Post heart attack help and advice.

[James_C]

I had heart surgery in september to repair a mitral valve. I'm 41.

Got a levo in december 19 for both fun and to assist with recovery. Its certainly helped encourage me out, and when I'm knackered I can just up the assistance level.

I'm still recovering physically and mentally. The combination of the procedure, pain killers etc and 2 small strokes at some point (according to MRI) have taken their toll. In fact, I had no strength or fitness at all post surgery, which came as a real shock to me.

I did try on my analogue bike prior to the ebike coming, very hard work and didn't go far. Not sure how much I would have continued with that without the ebike encouragement.

 

[Timmoh]

I had heart surgery in september to repair a mitral valve. I'm 41.

Got a levo in december 19 for both fun and to assist with recovery. Its certainly helped encourage me out, and when I'm knackered I can just up the assistance level.

I'm still recovering physically and mentally. The combination of the procedure, pain killers etc and 2 small strokes at some point (according to MRI) have taken their toll. In fact, I had no strength or fitness at all post surgery, which came as a real shock to me.

I did try on my analogue bike prior to the ebike coming, very hard work and didn't go far. Not sure how much I would have continued with that without the ebike encouragement.

Cheers James_C, I am definitely trying to run before I can walk as mine was only middle of April.
Good to hear you have found a way to keep riding safely and still enjoy pre event stuff with a few mods (bike and body!).
Again, these real life experiences regarding time frames and what works for different people has given me a broader take on my recovery and riding choices.
I have been on the old analogue bike a few times as I said in other posts but it is definitely different and with no e-assist when the old ticker ramps up, it does make me feel vulnerable and ready to call the missus for a lift back home-its somehow always uphill on the way home where I live in Wales........
Cheers and keep moving.......

 

[iainc]

Levo SL ordered and should be in the shop this time next week. Looking forward to getting back out on the trails ?

 

[Timmoh]

Levo SL ordered and should be in the shop this time next week. Looking forward to getting back out on the trails ?

Honest, I'm a bit jealous......
Enjoy every minute ??

 

[Rusty]

So, in my head, with no new part fitted as with a broken car of bike, I find it hard to "feel" it is fixed if that makes sense, once again its back to my head space ?.

Ahh, but the difference my friend is that our wonderful body can often heal itself without needing to consult a parts catalog.
Of course, running down to Super Cheap Body Parts would be an interesting shopping trip

 

[James_C]

Cheers James_C, I am definitely trying to run before I can walk as mine was only middle of April.
Good to hear you have found a way to keep riding safely and still enjoy pre event stuff with a few mods (bike and body!).
Again, these real life experiences regarding time frames and what works for different people has given me a broader take on my recovery and riding choices.
I have been on the old analogue bike a few times as I said in other posts but it is definitely different and with no e-assist when the old ticker ramps up, it does make me feel vulnerable and ready to call the missus for a lift back home-its somehow always uphill on the way home where I live in Wales........
Cheers and keep moving.......

The mains points I think are:

don't overdo it, build up gradually. the bloke opposite me in hosp was having his operation done again a year later, as he'd overdone it during recovery and ripped stitches out in his heart (!). By that point a year later his legs were full of water due to poor circulation!

if you do overdo it a bit, expect days to recover and being completely knackered during that time.

Also do everything you can to follow medical advice and avoid going back into hosp. Although not my fault I went into A-fib 4 weeks into recovery and nearly died, this was not only a massive mental blow but I missed my sons birthday as well as now looking at lifelong medication.

 

[Timmoh]

The mains points I think are:

don't overdo it, build up gradually. the bloke opposite me in hosp was having his operation done again a year later, as he'd overdone it during recovery and ripped stitches out in his heart (!). By that point a year later his legs were full of water due to poor circulation!

if you do overdo it a bit, expect days to recover and being completely knackered during that time.

Also do everything you can to follow medical advice and avoid going back into hosp. Although not my fault I went into A-fib 4 weeks into recovery and nearly died, this was not only a massive mental blow but I missed my sons birthday as well as now looking at lifelong medication.

Sobering stuff and I think I need to do the relaxation thing a bit more!
Appreciate the feedback and just don't let 'em grind you down (I'm rattling like you at the mo with tabs?).
Cheers.......

 

[Rick64!]

