thing that holds a lot of people back during the rehab phase but not exercising is much, much worse than exercise.

[Aintsameagain]

Hi digby, I'm a bit late to the party.
I had a heart attack in April last year and received a stent. Australia day this year my son and i stood on top of mt feathertop. I havent been there in 30 years. So yes you can.
I agree with all the suggestions above. I lost 10 kgs, take my pills and walk everyday and yes it has been a new life.
Remember it is better to take too many rest stops than not enough

[neilmny]

Thats a great story Aintsameagain and the tip on taking rest stops is a good one too.

[digbyg]

Yes well, since the stent went in in Jan 2015, I have now walked 600km of the Hans Heysen Trail, in 2015, then in 2016 800 km along the Pacific Crest Trail, High Sierras section.
So apart from bleeding like a stuck pig for every minor scratch due to the aspirin etc, I'd say that post surgery is far better than pre surgery. So far so good.

[neilmny]

Yes well, since the stent went in in Jan 2015, I have now walked 600km of the Hans Heysen Trail, in 2015, then in 2016 800 km along the Pacific Crest Trail, High Sierras section.
So apart from bleeding like a stuck pig for every minor scratch due to the aspirin etc, I'd say that post surgery is far better than pre surgery. So far so good.

That is great news digbyg, congratulations and yep I know that "bleed like a stuck pig" story all to well

[muffin man]

Amazing things...stents.
Had one popped in 5 years ago and never looked back.
It's not the heart that slows me now but muscle strains etc that slow me up.