Exercise with Chronic Illness

Is heart disease a major chronic illness? I had quadruple bypass surgery in July of 2013 and am still living with one blocked coronary artery after going back into the hospital a mere 13 weeks after the surgery to learn that 3 of my 4 bypasses had partially closed.

I don't have chronic fatigue issues, but I am actively doing what I'd call "angina management" exercise. I know when my body will trigger angina (chest pain) due to the level of exertion and my Cardiologist and I are on the same page with respect to my regimen, which began in earnest in January of this year.

I'd be happy to talk to you about options to boost your energy and help you stay on the path. Just let me know.

Maybe cycling was a bit to vigorous as a starting point? I don't suffer chronic fatigue but I have tutored people who have it before. I know how badly it can affect people. Maybe a short walk would be a good start and then work up from there? Or swimming as it's very low impact? I would divide the exercise into tiny chunks of 5 minutes or so to start with too because the last thing you want is to be in pain or totally exhausted.

EDIT: Also I know it's hard but please try and eat something because the fuel is very important for you right now.

I have chronic spinal damage and hypermobility - not sure if that counts

we're all different, some of us, have special needs and restrictions when it comes to excercise, go with the advice for you from your doctors/physios and don't feel like you have to be like or do the same stuff as anyone else

it may take a while, but you will find a mix that work with you

after my last low period, when i was starting to walk again, the dc said i could try swimming, at first i managed 10-15 lengths of a 11 m pool, i still swim at the same pool i'm now doing 78-104 lengths twice a week

i found tracking pain killers and exercise really helpful, i used endomondo to track more detail on the exercise (time, cadence, speed, distance) and i spotted that before a low patch my efficiency dropped, and now i can see the low patches coming and try to mitigate them

i really empathise with you pain eating, apprat from anything else I have to take some of my pain meds on a full tummy,

i found working with a physio on stretches and stability really helpful

and the consultant referred me to a pilates class taught in the physioherapy department at the hospital, i now go to a normal class and it's great at keeping me on track, but boy do i know all about it when i miss a class it has a huge effect on the pain meds i need for the next week or so

so this is a journey, I don't know where it'll take me and i know there will be ups and downs along the way, but now, I am having some part in guiding my path, and itmakes me feel better

good luck with your journey

I was diagnosed with Fibro. 19 yrs. ago and it can be a struggle. I was also diagnosed a little over a year ago with bundle block branch. I had been doing aerobics, swimming and walking, but my cardiologist told me it would be best if I didn't do the aerobics. I think it is an adjustment for anyone with any health or mental changes in their life and everyone is different. I have learned that when I have severe fibro. it still helps when a get up and move. You are more then welcomed to add me as a FP. I have learned that a positive attitude has helped me and I have become a stronger person do to all of this. Good luck with everything.

I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was a child and unfortunately, it's one of those things that exercise WILL help, but you have to start slow. Believe it or not, weight bearing exercises and strength training are the best things! They strengthen the muscles in your body, which benefits people who have joint or arthritis issues. Low impact cardio is good too, such as walking, swimming, etc. Cycling is actually a really vigorous workout and can be hard on the joints and muscles, so maybe start with something like walking for 15 minutes to warm up and then gradually increase your time/distance.

Just wanted to say, good for you, and I hope things get easier. I had a CFS-type illness for a few years, on the way to recovery now. Have you looked at graded exercise therapy? Are you able to access an OT? I don't know if you're in the UK (I am, so it's free here). Basically the theory being that some exercise is better than none, but don't overdo it, it can make things worse, so take it very very slowly. You'll need to work out your baseline level - what you can achieve every day without causing a boom/slump cycle or making things worse - and do that every day. The idea is then to increase this over time. It can be very effective but it's best done under medical supervision. But lacking that you could read up on it and use some of the principles? Best of luck.

I have FM along with a few other issues. How about just walking? Do 5 minutes and stop. See how you feel the next day. If it's ok, try 6 min and stop. Keep going gradually adding a minute at a time until you get to your goal amount. You can do the same thing with cycling too.

Do you have a pool nearby? Water aerobics, water walking, aqua yoga etc are all great low impact exercises to get started with. It's much easier on the joints.

something gentle is my thought too. Have you tried tai Chi or very gentle yoga?
The bike sounds ok because it's no impact but start off with light biking-very little force needed) and work up.

anything done outside is also a plus so walking is great too.