Obviously I never thought about this before. What with being young*, and thin and fit, and eating healthily and all, heart attacks weren't up there on my list of things to consider. It's fair to say that what plans I did have for my immediate future did not involve angiograms, statins and beta blockers.
Hey, times change. Here's today's news. I've had some motivation, time and opportunity to consider Non Systemic Mycardial Infarctions, and I can tell you this; recovering from a heart attack is phenomenally boring.
I don't know if excitement is technically Bad for Me, but it's in short supply living within the terms and conditions of my release from hospital.
I may not
Drive a car. Any car, not a rally car, not a 4x4 off roader, not a family saloon, not even a Reliant Robin. This is because the DVLA are quite clear that sometime in the next four weeks I am likely to have a further heart attack whilst at the wheel. Nice thought non? Moving swiftly on from that, let's just say living in the sticks without transport is not possible.
Walking over 100 yards is not recommended. There was great rejoicing when I managed a 50 yard stroll with dog yesterday. Hold the front page though. The bus stop is 100 yards away.
Move loads. On the plus side a hoover or bucket of soapy water is deemed to be a load. On the downside, the novelty of not cleaning fairly wears off after two weeks of living with a moulting dog and 14 year old - not that the cherub is moulting mind you; he just leaves a trail of debris behind him. He's 14, he can't help it. It's in his contract.
Putting it together then, my verboten list includes, shopping of any type, getting to the doctor, deer hunting, trapeze and freestyle dance routines, bathing the dog, travelling to Cannes, hanging out the washing, gardening, air travel, drag racing, returning books to library, getting to a cinema, changing the bed linen (FFS, really), walking around Roslin chapel or the East Neuk, or Dalmeny estate, or Craigie Woods, or anywhere I would want to walk the mutt, swimming, paragliding, kickboxing, eating at McDonalds, travelling to my spiritual homelands of Glasgow, TK Max or Bali. I could go on, but it's getting depressing already.
Suffice to say, I will not be checking out Mr Beastie's blog. Scarlet Blue's already comes with a medical warning....
*Listen up, technically 50 is YOUNG. You 35 year olds take note of how time creeps up on you now....
I don't know if excitement is technically Bad for Me, but it's in short supply living within the terms and conditions of my release from hospital.
I may not
Drive a car. Any car, not a rally car, not a 4x4 off roader, not a family saloon, not even a Reliant Robin. This is because the DVLA are quite clear that sometime in the next four weeks I am likely to have a further heart attack whilst at the wheel. Nice thought non? Moving swiftly on from that, let's just say living in the sticks without transport is not possible.
Walking over 100 yards is not recommended. There was great rejoicing when I managed a 50 yard stroll with dog yesterday. Hold the front page though. The bus stop is 100 yards away.
Move loads. On the plus side a hoover or bucket of soapy water is deemed to be a load. On the downside, the novelty of not cleaning fairly wears off after two weeks of living with a moulting dog and 14 year old - not that the cherub is moulting mind you; he just leaves a trail of debris behind him. He's 14, he can't help it. It's in his contract.
Putting it together then, my verboten list includes, shopping of any type, getting to the doctor, deer hunting, trapeze and freestyle dance routines, bathing the dog, travelling to Cannes, hanging out the washing, gardening, air travel, drag racing, returning books to library, getting to a cinema, changing the bed linen (FFS, really), walking around Roslin chapel or the East Neuk, or Dalmeny estate, or Craigie Woods, or anywhere I would want to walk the mutt, swimming, paragliding, kickboxing, eating at McDonalds, travelling to my spiritual homelands of Glasgow, TK Max or Bali. I could go on, but it's getting depressing already.
Suffice to say, I will not be checking out Mr Beastie's blog. Scarlet Blue's already comes with a medical warning....
*Listen up, technically 50 is YOUNG. You 35 year olds take note of how time creeps up on you now....
23 May 2011 at 12:45
What a bummer Macy. I am trying to imagine how I would/could cope without being able to do virtually anything. "Girls" and heart attacks don't seem to be quite as uncommon as I previously thought. The free Tesco mag had three or four young ladies in it who had all had heart attacks at young ages. One I think was in her 20's. They were all fine now, doing sport etc etc.
Thank goodness for computers, or you would go mad with boredom!
Take very good care of yourself, you and Ned will be out and about again soon. xx
23 May 2011 at 13:58
Of course young has a larger number the longer that your number increases---but just for the record, yes, 50 is young.
But 14 is an age where you can accept the responsibilities of doing a lot around the house, walk the pooch and actually shop.
Hey lovely lady, the time will go quickly and this will all be a bad dream--be good and behave---remember that you have a son to embarrass at a 21st birthday
23 May 2011 at 13:58
Mrs Rine - Indeed! There was a 30 year old in hospital the same time as me, who had a massive heart attack back in January (not that this is a competitive sport or anything).
And, before you ask, neither of us had ever tried a deep fried Mars bar in our life.
23 May 2011 at 14:02
Clyde - Yeah the Cherub is doing his fair share, when nagged. I suspect that by the time he's 21, he'll be embarrassment proof...
23 May 2011 at 14:25
I thought an "Infarction" was a posh person explaining a cold.
Just be patient and build up gradually. I'll pencil you in for next year's coast-to-coast.
23 May 2011 at 15:49
Rog - Excellent plan, me bringing up the rear will increase the glamour quotient of any bike ride no end...
