I've seen some get back to running in 6-8 months, while others needed a little longer. Once you graduate from cardiac rehab (and get the go ahead from your doctor) and are able to walk comfortably for 45-60 minutes, you'll be at the point where you can incorporate running into your program again. Start slowly with mostly walking and sprinkle in a little bit of running. For example, warm up walking 5 minutes, then run for 30-60 seconds, followed by walking for 3-4 minutes (or until you catch your breath). Repeat this for 20 minutes and cool down with 5 minutes of walking. Repeat this workout three times per week on alternate days for at least 2-3 weeks. Then, if things go well progress to 25-30 minutes. Continue to progress as your body allows first by building up to walking a lot and running a little for 30 minutes and then, increasing the number of running minutes.
Well, I'm almost at the 6 month time period. I will wait till after my check-up on June 20th and the discussion on my PVC issues. Here are the key points that I think I will try:
1 - first walk comfortably for 45-60 minutes.
2 - sprinkle in a little running (30-60) seconds
3 - slowly increase the running minutes
Sounds like a plan!
The surgeon takes a piece of blood vessel from the chest or leg of the patient and grafts it onto the aorta, the artery which leaves the heart, and then he grafts the other end to the coronary artery beneath the block, thus creating a detour around the arterial blockage. Heart Surgery hospital in Germany
ReplyDeleteThe surgeon takes a piece of blood vessel from the chest or leg of the patient and grafts it onto the aorta, the artery which leaves the heart, and then he grafts the other end to the coronary artery beneath the block, thus creating a detour around the arterial blockage. The number of bypasses - single, double, triple, quadruple - refer to how many coronary arteries are bypassed in the operation, which depends upon the number of blocked coronary arteries. A triple bypass Illinois means that three coronary arteries are bypassed. In some bypass operations a heart lung machine is employed to maintain the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart during the procedure. Centers for Heart bypass in Germany
ReplyDeleteGood luck and keep going.
ReplyDeleteI (58 yrs) had 4X bypass in 2009 and started running again in about 2-3 months. Now (2011) I am running a little over 8 min miles. The best advice is to keep going, control your diet carfully, and don't let the little setbacks stop you.
John
Thanks for your inspiring comments John!
DeleteEarly 2008 (at age 60) I started having angina pains when running, but didn’t know what they were. I kept training because I was entered in Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach mid-March, 2008, and I did go to the race. That race day was easily the most miserable day of my life. It was cold, windy and rainy, and I had angina pain all 26.2 miles. It took me 5:04:16 to complete the marathon. Really slow for me. Back home I found out I had 85%, 95% and 100% blockage, and had a triple bypass two weeks later on April 4, 2008. The Dr. said my healthy set of collaterals was all that kept me going. I never did have a heart attack.
ReplyDeleteI started walking immediately after surgery while still in the hospital. I noticed that the floor tile in the hospital were 12” squares laid out in a pattern, so I counted the number of tiles in one pattern, and the number of patterns in a lap around the floor. By that method I determined that it took 15.5 laps to equal a mile and I walked 5 miles a day starting day one in the hospital. When released I made my wife drop me by the gym so I could walk a couple miles on the treadmill. That was symbolic to me. Eight weeks after surgery I “ran” my first post-surgery marathon in South Dakota (I live in Kansas City). The cardiologist was not pleased, but was almost OK with it. He wanted me to keep my heart rate below 120 so I wore a heart rate monitor and jogged until I got to 120 and walked until I got down to 90, and then started running again. By that method I finished in 6:10:00. My wife, daughter and daughter’s husband all ran with me. We had a great time. In March of 2009 one year later I went back to the same Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach and ran a 3:41:53, taking second place in the M6054 division! I actually cried I was so happy and so relieved. It had been an extremely hard year, but worth every bit of the hard work. Today I am almost 64 and have run 24 marathons since the surgery, including 11 marathons in 2011 and four marathons in the month of October. I just keep feeling stronger and stronger. In 2010 my wife & I flew to Peru and ran the length of the ancient Inca Trail. That was hard. Very hard.
One thing that I think is very, very important for any marathoner who has had this problem is to “overdose” on antioxidants. As I am sure you know, inflammation is the initiator of the process of building up plaque, and distance running causes an extreme amount of inflammation via muscle cell breakdown. My cardiologist actually wanted me to quit marathons because of that, but of course that will not happen. I have decided to keep running, but try to mitigate the inflammation via proper diet and lots of antioxidants. I achieved almost 20 METS in my most recent stress test. I think normal for a male my age is something like 8 or maybe 13. So, so far it is working.
