Spring has sprung and I started my fitness plan last week. It
isn't much of a plan really. I am doing my best to do one lap around
our building. I can tell a difference after a week but my progress is
still disappointing. When I first walked around the building last week I
had to rest more than 5 times and each rest was 5 to 20 minutes and I
had to get on my oxygen when I finished. It was terrible.
Today I rested 3 times and each rest was a minute or 2. I didn't get
on my oxygen at the end. I also did a few other little things that
added about another 1/2 lap on my walk. So all around it was an
improvement. I have also had to keep my apartment inspection ready
which is a whole another story.
How did I get in such terrible shape?
For those that don't know I have heart failure. I also have COPD.
I've done pretty well taking care of myself but last summer I had
emergency surgery to have my gall bladder removed. It almost killed
me. I was fortunate that my nephew moved in with me and took care of me
for 2 months. After that he was forced to leave because I was going to
lose my disability insurance if he kept living with me. But he had
nursed me to the point that I was able to minimally take care of myself -
and I do mean minimally.
I worked on getting stronger just by doing routine housework and
errands. I have been keeping that stuff done but was not able to go out
into the winter weather or add any exercise to the mix. Just keep the
house inspection ready because the landlord keeps putting up notices of
inspection for the past 4 months!
Finally last week the weather became good enough for me to start my
walking routine to get stronger. So I'm working on it. Right now my
goal is to make a full lap around the building without resting. Then
I'll work on 2 laps and so on and so on....
Soon it will be summer and I can add swimming to my list. I love to
swim and went regularly except for last summer because of my gall
bladder.
And that is how I got into this shape. Right now every step is a
struggle because of breathing issues. Not because I get tired.
1 comment:
It's great that you're finding ways get fit. After all that you've been through, that's all that you could do to ensure that you not only living a healthy lifestyle, but you also get to keep your health insurance. Anyway, swimming is a great addition to your exercise routine. It works out a bunch of your muscles in one go, and boosts your stamina as well. So I would highly recommend it! Good luck!
Jason Hayes @ DECO Recovery Management
Post a Comment