Today is my fourth day home since my heart attack seven days ago. I want to thank all of you for your comments, tweets, and emails. They're great pick-me-ups and have really helped me cope with everything I've been through in the last week.
I feel much better and much more comfortable. I am slowly adapting to allowing Nurse Merrin to do things for me, as I cannot lift anything heavier than 5lbs and cannot bend over for a few more days. We're starting to get into some pretty good routines and that is particularly important for me (as I tend to do better with a routine).
When I first came home, I was very nervous that something else was going to happen or that I would have another heart attack, even though it is almost impossible given the amount of medication that I am on. The only analogy I can think of is — you know how you listen to every single sound your car makes the day you get it back from the mechanic after a breakdown? Yeah, that. I was acutely aware of every muscle twinge, every ache, and every breath. If I sat wrong and my leg fell asleep… ACK! But… I am feeling less anxiety as each day passes and I am slowly begin to trust my body again.
We're continuing to tweak our menus and Merrin found a great Mac app to help monitor what we're eating. We were already eating well for dinner, but I can tell a difference now that Merrin is controlling my breakfast & lunch rather than having free reign. Not only do I feel better, but I can already tell that I am going to take the weight off pretty easily.
I am walking at least twice a day for about 15 minutes. For us, that means about three laps around the block — roughly 0.75 miles — twice daily. I'm also looking forward to walking in the pool for some additional exercise and a break from the routine. But the walking is something that we can do together, and that makes all the difference.
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I know you have a pool, but you should see if your local y has any water fitness classes. Most of them are low impact and are a great way to get back into shape.
Yes, teh lifestyle change thing is contagial. Dammit the Dunderdog appreciates the increased 'round-the-block time, though he doesn't know he owes you for it. ;-D
Dude.
The wife-to-be and I are so glad you're doing better. And I gotta say, I kinda figured you and Merrin would tackle this thing, learn from it, and grow together. That's just the kinda folks y'all are.
I remember just a few short years ago when I, at the ripe old age of 23, had to be put on high blood pressure medicine. While certainly not the face-to-face meeting with your own mortality like you had to deal with, it was a wake up call. I started exercising, eating better, and I got off the meds two years ago. It sucks and is hard but I know you're not one to shy away from a challenge.
I've been so touched by the love you and Merrin have shared throughout your experience; reading it feels like the same thing I have with Misty. And I figure that if I can get even a little close to the powerful love you share with your wife (which is 110% evident upon meeting you guys), maybe my life just might be ok.
Anyway, we're still pulling for you. I know you'll do great. And please give my thanks to Merrin for the regular status updates, she's awesome.
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