“his old life lay behind in the mists, dark adventure lay in front.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Fog and mist this morning on the way to cardiac rehabilitation at the local hospital. My old life that led to a heart attack is behind, and I travel towards a new adventure — I don’t know the destination but I do know the details.
Diet is different. Fat and calories have changed drastically which probably accounts for the 22 pounds shed in past couple months. Physical activity has increased to levels last seen in high school when I pretended to be an athlete.
And riding is different — senses slightly sharper, awareness heightened, decision making clearer. All gifts of a heart attack. Each ride seems special, even if it’s a familiar track from home to hospital.
All is not perfect though. Blood pressure is runs low and fatigue lurks whenever I sit down. I’ve not noticed it while riding but I have chosen not to ride because of it. The last place I want to dwell as a rider is denial.
Riding remains a simple thrill and a quiet meditation. The road continues to call despite the cardiac detour in May. I don’t know what the future holds but in my heart attack dreams I hope it involves a Vespa…
You know that a bike with clutch and gearbox is more, healthy exercise. Time to sit on that RnineT again.
Is that the same sort of thinking that says that watching sports on TV is exercise???
As with all things, particularly medical it is not the event rather what follows that is the long term result. Like you Steve, know what happens afterwards determines one’s long term medical existence be it good or bad. You survived this event; it won’t be the last.
Keep wondering if the event has changed your existence beyond; say at work?
And at home with Junior in the morning. Is pitching the ball easier?
“…it won’t be the last.”
I try to keep that in mind and process as part of my general acceptance of things. Caring for Junior and Lily, walking them, throwing the ball, all of that is easier now and doesn’t drain me. My physical condition is far better now than it was six months ago.
The road ahead is necessarily viewed within the context of influencing conditions around and within you.
Am sure a Vespa will be an integral part of this journey ahead, how go the plans for retirement?
No plans for retirement on the horizon. Still enjoy the challenges at work so for the foreseeable future I’ll remain in the workforce. It is nice to know that I can retire at any time if I wish to.
At first blush, the title of your post made me think of the phenomena that many recovering alcoholics go through called “drunk dreams.” In these dreams you dream you are drinking agin. After my October stay in the hospital I have canceled a couple of overnight rides, more from unfounded worry than anything else.
I’ve heard of drunk dreams but I’m not having anything like that. My riding dreams remain in the conscious world. So far there have been no unfounded worries to deal with but I can see how things could get hazy…
Like most of your recent posts, this one makes you think about the future. And not to dwell on things that don’t really matter no matter how important they seemed at one time.
Seeing things for what they are, and not assigning undo importance to things is a real challenge. Not just now but for a lifetime. They don’t teach you those skills in high school.
Steve,
You are doing everything to be healthy, and that is making you stronger. All the same you are doing it right by listening to what your body is saying. With your BP being low, talk yo your cardiologist and see if they can adjust your meds if you are taking any, sometimes these will make your bp low and give you fatigue, particularly when sitting and getting up from sitting because your pressure drops when you stand up again. Its about tweaking the meds to find balance.
I have recently re-evaluated my life and am changing things because if I don’t I am going to end up getting sick. More fresh veg & fruit, less cholesterol inducing food, smaller portions and exercising. I noticed when teaching I was finding it hard pushing motorcycles around and so exhausting that I wasn’t sure if I could do it.
Take care!
The cardiologist has his eye on my situation and I’m following his advice in terms of medications, diet, stress and exercise. My plans got me to a heart attack so I figure his have to be better. So far, so good.
Changing lifestyles is work and generate a lot of resistance between my ears and with others. Calls on persistence. Good luck pushing motorcycles around!
Sounds like you’re on the path to longevity Steve. You’re listening to your body and your doctor and taking heed. That’s 90% or more of the recipe.
Not sure how long or wide the longevity path is but each day is part of an adventure and I intend to try and make of it what I can. The doctor has a plan and I’m on it!
No Steve, but pushing a heavyweight motorcycle around the driveway is more exercise than a scooter demands and should get your blood pumping. How about a GL-1800 Gold Wing. At over 900 pounds it will give you all the aerobic exercise any two people need. LOL
If I had a Goldwing I could drop it three times a week, maybe 5 or 6 times each day, and I would get a good strength training workout!