Well, that is the story. I already have my entire racing schedule planned out for 2012 and the highlights for 2013 and 2014. I am really excited about 2013 and 2014. In 2013 I plan to Run Boston, run a Double at Pike’s Peak Marathon, and run my first 100 miler. In 2014 I will be 66 years old and will run the entire length of old Route 66.
Very impressive!
DeleteBut you seem a little extreme.You sound like someone who has come to running late and needs to make up for this if that is the case.
I have had a double heart bypass some 10 weeks back and ran a comfortable 3miles today at 9min 40 pcae. Before the op I could not run more than 2km-slowly- then need to stop.This after running the Milan Marathon Italy last April 2011 in 3o Celsius in 4 hr 15min at 65 years old- my slowest to date- I had no angina but had a 99% blockage to my two main left coronary branches- a kink in the water hose as it were. Running saved me- I knew something was wrong.
My first marATHON was London 1994
Yes I have run the Boston 97 and 100 marathons and ran in 34 countries so far.
I did not know about inflammation causing plaque to build up- I will check it out.I am glad john Kelly who ran the Boston Marathon 61 times did not know this!!!!
Sean O'Reilly
s.oreilly47@ntlworld.com
Great story! This is the great thing about the internet & blogging! Stories like this inspire others to keep a positive outlook! I will probably never run a marathon, but running again & competing athletically is my goal into my 60's!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work Bill!
I am a 58 year old female. Had Mitral valve surgery,,,and I also had arrythmia. I started walking 4 weeks after surgery. But..my breathing was a problem. Now..after continuing walking..2 months later...I can walk up hills, at a nice pace.
ReplyDeleteBut..honestly..I am disappointed. I thought my out of breath
problem prior to surgery was because of my bad valve. But..it seems..my breathing is the same now..as it was before. I thought I would be able to run and walk fast..without a breathing problem..now that my valve is fixed! Will it get better as time passes?
I had Mitral Valve surgery in January of this year. I can as of now comfortably walk 10 miles at a decent pace. However, running is still a problem as I can only run 2 miles at a slow pace without having to walk. Hopefully, this will improve. I actually am progressing as I try to run just a little further when I try running once a week. How are you doing now?
DeletePeter
It depends how fit you were say a year or two before surgery.
ReplyDeleteYou will have got deconditioned. Fitness takes time- no pain no gain.Surgery is only the start.
sean o'reilly
london
Glad to hear there some others out there who don't take the surgery lying down (ha). I'm a 62 triathlete and am now 8 weeks post op. I'm up to almost 40 miles per, although at a slow pace. I still have a long way to go to be where I was but am glad and inspired to hear your story.
ReplyDeleteSteve
Wow! Good for you! Keeping a blog has inspired me to get pushing! Good luck with your recovery & keep running!!!
ReplyDeletewould like to know how the woman who posted last year at this time is doing. I also had mitral valve surgery in Sept. 2012. and am working on getting back to running.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to us all. I also had quad carb in 2010 and ran my first 7 km race at 7 weeks in around 48 mins (never looked back since). We are all special people with a drive beyond mere mortals :-).
ReplyDeleteTwo years I ran my first half marathon (2:14). However I have been a solo road run since I went for my first run at age 11 with an older brother. I am almost 57 now and it saved my life - active all my life. It is so gratifying to see I am not alone and not and entire idiot. No one else understands the lift we get from running. Go for it fellow "zippers". Last year I started competing in multi sport events (they are fantastic) and now am looking at triathlons. Woohoo, live for the moment.
Encourage the younger generation, if exercise does not prevent heart disease due to genetics(my case it seems), it is mostly likely going to save a life. Keep moving!!!!!!!
I would like to thank for creating this interesting blog and i got a good knowledge to read your informational post.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I'm 71,had a shocker of a triplie bypass after 40 yrs of running and no risk factores. Am treadmilling now 25 mins, half @12 and rest walking. Looking forward to the cgallenge. Had assumed marathonung no longer an option, but......
