Tomorrow is my last day in this phase of cardiac rehab, and it's been an emotionally and physically exhausting and motivating experience. I can now walk more than 100 yards, although slowly, and I can get around reasonably ok. I still get very very tired easily, so it's a precarious place. In May, it was super-tough to walk up a flight of stairs for my high school reunion and now I can with less effort. There's still a long way to go, and I'll go to get a stress test next week to see how my heart and lung function has improved.
I'll be entering what they call Phase 3 of cardiac rehab - it's still 3 days a week, about 2 hours each time - but now it's to concentrate on stamina and endurance with more aerobic exercises. It's such a different ballgame with congenital patients.
In a more frustrating corner of recovery, I'm also going to see if I can do cognitive therapy to help with the brain problems post-op. I'm forgetful and can tell my brain isn't doing what it's supposed to. I might not need a lot, but I want to get tested for what feels like the pump-head syndrome - but I figure it will take time for everything to come online. There's a lot of changes that are happening, and the most awesome Riki Thompson gave me such good advice this week --> let go of the illusion.
That is, let go of trying be where I think I should be or where I want to be and don't find comfort in the illusion of it...but to be present and alive in what is happening now. ♥
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