Hi Guys
Thanks for accepting me ! On December 28th last I suffered heart attack (full stemi) whilst on the bike in the Dublin Mountains. I have been riding MTB for a couple of years, (at 56 im not the oldest either!) and it was great to be able to go with my boys.
After getting the stent in and walking steadily every day I feel I'm getting some level of fitness back but I have found great comfort in listening to your personal story's.
I have already sold my Giant and the YT and I'm going to go EMTB over the next few weeks ....I really need to feel that mountain air again...
Thanks Guys

 

[Norange]

As per the previous posts, I think there might be some good methods to help you with the e-bike. I think Blevo is the App that works with Specialized bikes and means you can set a target heart rate and the app will auto adjust the assistance level for you?

 

[Timmoh]

Hi Guys
Thanks for accepting me ! On December 28th last I suffered heart attack (full stemi) whilst on the bike in the Dublin Mountains. I have been riding MTB for a couple of years, (at 56 im not the oldest either!) and it was great to be able to go with my boys.
After getting the stent in and walking steadily every day I feel I'm getting some level of fitness back but I have found great comfort in listening to your personal story's.
I have already sold my Giant and the YT and I'm going to go EMTB over the next few weeks ....I really need to feel that mountain air again...
Thanks Guys

Welcome and it's good to see you so positive and up for it.
Just an update as you may wonder why my last post was last May after starting the thread, it was because a few days after the post, I had a second heart attack and flatlined for 5 mins.
Rushed me in after jumping up and down on the old ribcage and stented a damaged aorta (it was damaged by them removing the catheta/probe on the first op!).
What I would say is, don't overdo it. There is little face to face contact from hospitals for us now and my recovery and rehab over the phone was an added reason for the decline-too much too soon without the usual check ups.
Also, give it time. A year on from the first and its been a long journey to get this far-anyone in this club will know what I mean. I still feel I have a way to go as well.
Right, update over. The emtb was a turning point and a 1000 miles later I am using ECO and tour mostly for those bursts of fitness and to build up without blowing out of my arse. The 40 milers can end when you want them to, even 10 mile from home, you can hit the turbo mode and cruise home.
The only downer is the blood thinners and the offs. You will look like something out of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre if you come off. Take a good few plasters and a velcro strap so you can keep the red stuff on the inside.
Anyways, it will change your life (the ebike that is) for the better and make you feel human again. You will also appreciate where you ride more as there's no sweat in your eyes!
Ride on mate ?

 

[B1rdie]

I was allowed to stop with the blood thinners two monthes ago, allmost a year after having the stent placed and now I feel more comfortable to try the tough climbs that I enjoy so much, but for a long while I have been trainning more on flatlands or flowy trails trying to keep higher cadence and lower bpm. My focus has been on keeping body temperatures low and to avoid the breathless sensation that could come from a motor failure while climbing. Keeping the rpm high and bpm low did allow me to achieve a 1.000 km last august.
Keep spinning those pedals, and good luck to all you guys.

 

[Bellefield]

Jeez, this is a very sobering thread ? I'm 57, officially obese (as my doctor enjoys telling me), unfit, high cholesterol, and have several lung issues, but I love to go out on the ebike or hiking over the hills and my heart rate is regularly in the peak zone.

Currently in lockdown here until mid April, so I'm using the time to lose weight, mostly by trying intermittent fasting, but also some walking / hiking and some mega rides with lots of climbs and descents. Managed to lose 5kg so far, but I probably need to lose another 20kg so I'm not rushing it, and aiming for sustained weight loss of 0.5kg to1.0 kg a week.

I try to ride in eco as much as possible to give myself as full a work out on the hills as I can, but after reading this, I might just keep an eye on my heart rate a bit more, Thanks for the warnings guys, and keep looking after yourselves.

 

[Timmoh]

Jeez, this is a very sobering thread ? I'm 57, officially obese (as my doctor enjoys telling me), unfit, high cholesterol, and have several lung issues, but I love to go out on the ebike or hiking over the hills and my heart rate is regularly in the peak zone.

Currently in lockdown here until mid April, so I'm using the time to lose weight, mostly by trying intermittent fasting, but also some walking / hiking and some mega rides with lots of climbs and descents. Managed to lose 5kg so far, but I probably need to lose another 20kg so I'm not rushing it, and aiming for sustained weight loss of 0.5kg to1.0 kg a week.

I try to ride in eco as much as possible to give myself as full a work out on the hills as I can, but after reading this, I might just keep an eye on my heart rate a bit more, Thanks for the warnings guys, and keep looking after yourselves.

I was 56 and a keen cyclist, healthy weight and always ate well-and it still kicked off for me.
I think you are doing the right thing though, slow and steady. Believe me, all types of body shape, addiction and age were on the cardiac ward when I was in.
I bet it had a sobering effect for the few across the ward when they found they had front row seats as the jumping on the chest started!
Good luck with the weight loss/healthier lifestyle-and don't go towards the light unless it is a big golden "M" ? xx

 

[Rick64!]