ReplyDeleteInteresting, you and I had very similar experiences at the same age and with the same history. Ran 5 miles in the sun on Tuesday and after a stress test, from which I was expecting nothing, on Weds went to the ER in an ambulance for the old triple bypass. Rehab is done now and yesterday went out for 30 mins 5min alternative run/walk. Felt good to be back out but I don't have any realistic way to predict the future. Am finding it's all pretty case-specific and the nurses are mostly more helpful than the MD's. My goal, as I'm sure for many, is not longevity but quality of life. Heart attack and goodbye in five or ten years, OK, ten years of heart failure, no thanks. But that seems not to be inour control. Don't NEED to run another marathon, but would like to get back to 4 or 5 miles a day for "maintanance".
DeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input! The heart surgery & running is different for everyone! But one thing for sure, does not matter if you walk or run, just keep moving! This blog has been a great opportunity to share & connect with others!
I had a quad bypass almost a year ago and I have ran my first 5K in just under 10 min mile. I am now getting ready for my first 10K around my year anniversary of the surgery. I was running before my surgery and it saved my life as my widow maker artery was 95% blocked and the doctor said if I was not running and in shape I would not be here. Running saved my life and I don't intend to stop!! I agree just keep moving walk or run it will help!!!
ReplyDeleteJust had a triple cabg 2 weeks ago..8&90,% blockages..I am only 46 and was not a runner before however I know that I have to become one. I was worried I would never be able to do it after the surgery but thanks to all your postings, I have hope and proof its possible. Stay healthy and thanks
ReplyDeleteI am a 61 years old female had a mitral valve repair 7 weeks ago. Was not required to go to cardiac rehab though surgeon told me to use common sense when I started to run again. Started walking after 3 weeks, then incorporated running with my walking -60 seconds or so or until I was out of breath. Am now running /walking 3 miles but cannot run more than 1/4 mile before I am exhausted and have to start walking again. Am glad to hear I am not alone in this struggle to get back to my normal pre-op routine. My progress has been slow but every few steps I am able to add to the running portion of my walk/run is an accomplishment for me.
ReplyDelete25th day after carg, today. Walking since 3rd day; 30 minutes since 10th day.
ReplyDeleteAny suggestions on outdoor temperature limits for running a half? I ran in 29* but looking at 19* for my next run and don't want to over do it with cardiac workload. I am post double bypass 2011 this is my first year back into running and have completed 2 halfs this year
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteFirst, of course, check with your doctor!
Second, cold temperature can be an issue, a comfortable, light-weight mask?
Third, talk to other runners who have gone through open heart!
Aortic Valve - Open Heart
http://www.people.com/article/scott-allen-marathon-runner-open-heart-surgery-cow-valve
71 year old, runs marathon 4 months after open heart! (He ran 30 before!)
http://purpose2play.com/at-71-runner-completes-l-a-marathon-four-months-after-open-heart-surgery/
Cold Weather and Cardiovascular disease
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/General/Cold-Weather-and-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_315615_Article.jsp#
Hope these help!
Good luck & be safe!!!
ReplyDeleteFirst, of course, check with your doctor!
Second, cold temperature can be an issue, a comfortable, light-weight mask?
Third, talk to other runners who have gone through open heart!
Aortic Valve - Open Heart
http://www.people.com/article/scott-allen-marathon-runner-open-heart-surgery-cow-valve
71 year old, runs marathon 4 months after open heart! (He ran 30 before!)
http://purpose2play.com/at-71-runner-completes-l-a-marathon-four-months-after-open-heart-surgery/
Cold Weather and Cardiovascular disease
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/General/Cold-Weather-and-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_315615_Article.jsp#
Hope these help!
Good luck & be safe!!!
Hello! I had my triple cabg of February 8th 2016 or about 4 and 1/2 weeks ago at age 50 due to a poor diet. I was extremely active as a marathon and 50K trail runner in my 30s, I even finished an easy 50 miler at age 38. In my 40s I changed professions and allowed myself to become desk bound for nearly a decade.
ReplyDeleteLast year I decided enough was enough and began hiking, biking and running again, hard effort generated chest and arm pain but it didn't register to me at the time. I would run on trails for 6 miles several times each week and always experienced chest pains on the hills.
This year I had a check up on January 4th and was referred to a cardiologist by mid month. I after an angiogram I was informed that I had 5 severe blockages of 90% or more and that the 2 most severe were not good candidates for stents, a triple bypass was reccommended so that is what I did.