23 May 2011 at 16:03
Good god Macy, I'm a few weeks behind in my blog reading and you've gone and had a heart attack. My mother had to have some blood tests recently and they asked her 'when did you have your heart attack?'. She explained to her knowledge she'd never had one. 'Oh yes, but you have' they told her. I did a first aid course a few months ago and the trainer said that TV programs have made everyone think that a heart attack is some sudden, gripping painful episode when, in many cases it is anything but. Happy Recuperation!
23 May 2011 at 16:17
There is always shopping online. A lot of damage can be done shopping online.
Sx
WV: weerslo
I don't know what this means, but we should take heed.
23 May 2011 at 16:34
Ms Wylye - Indeed! Like your mum, I argued that no I had not had a heart attack... but they had test results that proved otherwise. Been greatly cheered at how trendy I am though, what with the "Angina Monologues" broadcasting all over YouTube.
Ms Scarlet - Indeedies. Oh go on then...
"weerslo"? I believe the WV is commenting on my broadband again..
23 May 2011 at 16:36
Looking on the positive side - and don't think for a minute that I am not totally sympathetic - I'm hoping that after four weeks things will get better and you can gradually get back to normal. So it seems like a good idea to get the 14 year old in the picture and get him on side and try to pamper yourself for a while. Four weeks will pass (we've just got through six months)and there are some super books to be read. Sending all good stuff to you both.
PS I must investigate Mr Beastie.
23 May 2011 at 16:52
Its so weird that you are dealing with this. I am wearing this stupid event monitor for the next three weeks because my heart thinks its a racecar. Then coincidentally, while I have been dealing with this heart stuff, my sister was also referred to the cardiologist for what we initially thought were panic attacks. Turns out it was tachycardia like me. She just had laser surgery to remove the troublesome cells. I will likely need the same procedure.
And like you, my sister and I are both young (she's only 19), eat healthy diets, and are within normal weight limits. It must be genetic. So that's the weirdest part about you also dealing with heart issues right now, because my sister and I are of Scottish descent. Our grams was born there.
We have much in common...we might even be distant cousins. Glad to know I'm in good company. Get well soon!
23 May 2011 at 18:06
Oh poor you.....must be really weird having to think about every action.
On the plus side, you are here....you are above ground..so take it steady and keep well.
23 May 2011 at 18:22
Sounds totally frustrating. A wake-up call and no mistake. Once you've recovered, you'll have to rethink your lifestyle, but perhaps that's good, it'll shake you out of a rut or two. We all need to rethink our lifestyles from time to time.
23 May 2011 at 18:31
Oh honey. That's so dull! So you cancelled your trip to Cannes then? Grrr....
Well, it becomes the perfect opportunity to join Facebook. Then you can stalk the likes of us in our real lives too.
My wv: splam
The wv is on a roll!
23 May 2011 at 21:26
You must be so fed up..Heart attacks just leave you feeling so damn tired (or so I'm told) put your feet up and enjoy it for as long as you can!
23 May 2011 at 22:02
So being a man and living alone can have advantages (if you survive it): I slept the most time afterwards, for circa three weeks. Asked someone to bring some bread and fruits. 14 is old enough to work, so he can pamper mother while she recovers.
24 May 2011 at 20:13
Pat - Help! I'm not responsible for anything you see on Mr Beatie's site!!
Sunny - It is spooky - but then one third of deaths in younger women are due to cardiac problems. Why didn't I know this earlier?
Libby - thanks. And I have every intention of staying above ground!! Even if it means training the Cherub.
Nick - I shall be re-thinking my lifestyle to include a hell of a lot more good memories...
Roses - On the plus side, one week of hospital food means that my red carpet dress would have been too big anyways.
Ms cury - Absolutely. If sleeping was an olympic sport I'd be down forthe 2012 events.
63mago - Mr Mago, I may be coming close to breaking any records you set re sleeping. How is this much sleep possible??
24 May 2011 at 22:58
PAH to that boring rot, Macykins! But it's time to recuperate then you can do "exciting" ok? So forego the blackbun and skydiving and get better!
26 May 2011 at 12:23
I have no idea - the body simply takes what it needs. Normally I can read, but I can not remember that I did in this time. On the other hand I remember the look towards the ceiling lamp very well because at one point I asked myself whether this would be the last thing I'd see before taking the exit.
It will pass. Trust your body. Excercise is necessary, muscles can shrink pretty fast.
26 May 2011 at 17:05
Ms Veg - Yeah.. OK.. chewing on blackbun whilst skydiving can go next year's to do list...what am I saying - no to do list shoiuld include the ingestion of the abmonation that is blackbun.
Mr Mago - Yikes... I'm either going to have to get better, or install a tv screen on the ceiling. Though with my luck I'd exit to Jeremy Kyle.
27 May 2011 at 12:52
:¬)
xxx
(WV = 'pillama')
27 May 2011 at 16:20
Frankly, daytime tv is enough to make anyone want to expire.
Get yourself a Kindle and a whopping great credit from Amazon. Until they let you up and about, you might as well be entertained.
Though may I point out Cardiac Infarction is one step to far for weightloss.
28 May 2011 at 19:10
Aagh. I suppose you can't roller skate your way to the bus stop.…
Have a chat with your local library service, see if their housebound service (if they've got one) can help at all.
The Small Object of Desire has strong views on the subject of screens on ceilings.
29 May 2011 at 19:56
Maps - :)
Roses - Tsk. MI is an extreme way to lose weight - but hey it's effective!
Mr Musgrove - Methinks roller skating to the library is also on the list of prohibitions. I'll check the small print...