mgwilder

Update: I'm about to finish the Ornish cardiac rehab. 3 months of nutrition, controlled exercise, stress reduction (yoga/meditation), and group support. My heart now reacts typically during stress as in slow ramp up. even pace during continual exercise and a quick return to resting HR. I've lost my arhythmic beats during stress. My weight is still under 130 and I'm actually starting to get muscle definition. My blood work has been at birth level since the fall. On top of that, the stress reduction and group support has changed the way I deal with life.

This is now my lifestyle.

It's not easy, but I would recommend this to anyone who is struggling with heart issues or diabetes. Out of the 9 of us who started only 1 dropped out and I believe almost all of us will stick with it. We're already planning our own self directed sessions after the program is over.

Because of the exercise prescription restricting my HR It's been a while since I've ridden on the road. I'm hoping to get out this weekend. I doubt I'll be hammering like I used to for at least a couple more years.

NABodie

Dec 28th 2011 I found out I had coronary artery disease. My heart attack gave it away, but that's ok because they popped me open and fixed that right up with a quadruple bypass. 95%, 90%, 80%, 70% blockages. They snatched a length of vein outta my leg and pimped my pump for me. I woke up some five days later off the ventilator. My Doc wanted me to start walkin 12 miles a week but that just didn't really appeal to me so I went and bought a bike. The Dr.'s tried to tell me at that time of my heart trouble that I also had early onset emphysema from my 32 years of a pack a day smoking. I called BS on the COPD and when they tested me last July they told me my breathing was slightly below normal. Being from the south I had to rethink my fried everything diet and I've put the cigarettes down as well. I started with the biking last July and have enjoyed it so far. While it was warm in the mornings I would take off everyday before work and log 11 miles. The weight started to drop off and I felt great. I've slacked off over the winter and put 5 of the 15 pounds I lost back on. I'm slow as cold molasses but my goal for this year is to build up my endurance and cadence so I can ride a century towards the end of the summer.

Sixty Fiver

Neurologist says I have Chronic Mechanical Back Pain Syndrome / Cauda Equina due to an injury at my S1.

He says cycling is one of the best therapies I can do and that I need to reduce the compressive issues in my back... can still ride a conventional bike but need to start logging more miles.

My new therapy device will be here soon.

BoSoxYacht

On 2/26 I was hit by a motorist, and have been hospitalized ever since.

9 broken ribs, broken right clavicle, broken left fibula, collapsed lung, and intestinal bleeding. I've had 2 surgeries to repair my intestines, but everything else is healing as expected. Right now I'm dealing with vomiting/diarrhea issues, but should be discharged any day now.

DXchulo

Sorry to hear about that. I know you ride a ton and it must be very difficult.

Sixty Fiver

What does not kill us only makes us stronger.

I expect that you will come back stronger and it sounds like you laid quite a whupping on that car.

Dheorl

I have a hole in my heart, the asthma I had as a child seems like it's going for a comeback and considering my current condition the dr thinks I might still be recovering from a serious viral infection (glandular fever or the likes).

The last point is the only one that has any effect on my cycling though.

mprelaw

I'm a Type 2 diabetic, but am controlling it with just diet and exercise. No medications.

Right now I'm awaiting arthroscopic surgery on my right shoulder to repair my acromion joint.

CommuteCommando

MI in 2008 and 2012. Two cardiac stents-one a double from the 2012 incident. Getting screened this week for something suspicious that is probably nothing, but may be cancerous. Cardiologists are fine with my cycling, even encourage it. My last exam, BP was 102/54 HR 45. The computer made them run it twice since the assumption is that someone with CAD has to be out of shape.

Cookiemonsta

2 knee surgeries and lower back problems. Both are fine when cycling (in fact, the exercise makes it better). Would not count that as serious medical issues though.

primov8

My L knee was taken out by an over zealous, pompous a** while we were sparring. He was belts and skills above me and we both agreed no strikes below the hips. I broke through his guard several times and I'm sure it pissed him off and he ended up sweeping my L knee/leg by "accident". The very same leg I had ACL reconstruction almost 4 years ago; the MRI report shows a torn LCL, stress fracture on the lateral condyle and ruptured meniscus.

Mr. Thompson

Same here. No cycling for four years. I've been back on a bike since last Sept. With TOS there are always setbacks but cycling has been a tremendous help. If anyone on the forum is dealing with TOS I would be happy to share what I have learned. Just shoot me a PM.

nevertrustafart

I am lucky enough to have crohn's disease... tried almost every treatment out there including signing my life away to the gov for one of their double blind stem cell studies. currently getting injections of cimzia to see if that helps but so far no results.

BoSoxYacht

Yesterday I had a setback and it looks like at least another 10 days before I'm ready go home.