The first 2 weeks of recovery were difficult but the haze the pain meds numbed it quite a bit. I began walking the day after surgery but not that far. 6 days after my surgery I began to walk 1 mile on a flat paved park trail, I did this a dozen time before I became bored and asked my surgeon if I could ride a bike, he told me yes so I did that on paved trails 3 times for 1 hour to 90 minutes. Recovery the day after these rides was tough but just being outside riding in the sun made me happy to be alive.
I have decided that I want to run again more than anything else so I have started to hike on single track dirt trails along the river near where I live. I have done this 2 times with the longest trek being 6 miles and 1 hour and 45 minutes with a 2 minute run that let me know it's still too early.
Keep the faith, it's very encouraging to read all the success stories!
Edward Larson, Great Falls Montana.
Great to read about your journey! I have found the blog I have written has not only helped me, but, allowed me to connect with many people like yourself!
DeleteKeep a positive outlook and stay pro-active with your health! I am over 5 years out from my surgery and try to life every day to the fullest! Good luck Edward!
Am 6 1/2 months out from 4x cabg. Was released to run @ 5 months. At 62 ran only 5Ks prior. Feeling discouraged that my best to date was 1 mile/14 minutes with walking for 30 minutes. Thanks to the comments feeling better about progress. Trying to return to mindset during early recovery when "however long, what it takes, we'll get there with patience and perseverance".
ReplyDeleteWow. In embarrassed, had triple at age 71 2 years ago after running 20 40 miles per week since age 30. Had run 7 marathons. But have not been able to resume at all, or anything over 5k and that is very difficult. Biking, walking fast and the daily routine are fine, but when my rate goes to 110 or so, I just can't seem to breath well the d days of a two hour relaxing run seem gone. But some of you folks are doing it. So what's wrong with me?
ReplyDeleteEveryone is different Tony. Stay positive & keep talking to people & research! After 5 by-passes, I never really was the same. I still have PVC's when my heart rate is in the 100-120 range. I am presently mixing walking with running! (More walking!) But, still am enjoying life, family & grand kids!! Enjoy each day & keep moving!
ReplyDeleteGreat story Jim. At 64, I'm still trying to figure out what is a got BPM rate when doing my 3.5 miles. What have you found to be acceptable without putting oneself in danger?
ReplyDeleteFirst, always discuss with your doctor. Second, I purchased a heart rate monitor & that allows be to check my heart rate as I run. With my PVC's, I try to slow up or speed up according to my monitor. Everyone is different, with my PVC issues, I play it on the safe side - 110 - 130 heart rate.
ReplyDeleteAt age 69, I'm running two miles a day at a 10 1/2 minute mile. Two years ago, I had open heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm and replace the aortic valve. The recovery was like most other peoples .. I started with walking daily and after a year I was able to run slowly. I keep trying to run faster, but my legs are not cooperating. My breathing is fine and my BP is low. But I keep trying every day and hope I'll get back to my 8 1/2 min. mile I used to run before surgery.
ReplyDeleteHad bypass surgery about 8 years ago. Was never an athlete and only started running in October last year. I have now participated in 46 Parkruns of 5km. Presently run sub 35 minutes over this distance and am aiming for 33 mins. The improvement to my health has been fantastic. My cardiologists is amazed, he has patients in their forties who cannot match me on the treadmill. My 78th birthday comes up in December. So forget the age, get out their and run. It becomes fun sooner than you expect.
ReplyDeleteI had a CABGx2 having been athletic my whole life with a good diet and never smoked. Genetics, stress and inflammation from life of training would appear to be drivers of blockage discovered after angina pain on long very cold winter run.
ReplyDeleteStarting walking right away after surgery but haematomas in leg where veins were harvested really slowed me down in weeks 2-4 as it was hard to stand on that leg. Still managed 45-60 minute slow walk each day. A spin bike was much more helpful. I started with low resistance and I could only manage 45 RPM in week 2. I upped max heart rate about 5 beats in 3 minute intervals each week from 120 until I hit 162 max in week 9. 1 hour rides with 10 minute warm up then 3 minute intervals every ten minutes. By week 8 I could interperse 100 meters of running into my walks with 2-3 minutes of walking. Running was gentle at 9:30 or 10 minute per mile pace. Before week 7 running felt a little jarring on the chest so I didn't push it.
The best investment I made was a polar v800 heart monitor as I found fitbit was not accurate enough. The cardiac rehab staff did not know what to do with my heart rate graphs showing 162 max heart rate from the spinning intervals when they wanted me at no more than 132 heart rate.
