Last Monday I had my first visit with Dr. Paul Kang after leaving Hamet Hospital in July. The results were very encouraging. Just previous to this visit I completed cardiac rehab, in half the allotted time, and returned to playing tennis. During a vigorous tennis match, my average heart rate was 105, the top of my target zone, and included a twenty minute cool down. My highest heart rate was 230. I asked Dr. Kang if this was OK for me, and he inquired about symptoms, including palpitations. I had none and felt fine. He concluded that I have an excellent tolerance for physical exercise.
In addition, my cholesterol numbers were 150 total cholesterol with excellent “bad” and “good” cholesterol numbers. Dr. Kang said, “I couldn’t have written them down any better.” My wife and I were very happy to know that the dietary changes and exercise we’ve been doing, supported by Crestor, my cholesterol medication, have done the job!
As luck would have it, I was immediately put to the test. Friday I played in a tennis tournament to raise funds for an Edinboro University Sociology scholarship. I played three hard-fought sets in unseasonably high 83 degree October sunshine. Early the next morning I arose to play clarinet for the Zem Zem Band at an Autumn Leaves Festival in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Two full days of activity tested my tolerance. I was tired and somewhat stressed at the end of Saturday, but a good night’s sleep and a forty minute walk around campus have returned my good spirits.
At this point, I can say I feel as good as new, if not better. My biggest problems are mental, with slight cases of psychosomatic symptoms and occasional bouts with stress. The biggest change that has occurred is I feel less like an invalid and more like a normal person. I believe that the more I can put my heart attack to the back of my mind and view the present in clear, appreciative focus, the better off I’ll be.
I have an important Echocardiogram coming up on October 16. Hopefully I’ll learn that the pumping power of my heart has improved.
Random thoughts about many interests and people, with a realization of the blessings of life. I try to follow my mother's advice, don't discuss politics or religion.
1 comment:
GOOD MAN, GOOD MAN. VERY THOROUGH
AND POSITIVE. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO THE REST OF US.
AT THIS STAGE OF LIFE, WHAT IS YOUR
TEMPERAMENT LIKE? DO YOU EVER GET
REALLY MAD? ARE YOU MELLOW IN THE
FACE OF ALL THINGS? I THINK THAT IS ALSO A SECRET TO LONGEVITY...THE
APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO STRESS REALIZING THIS IS AN IMPERFECT WORLD FULL OF IMPERFECT PEOPLE DOING IMPERFECT THINGS, BUT,YET, WITH SOME GOOD IN THEM.
CONTINUED GOOD HEALTH TO YOU.
FRED
Post a Comment