Yipeee!

Today I saw the surgeon who did my open-heart surgery. First time in the seven months since that day. He was pleased with my progress, and impressed by my activity. He cancelled a couple of blood-thinning medications, which means I will clot better if/when I cut myself.

I may have told you about my post-surgery goal. (I can’t remember.) That is to swim a kilometer without stopping. Before the surgery, about 15 yards of swimming produced chest pain. I asked my cardiologist if I’d be able to swim after the surgery, and he said I would be able to. So, as soon as possible, I started. I was dismayed to discover that after one length of the pool, I was gasping for breath. This continues, although it’s a bit better. Most mornings I swim 14 -16 lengths this, in just over a half hour.

This afternoon, I asked the surgeon if my oxygen uptake would improve. Would I be able to swim further without a breath? He said I would be able to. I told him about my goal…one kilometer. He asked, “Without stopping?” I said yes. He laughed and said, “Good luck with that!” We both had a good laugh. I guess the message is that I should modify my goal, or at least not be surprised if I can’t make it. I will keep swimming, however, as much as I can. If feels really…although it’s kind of painful. At the end of each length, I am really short of oxygen, but at least now, I am not gasping weirdly.

I suppose that modifying my goals, being realistic about what I can do, is part of recovery. At this point, I am enjoying the workouts, the swimming, and the walking. I wouldn’t have time to work – never mind the energy – even if I wanted to work. Well, I do…sort of. But no way!