23 replies to this topic

[mario]

Hi All,

I am 24 and recently had double bypass heart surgery (caused by genetics rather than lifestyle choices) and was wondering if anyone has had the operation and returned to running (or if anyone knows of some that has)???


Thanks,
Mario

[Bellthorpe]

Yep. A week ago I had my first race after surgery (12k at Glass House). That was 16 weeks post-CABG.

Much fun at the time.

By all means ask away here if there's anything I can help you with.

You don't have enough posts to PM yet, but you should be able to email me through my profile.

All the best with it!

[OldStarter]

Mario/Bellthorpe,

I've watched Bellthorpe's progress with much interest and it would be good to hear how you are going so far too Mario.

After a fairly eventful month I too am going to find out what it is like to go running after a bypass. My big day to become a 'Cardiac Athlete' is Tuesday 24th November.

My progress won't be at the same sort of pace that BT achieved as he is much more of an athlete than I am, however I am very good at slow and steady and aim to use the same philosophy here.

Thanks BT for your help thus far - much appreciated.

This year has taught me a lot about valuing good health, good friends and great family.

OldStarter (Alan)

[Bellthorpe]

Heh, I wouldn't call myself much of an athlete ... I'm just an old fart who likes to run. And, although not a winner, also likes to lay it on the line and race.

If there's a 'take home message' here, I think it's just that after what is quite major surgery, there's no need to give any athletic pursuit away. The hospital will suggest a rehabilitation programme, and you might well find it useful. But they seem to be geared to people who have hardly, or never exercised. I didn't do one. But slow and steady is certainly the way to get back into it. There might even be necessary limits. You'll figure it out.

You've seen over at Cardiac Athletes that after this or similar surgery, people get back to full IM triathlons, marathons, competitive cycling, tennis, weightlifting, whatever is going. It's not always without its complications (I've had some), but many people get completely scared off anything other than a walk around the block.

I keep in touch with people who were in hospital at the same time as I was. Some of them are now doing no exercise at all, none did the rehab programme (they all should have) and some are barely walking around the block. Not good.

In hospital, the physiotherapist made her first visit while I was in ICU, and had me walking. With assistance. About two yards. Then each day. It hurt. A lot. I looked forward to her visits, as I wanted to get up and about, and out. But other patients were avoiding her! Pretending to be asleep, or having to go to the toilet. Very foolish in my view.

From my point of view it's just an unfortunate incident, one that's over, and it's time to get back to living life as it's meant to be lived ...

All the best from next week onwards.

[serena]

Its encouraging to read this.

Following major surgery a week ago I so far have managed a walk round the block but been feeling a bit chickenhearted due to the pain (not heart; a bit lower). I came back from my 1.2km walk yesterday sweating like a 10k run and this is just a few months after running a marathon.

Onwards and upwards.

[Bellthorpe]

OldStarter, on Nov 22 2009, 12:05 PM, said:

After a fairly eventful month I too am going to find out what it is like to go running after a bypass. My big day to become a 'Cardiac Athlete' is Tuesday 24th November.

I just spoke to OldStarter in hospital. He's feeling pretty good about things, walking around, and looking forward to leaving early next week.

So far so good!

[Leofisio]

Bellthorpe, on Nov 22 2009, 03:03 PM, said:

Heh, I wouldn't call myself much of an athlete ... I'm just an old fart who likes to run. And, although not a winner, also likes to lay it on the line and race.

If there's a 'take home message' here, I think it's just that after what is quite major surgery, there's no need to give any athletic pursuit away. The hospital will suggest a rehabilitation programme, and you might well find it useful. But they seem to be geared to people who have hardly, or never exercised. I didn't do one. But slow and steady is certainly the way to get back into it. There might even be necessary limits. You'll figure it out.

You've seen over at Cardiac Athletes that after this or similar surgery, people get back to full IM triathlons, marathons, competitive cycling, tennis, weightlifting, whatever is going. It's not always without its complications (I've had some), but many people get completely scared off anything other than a walk around the block.

I keep in touch with people who were in hospital at the same time as I was. Some of them are now doing no exercise at all, none did the rehab programme (they all should have) and some are barely walking around the block. Not good.

