Just a note to say hi and to let you know that I am still here. It has been over a month now that Candy had her heart attack and her first stent. Two weeks since her second stent and getting out of the hospital. I'm not sure what she should be able to do as far as exercise or physical activity.
Yesterday, we went to Michael's and Target. She slowly walked behind her cart. I can't get her to do any exercise at home so the next best thing is to go shopping. I curled her hair, she put on make up, and looked very nice. I know that made her feel better. I told her that if she became tired I would take her back to my home. We had a good time.
I think she over did it, but today she can rest. Most heart attacks patients are up and doing physical therapy immediately. I am worried because she is tired and stays in bed a lot. To give her a change, we are making wreaths right now. Everyday I try to let her do a little more on her on. I am worried about her memory because she can't remember anything. She keeps forgetting where she has placed her phone and medicines.
Any advice from you would be helpful. Candy returns to the doctor Feb. 1st. for her check up. I have a list of questions to ask. I thought we had everything lined out before her last visit to the doctor. I think she is so afraid she will have another attack. Her fear maybe what is holding her back. Please keep her in your prayers and send good thoughts her way.
You shouldn't believe everything you tell yourself. FEELINGS aren't FACTS.
10 comments:
Sending Prayers and Reiki to Candy. It does sound as though she's afraid to do much in case she has another attack. I'm sorry I don't have any advice to offer except ask her doctor the best course of action. x
Keep in mind that recovery is mental as well as physical.
My mom stayed with me after I had a surgery. It was great to have her there. But there also came a point where I said, "Mom, I love you and I appreciate that you're here for me. But please go shopping or something for a couple of hours. I want to be alone for awhile."
She understood. And that was also a point when my recovery accelerated.
Hi Pam,
When my precious Mom had her knee replacement surgery the doctor explained that after anesthesia she could experience lapse of memory for awhile. It didn't happen but I just wanted to past this information along. I think the safest thing would be to contact her doctor.
Exercise is so critical for her right now,(physically & mentally) and I know that you know that. But you can't force someone to do something they don't want to do.
I will keep her in my prayers.
Hugs
I don't have any advice but Candy is sure lucky to have a sister like you. Will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi, ya - it is difficult to motivate some one when they are feeling low, perhaps depressed even. I think breathing is key. Deep breathing, good for her heart and her oxygen levels. Stretches are good too - even while sitting. And also, you take care of you,k? :-)
Love Gail
peace.....
I have no personal knowledge about this so I'm no help, but I would think a short walk each day would be in the cards. I know a cardiologist that says a 20 minute walk 3-4 times a week is heart smart, but I would ask her doctor before recommending this.
Have a terrific day. Hugs. :)
Thank you all for your comments. I really appreciate it more than you know.
Today, she confessed that she has been eating food late at night. She devoured two boxes of low fat apple bars and some other things. It is frutstrating to know she is eating like this. I ask her if anything is bothering her, but she says no.
I'll keep you posted.
I like Gail's advice.
My brother had a heart attack, age 40, 5 yrs ago. He then had 4 stents inserted, and was walking 4 miles a day within a few weeks, advised by the doctor as he had about a stone to lose.
He's just had his 5th stent.
A heart attack is a traumatic event, and it would be understandable if Candy was nervous, I would be too. Is there a "peer talkline" available at all, or would she use it? Eating food late at night is not a good idea, for weight or cholesterol, but maybe she's doing it out of nervousness. Would she drink chamomile tea instead?
Sorry to leave such a long comment, but trying to be helpful.
And do make sure to take care of yourself!
I don't know if you remember, but I wrote about the experience I had after my first c-section, and how after that surgery I was having memory loss. The doctors tell me it was from the anisthetic that I was put on at the time, and that it can be a very normal process. I didn't lose gaps of time, just really forgetful on where i'd placed a bottle, or a blanket, or anything in the short term. It was very frustrating and really set me back recovery -wise because I didn't trust myself to be there for my child. So maybe bring that up with the doctor and see if that's what's going on with Candy. She may also be "forgetful" because she is affraid to be help accountable for herself. Whatever the case is, I hope that she recovers well (sounds like she is - just slowly) and that you manage some time for yourself. Remember to treat yourself too - don't forget Pam!!
She sounds like she's suffering from depression. You're doing well with getting her involved in things.
Good luck.
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