A little scared of exercising again

[SunsetRunner]

Last year in August I got the flu, as a result I developed Double Pneumonia (both lungs) and was hospitalised coughing up copious amounts of blood, for almost two weeks, during which I had the medical staff in a constant state of panic as my heart rate would not drop below 160 and often climbed to 190 or more. Every time I moved my heart rate shot up like a bullet and a nurse would come racing in to make sure I was ok (was on a heart monitor and believe me I far prefer the fitbit watch than all those **ahem** wires attached to me) 

I came very close to being taken in to theater and having my heart shocked back into behaving itself. This idea scared the hell out of me so using some meditation techniques I convinced my heart to slow down enough that this option was taken off the table ( a nice long deep slow breath really does help slow the heart rate down, I've been able to do that most of my life) even so I came very close to not leaving the hospital alive and had antibiotic pumped into me by the bag full.

Eventually my 40+ C temperature dropped and I began to recover although my heart rate was still upsetting the doctors somewhat and I was put on Digoxin for the next 3 months. I'm now off the medication and my resting heart rate is back to 68 average.

However whenever I do anything physical my heart rate shoots back up to 170 plus (but drops back fairly quickly usually within 2 to 5 mins after I stop even if I have been going for an 30 mins or more) It scares the hell out of me and I find it difficult to make myself do any regular exercise, even though all the tests ESG etc are fine and dandy, that brush has really shaken me up a lot.

I'm not really sure what I'm asking for here just wanted to post something and perhaps persuade myself that it really is all in my head.

On the plus side while I was in hospital the combination of the extremely high fever and high heart rate and my total dislike of hospital food I managed to lose nearly 9 kgs all while lying on my back, though as a weight loss program it does have some serious draw backs, so consult a doctor before trying to contract pneumonia to lose weight. 😉

[Corney]

NZWhiteknight:  I suggest a long talk with you Dr.  He should be able to reassure you concerning exercise,  If he is good he will be able to give an exercise prescription detailing what you can and should not do.  Three years ago I was involved in a research study on aging at a local University.  At my last visit I was given stress EKG on a tread mill and a Ultrasound of my carotids,  When the results came back it scared the crap out of me.  They said my Left carotid was over 50% occluded and my EKG showed moderate to severe blockages in my heart arteries. this is after exercising for over 35 years,  cholesterol in the low 120's, and HDL double my LDL.  I got a second opinion from the same University Hospital but at a cardiac clinic.  They used an enhanced stress EKG on a tread mill and an enhanced CAT scan on my carotids.  The result was no blockage in either carotid and the stress EKG showed an excellent aerobic capacity with no blockages of any heart vessels.  Without that second opinion I would lived in fear for the rest of my life.  Don't live in fear, talk to your Dr.  Get an exercise prescription, and start living again! 

[MagsOnTheBeach]

I think Conry gave fantastic advice.

I'm glad your health is improving!  In the meanwhile, how is your heart rate when you are just out for a walk?  I have seen some walking medication podcasts, maybe until you can resume your exercise, something like that would help you get physical without the worry?

[SunsetRunner]

X-rays, BP ECG and a barrage of other tests all say I'm in better health than I should be considering my weight and bad eating habits (although I'm changing the bad eating) While on the heart meds I went for a few walks and my heart rate went over 190, admittedly I was trying to go at the pace I used to walk at so I may have been pushing things a bit much so soon after my illness.

Lately though when mowing the lawns my heart rate still goes up high but is not in the extreme and within the proper 220-age so I must be getting fitter at least I hope so. I've already spoken to my doctors both hospital and GP and they don't seem to be concerned.  I have an appointment next month with respiratory services at a different hospital and will check with them as well.

I must admit the 220-age for max heart rate is a bit concerning, I mean how is that gonna work when I'm 250 years old I'm going to have to have a negative heart rate. I think they may need to rethink the theory on that formula. 🙂

[Esya]

@SunsetRunner

You are right that the formula does not apply to all situations. It is an average that gives guidelines to most individuals, but we are all different. Sounds like you are doing well and on the right track with getting back into things.