In hospital, the physiotherapist made her first visit while I was in ICU, and had me walking. With assistance. About two yards. Then each day. It hurt. A lot. I looked forward to her visits, as I wanted to get up and about, and out. But other patients were avoiding her! Pretending to be asleep, or having to go to the toilet. Very foolish in my view.

From my point of view it's just an unfortunate incident, one that's over, and it's time to get back to living life as it's meant to be lived ...

All the best from next week onwards.

great advice BT...

I know lots of physios how said the same thing (patients avoiding then etc...) terrible!

Leo

[serena]

Hope you are up and running soon OldStarter, glad to hear the op went well, thanks for reporting, Bellthorpe.

[OldStarter]

serena, on Nov 28 2009, 09:24 PM, said:

Hope you are up and running soon OldStarter, glad to hear the op went well, thanks for reporting, Bellthorpe.

Hey all,
Finally I'm back on the 'air'. Couple of minor setbacks but that seems to be the way for everything that has a decent reward in the end. This one's the right to live longer.

BT,
The phone calls and encouragement were much appreciated. Reading back over your experience only serves to spur me on. Actually the chest isn't too bad now, it's the left calf (harvest site) that pains me. The best part is that it comes good after walking for 15 minutes or so.

Serena & Leofisio,
The best part of this forum is the people and the valuable information they share. If I can add to that resource in a small way its kind of like making a donation at Blood Bank. You never know when you may need to withdraw. Srena would love to run 1.2km at this stage, bit I'll wait. My turn will come next year. All the best for your recovery.

Cheers,
Old Starter
Alan

[Bellthorpe]

Great news Alan, glad you're up and about.

Take it easy, find your limits (if any!) and I look forward to your race results ...

[run2work]

Bellthorpe, on Nov 22 2009, 03:03 PM, said:

But other patients were avoiding her! Pretending to be asleep, or having to go to the toilet. Very foolish in my view.

Ahh that explains why the CAGS patients always appeared to be asleep when I approached them for chest physiotherapy. If only I had known.

r2w

[mario]

Alan / Serena,
Good to hear of your progress.
i'm sure bellthorpe has already told you but incase you don't know.
www.cardiacathletes.org.uk is a great site for people like us who enjoy running but have cardiac issues.

I'm back to it now....Jogging/walking most nights. My left pec muscle feels numb and uncomfortable but apart from that the body is feeling good.
Went and saw my cardiologist today. He doesn't want me to get back into the gym for another 2 months! needless to say i'm now searching for a specialist sports cardiologist. (if you know of any sports cardiologists in the sydney area could you let me know please).

Keep us all updated of your progess.

Cheers,
Mario

[Bellthorpe]

Glad to hear that you're back at it Mario.

I think CopperTone on CA might have a handle on a Sydney based cardiologist, you might drop him a note.

Did he say why you shouldn't go to the gym? Any particular issues, or is he just super-cautious? Or one of those who reckons that a brisk daily walk is sufficient for anyone?

[mario]

Bellthorpe, on Dec 11 2009, 04:22 PM, said:

Glad to hear that you're back at it Mario.

I think CopperTone on CA might have a handle on a Sydney based cardiologist, you might drop him a note.

Did he say why you shouldn't go to the gym? Any particular issues, or is he just super-cautious? Or one of those who reckons that a brisk daily walk is sufficient for anyone?

He is one of those super cautious doctors. I don't he has ever done any activity that raises his heart rate over 40. He almoast had a heart attack (pun intended) when i asked him about going sky diving and scuba diving.
I have seen him a few times but when i saw him the last time, he was asking me all those first time questions: whats your story, history etc. He checked my vitals then told me to come see him again in 2 months. i had to tell him to sit back down so i could ask the billion questions that i had.

He does want me to take one of those stress tests. Have any of you taken one. WHat is involved? All i know is that oyur hooked up to all the machines and run on a tread mill???