I have not experienced any chest pain or angina or breathing issues during this programme of rehab. The discomfort in the chest has been more the issue so I reversed the spin bike handle bars so I could sit more upright and not put pressure on my chest through leaning forward on my arms to be in the standard racing bike position.
I am now working on diet and exploring supplements like Hawthorne and coQ10.
Onwards
All these stories are great. I myself had heart surgery 3 years ago. I had one artery 90% blockage. Im 47 now and it had been difficult for me to excerise. I had lost 30 lbs before this issue but I have gained the weight back. Its because Im scared to run and walk like I was doing before surgery. But after reading all the success stories and seeing that I can get back to my routine. The stories are wonderful. And we all are blessed to still be here thank the lord for his grace and mercy.
ReplyDeleteI'm 68 and a half and had quad bypass a year ago. I have been running my whole life, until 38 as a (very) competitive club runner.
ReplyDeleteMy coronary problem was discovered more by accident: a strangely uncomfortable feeling that felt like it might have been arrhythmia eventually led to the discovery after a coronary CT scan.
I think that after I was 50 the regularity of my training was more imagined than real: keep a training diary! But the reason for blockage was probably genetic.
I took the advice I was given about exercise after surgery. (The bigger problem was the removal of an entire vein from my left leg.) I got up to more than an hour of walking as fast as I literally could after about 8 months. Then started going to the gym. I use(d) a combination of rowing, walking and ski machine and I'm now managing 2000m in 10 minutes rowing, keeping my heart rate below 130, followed by comprehensive stretching. Then 20 minutes running, using a heart monitor, working slowly up to 10km/hr after approx 5/6 minutes and max heart rate of 150. Then 10 minutes 'warm down' with max rate around 130.
I have no pain and I can breathe fairly normally the whole time. I actually feel that I could run quite a lot faster but, if I do, my heart rate will quickly exceed 160 and I'm trying to be patient with that.
To be honest I'm disappointed that my heart rate is so high with what for me is so little effort and I wonder what to expect after surgery: I know nothing about recovery times. Going online hasn't helped a great deal and doctors are unwilling to commit themselves.
A recent blood test showed very good values and a lung check up showed better than average capacity so they don't appear to be issues.
For me 10km/hr is literally pedestrian and I hope that regular steady training will slowly improve my performance. I'll be happy when I can get back to 40 minutes at 14km/hr.
I am 58 with bypass 4 months ago and like you was fit and competitive before. Same problem with heart rate going high but not feeling short of breath at all...... worrying hey ?
DeleteFirst, good luck on your recovery! Everyone is different, just continue to listen to your body & ask a lot of question with your doctors! I keep a notebook on my visits & questions. Also, websites, like the Cleveland Clinic! Good Luck!!!
DeleteFranc.... are you taking beta blockers ?
DeleteMy Heart Meds that I take:
DeleteAtorvastatin(statin-reduce bad cholesterol) - 40 mg
Metoprolo(beta-blocker)l - 25 mg
Amlodipine(calcium channel blocker) - 5 mg
I am 54 years old and I had a triple bypass 2 weeks ago. High Cholesteral runs in my family. All these stories are very encouraging! Thank you so much! I have been an avid runner for most of my adult life and I was wondering when would be a good time to get back into running without hurting my body. For the past 2 weeks I have been walking in hospital, around this house or on the sidewalk by our home. Today I walked down the block to entrance of our neigborhood with no problem. I haven't started cardio rehab yet but I also want to manage my expectations. So far so good. From want I have read, for now, keep moving and keep walking. I like the idea of running in a 10k to celebrate my one year anniversary of surgery next year. That will be my goal. Thanks again for all your stories.
ReplyDeleteFirst, get that 10K on your one year anniversary!
ReplyDeleteSecond, keep communicating with fellow open-heart runners!
Third, stay in touch with you doctor!
And last, enjoy each day! We are blessed as open-heart patients!
Thank you for sharing such wonderful information! When it comes to health, there is nothing more important than managing to eat healthy food and doing exercise regularly.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment! The other factor I find critical is be your own advocate! Take charge! Do not be afraid to ask your doctors questions & keep good records! Good Health to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the posts. I had 3 bypass and mitral valve repair 3 1/2 months ago at age 68. I started running in high school and never quit. Not huge distances, 5K three times a week, but lots of other exercise also. I knew something was wrong 10 or 12 years ago when the running times started getting slower than they should have. A trip to the cardiologist and a stress test show mitral prolapse, but he said we didn't need to hurry to fix it. Well, he finally said it was time. My running pace had slowed to low 10s for 3 miles.