Welcome and it's good to see you so positive and up for it.
Just an update as you may wonder why my last post was last May after starting the thread, it was because a few days after the post, I had a second heart attack and flatlined for 5 mins.
Rushed me in after jumping up and down on the old ribcage and stented a damaged aorta (it was damaged by them removing the catheta/probe on the first op!).
What I would say is, don't overdo it. There is little face to face contact from hospitals for us now and my recovery and rehab over the phone was an added reason for the decline-too much too soon without the usual check ups.
Also, give it time. A year on from the first and its been a long journey to get this far-anyone in this club will know what I mean. I still feel I have a way to go as well.
Right, update over. The emtb was a turning point and a 1000 miles later I am using ECO and tour mostly for those bursts of fitness and to build up without blowing out of my arse. The 40 milers can end when you want them to, even 10 mile from home, you can hit the turbo mode and cruise home.
The only downer is the blood thinners and the offs. You will look like something out of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre if you come off. Take a good few plasters and a velcro strap so you can keep the red stuff on the inside.
Anyways, it will change your life (the ebike that is) for the better and make you feel human again. You will also appreciate where you ride more as there's no sweat in your eyes!
Ride on mate ?

 

[Rick64!]

Jesus ...Thats a shocker !....I hope the recovery has been going OK ?
I used to feel so bullet proof !!!...just gotta get over myself!!!
"Not over doing it" would be a good start...good advice ?
Look after yourself mate
Richard
Dublin

 

[Timmoh]

Jesus ...Thats a shocker !....I hope the recovery has been going OK ?
I used to feel so bullet proof !!!...just gotta get over myself!!!
"Not over doing it" would be a good start...good advice ?
Look after yourself mate
Richard
Dublin

Cheers Rich, I'm still think I'm bullet proof, just not . 50 cal bulletproof (more like paintball gun proof-just) ?. I will, take care mate.

 

[Tubby G]

Hi guys. Just thought I’d chip in with a little story to offer some hope as I’ve been in a similar situation and am still alive to tell the tale!

Around six years ago I was fit as a fiddle, regularly running half marathons ,10k’s, tough mudder type events, mtb’ing, skateboarding, surfing, bit of everything really. Not an ounce of fat on me. Ate like a rabbit, all that healthy green stuff, my body was a temple ...

Started feeling a bit ill around Christmas, passed a load of blood at a party one night. A week later I could hardly lift myself off the sofa, thought maybe I should go to a doctor as something wasn’t right. Long story short and after three days passed out in A&E having blood transfusions, tuned out I had cancer, the tumour was 280mm in length and wrapped up inside my intestines. I had to have emergency surgery to have it all removed, was told before surgery that I’d probably end up in a wheelchair with a colostomy bag for the remainder of my days

Luckily the surgery was clean, tumour removed and no requirement for a wheelchair or colostomy bag. I did have to have preventive chemotherapy for three years (pills not IV) and this just totally wiped me out. I couldn't get any fitness back, couldn’t ride my bike, no running, no gym, kind of lost any motivation to get fit again. Took up riding motorbikes to get the thrill of two wheels and this became my main focus of leisure for pleasure over the years. Put on loads of weight, even though I still eat relatively healthily

Anyway, fast forward to now and the discovery of emtb’s. Absolutely loving it. Riding on average 70 miles every weekend all over the Yorkshire Moors. Bombing down the descents, turbo mode up the ascents, but making it to the top without bursting my lungs all over the trail! Beginning to feel a whole lot fitter in the short three months of riding already. I still take it fairly easy on the ascents and that’s where the emtb’s shine for me. I even have an alarm on my Garmin watch that beeps if I hit 180bpm heart rate just to remind me to take it easy. Makes me feel like the Incredible Hulk

So sorry to waffle on, and I didn’t want this to be a story all about me, just wanted to offer some hope as I know what it’s like on the dark side of health and yet now I feel its all behind me and have plenty of life to look forward to once again. Best of luck with your recovery

 

[Timmoh]

Hi guys. Just thought I’d chip in with a little story to offer some hope as I’ve been in a similar situation and am still alive to tell the tale!

Around six years ago I was fit as a fiddle, regularly running half marathons ,10k’s, tough mudder type events, mtb’ing, skateboarding, surfing, bit of everything really. Not an ounce of fat on me. Ate like a rabbit, all that healthy green stuff, my body was a temple ...

