It's my turn to stand up and ask for help.

Hi guys.

Been a few months since I've posted regularly, but I'm sure there are a few familiar faces out there.

Nutrition is going great but I'm dealing with quite the Goliath right now.

You may remember my cardiac episode last year (if not, its written about on my site). Well, now 10 months later I've been cleared medically (Thank the Lord!). I've been taken off all my cardiac meds and given a very clear bill of health. Dr. says there is no reason to think he'll ever see me again with a cardiac event given my weight-loss, medical history, and the myriad of tests they've ran on me.

phew...bullet dodged, right?

So here's my Goliath. Ever since they labeled me as having a heart attack I've become paralized by the fear of excersize. You may remember me being one of the runners in the forum. I was up to a 2.5 mile per day routine that I loved and looked forward to doing daily. I felt so great about myself, but now I can't do it.

Every time I force myself out on the trail I can't stop the flood of "what-ifs" blowing through my brain. I'm in total fear of having another heart attack, even though logically i remind myself that what DID happen was a cir****tance associated with strep throat, and had nothing to do with the physical nature of cardiac stress or exertion.

But still, 10 months later I can't seem to shake it. I talked with my cardiologist last night about it. I've scheduled a stress test in two weeks hoping that it might aleviate some doubt as to my health, while under the watchful eye of the technicians, and the Dr. (who said me he'd stay with me...good man).

So. Anyone else dealt with anything like this? I've considered seeking counseling on the matter, but don't have any money to pay for it, or know how to get insurance to cover it.

To help paint the picture, I dilligently get my protein and supplaments in everyday. I drink water like I swim in it, and everything else seems to be ok.

My weight loss has stalled out for the past few months, which I'm sure is due to my lack of exercise.

Hey man, I truly sympathize with you over this problem.  I think you are taking good steps in helping yourself get over this by having a stress test.  And just remember you are healthy in every way.  But when you start back to walking, running or exercising, be sure to take it easy.........you have not done this for a while......and build yourself back up.  If you feel any pain anywhere, stop and see the doctor.  Obviously having some counseling would help and if I was independently wealthy I would get it for you.  But the most I can offer is my understanding and prayers.  I pray you can overcome this and lead the life you are looking for.

Well, you have a problem that is probably amenable to brief therapy.  Particularly, a tye of therapy called EMDR might get you back out on the track in only a couple of sessions.  I looked in Chico and there are three EMDR therapists listed:

Alexander, John - Alexander John - (530) 895-8387 - Chico, CA

Doosey, Virginia - Doosey Virginia - (530) 342-1061 - 1351 Esplanade, Chico, CA

Davidson Margaret LCSW - (530) 343-4247 - 2059 Forest Ave, Chico, CA  You might call one of them and talk about your insurance - it is up to them to tell you how to go about it and whether or not you are covered.  Probably be worth the call. Good to hear you are getting back to it! CB

EMDR is a totally new idea to me. I googled it after reading this post. Looks interesting. I've also looked into Cranial-sacral therapy.

What is your experience with EMDR? Patient? Practitioner? Anyone else heard of this?

You've been PM'd.

Haven't seen you in awhile.  I have sort of been there.  Had a heart attack and double heart bypass.  After RNY I am free to exercise hard.  I don't push myself real hard for fear of another heart attack.  In my case I took up walking more.  I would walk and run on a treadmill but would never push myself to exhaustion.  I would say you should consider walk-run.  Get a good workout but don't press yourself to much.  I have a BA in Physical Education (from 29 years ago).  One of the things I remember is that if you will exercise to get your heart rate up to 120 beats per minute and do it for just 12 minutes, you will improve both heart strength and lung capacity.  If you exercise at all you know how easy that is to do.  Maybe the major running is out...Yet stuff like 5K walk-runs or playing some pickup basketball or racquetball...won't hurt and can only help.  The heart is a muscle and unless you use it...you lose it.  Brian  PS   If you exercise alittle harder you will also raise your good cholesterol.

PSS   I went to Chico State...CSU Chico.  I think Bidwell Park is calling you!!  If not for running then for a bike ride!!  Brian

Hey, I am a psychotherapist and an EAP Director (Employee Assistance Program) for a Fortune 10 company.  I don't know the practitioners I suggested to you, I looked them up.  FOr moreinformation about EMDR you can check out http://www.emdr.com/briefdes.htm Personally, I have experienced it several times and it works a little like hypnosis.  What you should know is that it isn't like "talk therapy" where you take time to build a long rapport, go throiugh all the emotions, etc.  (Actually, that's what I do).  It is brief and to the point and helps your body reorient/come up with alternative ways to process the information of a traumatic event. Good Luck, CB

I had a heart attack and quad bypass at teh age of 42.  It scared me into exercising since I want to live for a long time.  Start slow by walking, then start lifting slowly and when you feel better go stronger.  See a personal trainer, tehy can set up a program for you.  The good ones are going to be at the gym on a regular basis and a good gym has at least one or two on staff.  They can set up a program.  As the ad says Just do it!

Ditto on the do it part.  Get out there and find put for yourself.  My heart was missing beat to the tune of 443 in 24 hrs pre-op.  Post op I walked.  When I got home, I made it to the end of the driveway and had to sit and rest to get back.  But I kept going and sometimes 2 or 3 times a day.  Then to the corner, then the end of the street, then 15 mins became 20, then 30 then 60.  Soon I was curious how far I was going.  The my brother invited/challenged me to walk a local 10K and I accepted and went into training.  The first time I walked 6.2 miles it took me 2 hrs 15 mins.  Race day in Mar 07, I did it in 1 hr 34 mins 3 months later.  I kept working and did the same race in Apr 08 in 1:05 and have signed up for a half marathon (13 miles) in November 08; just a s goal to keep me motivated, challenged, and progressing.  I didn't believe I could do what I have done but I kee proving myself wrong.  I push but I listen to my body when it says its had enough.  But I increase a little each week and on different days.  It is amazing how the body response to what we try to teach it to do. I know some day I won't be able to continue, but after eating my way into not being able to run and do stuff, I'm not taking this ablity for granted a second time.  I won't be getting an invitation to the Olympics but it is greatly satisfying to me to be able to get out and do this, and man do I feel stronger and healthier as a results.  My advice,...get out there and sneak up on your demons and kick their butts if you can.  I think you can if you don't try to do it all at once.