ReplyDeleteJust starting to try to get back in shape. I can only run a tenth of a mile before getting too tired. Then I walk a tenth and start the process over. Pitiful, but I haven't given up yet. I can ride my bike for 45 minutes at average HR of about 125 or so, but running seem much harder so far.
Another thing I notice is that my resting HR is still much higher than pre surgery. Now at 66 to 70, versus 50 to 55 before. Perhaps that will change with time also. My surgeon and cardiologist both say it can take 6 months to a year to get back to pre surgery levels.
Good luck to all,
Steve
Great to hear from you Steve! You sound like many of my posts! Coaching track & field for 35 years I have a lot of friends that love to run! You are a survivor! Congrats! Now, you may need to change your goals & modify your workouts, BUT continue to exercise! Just a few coaching points(Can't help myself!): 1 - be pro-active with your doctors! Ask lots of questions and continue to be aggressive with your medical issues. 2 - Talk to other heart survivors! Sometimes the best advice comes from other people that had similar operations. 3 - Meds - are you on any? This changes a lot of things! I am on three, and my heart rate, my body, and the way I feel every day is different! My goal every doctor appointment - see if I can either reduce the dosage or eliminate the med! & 4 - Be thankful for each day! Good luck & keep moving!
ReplyDeleteI am 59 years old and just got a 5 coronary bypasses when never smoked, never had any problem with foods, sugar........ cardiologist told me , no chance this is linked to your family genetics..I did not have any attack but my arteries were blocked at 99% !
DeleteI am a triathlon men for a long time and a sportive guy more than 30 years time....
Just 2 weeks after the surgery, I began to cycle at the sportive hôspital and to walk one hour. After 8 weeks and at home I am able to cycle 2 hours at 70% of heart frequency. I am able to run one hour and doing 5 miles at 70% again. I am also able to swim one hour .
I am very happy and I am sure i will again do triathlon . My objective is to do one next 2018 May
Please,I have a question concerning your experience .
I noticed I am not able to run at the same speed when I am at the same head frequency ( 70% as example of the maximum) than before the surgery. Before I was able to run 6 miles in one hour at 70% of my heart frequency , now I cannot do more than 5 miles at the same frequency. Did you have the same problem? When cycling I notice the same problem, i am about 10/15% less at the same frequency than before the surgery. It seems the heart rate is growing up very quickly
Did you notice the same problem when you run again? How long did he take to recover the same speed at the same frequency. Or do I have to forget my capacity before the surgery as this will never come again?
59 year old triathlete. First, congrats on your surgery & getting back to training. That is awesome & do not take that lightly!! Second, as a 59 athlete, without heart surgery, you will have issues maintaining your running, swimming, & biking rates. Age itself is a battle! Third, you had surgery, on your heart! Let me give you another example, an athlete like a football player, takes over a year to recover from knee surgery like a torn ACL, and they are in their 20's & 30's! So, after open-heart surgery, you will take 1-2 years to fully recover, but remember, now age 60-61! So, yes, I am not where I was 6 1/2 years ago, BUT, and I tackle new physical activities other than running. So, keep moving, but you may need to change goals.
ReplyDeleteGreat stories. Started running about 12 yrs ago. Now 73. Never a fast runner but managed ½ marathons within 140 min. Last year running became more and more of a struggle. Heart rate would go up above 170 bpm. Diagnosis: atrial fibrillation. Was admitted for hybrid ablation, only then it was discovered that I had 4 blockages. The surgeons put in 4 bypasses and did an open heart Maze ablation. Great, they would not have done it at my age if I hadn’t had that running condition!!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I feel a lot better now (a year on), but am disappointed at the speed I now achieve. I ran 38 m/k a month before surgery and now still just as fast (=slow). Started to run 10 weeks after the op and everything seemed so light, short intervals but would easily reach 6 m/k . Then after a couple of weeks, the heart rate went skyrocketing at the start and I was sure I had been to too quick and too fanatic. Sought medical sport help and got into a more controlled built-up, but find it hard now to get up to speed. I would have expected to be able to run better again, seeing the heart had been provided with a better flow of blood (and oxygen) and worry that (some of) the grafts had gotten detached or clogged up again. I now read that on average 1 in 5 bypasses clog up again within 6 months. Anyone out there with any insight in these matters?
sorry, I ran/run 38 min / 5 k
ReplyDeleteThank you for the input! First, very happy to hear you are feeling better. One thing I have noticed, every car is unique. And, the more research, conversations, and experiences shared the better! Like I have said in previous comments, be realistic! As we age, our athletic careers & running will challenge us! But, never stop moving! Today I have an Echo-Stress test to check on my "ticker". More information is good! Good Luck Wietze!