Started feeling a bit ill around Christmas, passed a load of blood at a party one night. A week later I could hardly lift myself off the sofa, thought maybe I should go to a doctor as something wasn’t right. Long story short and after three days passed out in A&E having blood transfusions, tuned out I had cancer, the tumour was 280mm in length and wrapped up inside my intestines. I had to have emergency surgery to have it all removed, was told before surgery that I’d probably end up in a wheelchair with a colostomy bag for the remainder of my days

Luckily the surgery was clean, tumour removed and no requirement for a wheelchair or colostomy bag. I did have to have preventive chemotherapy for three years (pills not IV) and this just totally wiped me out. I couldn't get any fitness back, couldn’t ride my bike, no running, no gym, kind of lost any motivation to get fit again. Took up riding motorbikes to get the thrill of two wheels and this became my main focus of leisure for pleasure over the years. Put on loads of weight, even though I still eat relatively healthily

Anyway, fast forward to now and the discovery of emtb’s. Absolutely loving it. Riding on average 70 miles every weekend all over the Yorkshire Moors. Bombing down the descents, turbo mode up the ascents, but making it to the top without bursting my lungs all over the trail! Beginning to feel a whole lot fitter in the short three months of riding already. I still take it fairly easy on the ascents and that’s where the emtb’s shine for me. I even have an alarm on my Garmin watch that beeps if I hit 180bpm heart rate just to remind me to take it easy. Makes me feel like the Incredible Hulk

So sorry to waffle on, and I didn’t want this to be a story all about me, just wanted to offer some hope as I know what it’s like on the dark side of health and yet now I feel its all behind me and have plenty of life to look forward to once again. Best of luck with your recovery

Spot on mate. Never know what around the corner.
Jeez, 280mm tumour, only got 160 travel on my bike ?. Good to hear things are still going well and emtbs have got their teeth into you good an proper.
At the end of the day, nothing to apologise for in the stories like these, they are about me/us, and they give hope in those pretty shite, dark times when there feels like there is nothing left.

 

[The EMF]

Hi guys. Just thought I’d chip in with a little story to offer some hope as I’ve been in a similar situation and am still alive to tell the tale!

Around six years ago I was fit as a fiddle, regularly running half marathons ,10k’s, tough mudder type events, mtb’ing, skateboarding, surfing, bit of everything really. Not an ounce of fat on me. Ate like a rabbit, all that healthy green stuff, my body was a temple ...

Started feeling a bit ill around Christmas, passed a load of blood at a party one night. A week later I could hardly lift myself off the sofa, thought maybe I should go to a doctor as something wasn’t right. Long story short and after three days passed out in A&E having blood transfusions, tuned out I had cancer, the tumour was 280mm in length and wrapped up inside my intestines. I had to have emergency surgery to have it all removed, was told before surgery that I’d probably end up in a wheelchair with a colostomy bag for the remainder of my days

Luckily the surgery was clean, tumour removed and no requirement for a wheelchair or colostomy bag. I did have to have preventive chemotherapy for three years (pills not IV) and this just totally wiped me out. I couldn't get any fitness back, couldn’t ride my bike, no running, no gym, kind of lost any motivation to get fit again. Took up riding motorbikes to get the thrill of two wheels and this became my main focus of leisure for pleasure over the years. Put on loads of weight, even though I still eat relatively healthily

Anyway, fast forward to now and the discovery of emtb’s. Absolutely loving it. Riding on average 70 miles every weekend all over the Yorkshire Moors. Bombing down the descents, turbo mode up the ascents, but making it to the top without bursting my lungs all over the trail! Beginning to feel a whole lot fitter in the short three months of riding already. I still take it fairly easy on the ascents and that’s where the emtb’s shine for me. I even have an alarm on my Garmin watch that beeps if I hit 180bpm heart rate just to remind me to take it easy. Makes me feel like the Incredible Hulk

So sorry to waffle on, and I didn’t want this to be a story all about me, just wanted to offer some hope as I know what it’s like on the dark side of health and yet now I feel its all behind me and have plenty of life to look forward to once again. Best of luck with your recovery

You’re an inspiration to all reading this thread........Respect bud ?

 

[Stihldog]

My story spans since 2003…but today, if both my feet hit the peddles, it’s gonna be a good day. I never really knew what “living-the-moment” meant before that day.

 

[Keggie]

8 years on from a heart attack at 40 ,ironically I was the fittest I’ve ever been , gym ever day etc.
Getting an emtb was the best thing I’ve ever done
It’s funny to read that there are a lot of recovering cancers ,heart attacks and stroke patients on this forum
As I’ve said before ,that the powers that be should give ebikes out on prescription

 

[Dod Colony]

At 57 and not particularly fit this is a sobering thread, much respect to you all for sharing.