[Bellthorpe]

I'm more than happy with my cardiologist, fortunately. And he doesn't plan to give me a stress test. I asked him when he would, assuming it was standard procedure. He turned it around and asked me why I wanted one. I said that I assumed it would be necessary before resuming full athletic endeavours. He replied that in the absence of any particular symptoms that required it, he wouldn't do one. He mentioned the high rates of both false positives and false negatives. Given that my ECG seemed normal, and the surgery had done its job, there was no point.

He said that, absent any complications, I should see him again in twelve months. Ditto the surgeon.

I'm pleased that you're pinning your guy down with questions. You might ask him specifically why he wants you to do this test.

DrJH has given you a lead on another cardiologist, you might try that fellow. The other alternative of course is to ask your GP, who needs to give the referral in any case, if he knows of a sporting one.

Edited by Bellthorpe, 13 December 2009 - 10:34 AM.

[mario]

Bellthorpe, on Dec 13 2009, 11:21 AM, said:

DrJH has given you a lead on another cardiologist, you might try that fellow. The other alternative of course is to ask your GP, who needs to give the referral in any case, if he knows of a sporting one.

I feel a bit silly now because i didn't even think about asking my GP. Will try and see him this week. I'll also call the DR that DrJh mentioned.

To be honest with you, i feel that the Cardiologist is just milking me of money. My consultation was $197 and now he wants to charge me $495 for the stress test. It is very weird that your doc would not go through with a stress test but mine wants me to complete one..........i know we both have different conditions but from the sounds of things they can't be all to different.

Cheers,
Mario

[Bellthorpe]

I'm not sure what's different, Mario.

We both have had a CABG, and are moving on from that with our athletic endeavours ...

[OldStarter]

Merry Christmas all,

One month down and I'm starting to feel much better. No more arrythmias touch wood.

I'm walking 2.5Ks twice a day, with a little pace now.
Commenced the cardiac rehab program also which is going well, well to me anyway.

I'm positive that the exercise is aiding my recovery with the added oxygen being pumped around the old body.

The chests coming good to the point where a sneeze is not as dreaded as it used to be.
The leg is going ahead in leaps and bounds now. I have wondered what effect, if any, the harvest has on the muscles and associated bits in the calf?

Does anyone know?

Have a safe and healthy New Year.

Old Starter

[haggis basher]

Hi All
Just some info that might be of use: A friend of mine from my running club had 'triple' bypass 2 years ago, and a few weeks back ran a hard 5km x country in Centennial Park in 23mins.
he is 67 years old! He looks so healthy and happy.
Some inspiring news is always helpfull.
See Ya

Edited by haggis basher, 25 December 2009 - 04:09 PM.

[OldStarter]

Thanks Haggis,

That was a great Christmas present for all us CABGers. There's nothing quite like hearing of others successes to inspire you.

PS
Just for interests sake;
does your friend run in a kilt or shorts?

Happy New Year (soon)
Old Starter (Alan)

[haggis basher]

Hi OldStarter
Unfortunately, the guy is an Aussie! I am 70 next year, was going to do my 4th 6ft track, but entries closed.
See Ya

Edited by haggis basher, 28 December 2009 - 06:44 PM.

[Bellthorpe]

OldStarter, on Dec 25 2009, 12:53 PM, said:

I have wondered what effect, if any, the harvest has on the muscles and associated bits in the calf?

Glad you're coming along well. Keep it up!

My graft was from the thoracic artery, so I can't comment. And there are very few people on CR who've had a CABG. But that question is an ideal one to ask in CA, I'm sure there will be plenty of answers there.

[OldStarter]

Thanks BT,
I'll do that right away.

Old Starter

[durianrider]

Like they say 'bypass heart surgery! GO VEGAN!'

For more information on having a healthy heart visit these 2 sites.
heart attack proof

reversing heart disease

Ive lost 4 cyclist peers under age 30 to totally preventable heart disease in the last few years. They were all super fit cyclists as well. One was a world champion. One emailed me the morning of his fatal heart attack to arrange a time with me to talk about nutrition.

I will be damned if I sit on the fence any more wondering if I should say something or not.

Lifes short, speak from the heart and mean what you say. Those that mind, do not matter and those that matter do not mind. Lifes too boring and dull otherwise.