ReplyDeletehad triple bypass 3 years ago. I am a lifelong runner with fast twitch muscles.48 sec, 400 metres. Am 68 now and was running 4 months after surgery but legs felt and still do very heavy, Can fast walk and cycle with no difficulty. Why the heavy legs?
ReplyDeleteI am 71 years old. For more than 15 years I was experiencing heartburn like symptoms, especially while exercising. Was treated for acid reflux. Never helped. Last gastroenterologist said that it was anxiety. February 28, 2017 I had knee surgery. Upon waking up, I explained to the nurse that I did not feel well. They did another cardiogram. I had a very mild heart attack. Next day I had quad bypass surgery. For the first time in many years I can walk without pain. The cardiologist said that I was a lucky man. Had about two weeks to live. I seem to have lost some upper body strength. Can only do two pull ups.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am age 63 and 1yr post mitral valve repair and 9mo post ablation for atrial flutter. I've been a distance runner, competitor, and high school cross country and track coach. I was training at 7min. miles 145bpm before surgery. now I can only run 3 miles at 9min/mile@145bpm on a good day. Before surgery my ejection fraction was 65, now 50. Doc says check back in 6mo....no meds, and keep exercising! To me there seems something not right with my recovery. I feel there should be more progress by now, but the Doc. says some people never get back to pre-op. physical condition. Every time I try to increase distance, I feel flogged the rest of the day. Does what I've described seem normal to you other runners on this site???
DeleteRichard, maybe it's too soon for us to give up. As an update, it took me almost 6 months to get to where I could "run" 3 miles at any speed without stopping. I was running 10 minute miles before surgery and now slog along at 12 flat for 3. Pitiful, but better. Also, I average 140 bpm doing that speed, whereas I would have been 120 bpm before surgery. My resting HR has started to drop. It was 50 pre surgery, then 70 to 80 for 6 months. Now, I am at 62 to 64 in the morning. I also feel like I am running hard enough that it's anaerobic after the first mile and I have to slow down a bit for mile 2 and 3. My leg muscles are sore the next day after a run and I usually only run every other day or even every third day depending on how I feel. Not expecting to match the 3:58 marathon I did at 44 YO any time soon. Haven't given up yet though.
DeleteI found reading through this steam interesting and motivational. I had a triple bypass surgery 8 days ago. I am 55 now and have been an avid runner my whole life. After reading through so many of these comments I think my goal of trying to compete in two 5K runs in 2018 is realistic if all goes well with my recovery. I am no longer going to obsess over time, I just want to get back into the scene. Thanks to all of you for your inspiring stories.
ReplyDeletei had a double bypass in jan 2018 and its week 6 and i started a long walk and a little jog today and it made me feel a lot better i know its early days but i feel like i needed to push just a little bit further so far so good....
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you! Good luck & stay positive! Also, keep reading & asking questions!
DeleteEnjoyed reading through these posts, I'm having a By-Pass in a weeks time. 66yo (100% blocked LAD) been waiting 6 months ! (NHS) trying to plan how soon I can get back to running / lifting weights .... I guess step by step and build on it. maybe weights 9 months ...
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you! Good luck with you surgery & recovery! Remain mentally tough & positive! The journey is NOT easy, but as you have seen in the blog posts, something to tackle!! Be VERY proactive, ask a lot of questions & stay positive!!!
Deletehi,
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Hi,I'm four months after quad bypass,nearly 57 ,came on this blog searching for info on running after surgery,was fairly active prior,but feeling so much better now,was thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteHeart rate during exercise seems be a very important issue?
Nice blog and comments. I'll follow this. Still in walking mode but will start jigging.
ReplyDeleteRick
Hey Rick,
DeleteGood luck with your recovery! Most important thing, enjoy each & every day!
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