How to get fit after a serious illness

[Catmanblue 10]

Hi I'm wanting some advice please.

 

I am 5 ft 7 and weigh 14 stone and am a size 18. I am totally unfit and depressed with the way I feel and look.

 

Earlier this year I was diagnosed with a partial tear to my cartoid artery resulting in a blood clot in my artery. I was told to have complete rest and minimal movement and given medication as the chance of having a stroke was extremely high.

 

I followed the consultants advice and now, six months later I am pleased to say that my blood clot has dissipated and the tear has repaired itself. However I am still on a lot of medication which I will be on long term and I have constant neck pain and occasional shooting severe head ache.

 

The medication slows down my heart beat and wipes me out so as soon as I stop doing something and relax then I zonk out completely. I can not do any strenuous actions with my right arm and find it extremely hard to get motivated.

 

I have a membership for Chapeltown Swimming Baths for the use of the pool and the small gym upstairs. I have tried to start swimming on a Monday evening and can manage about 40 lengths. I want to restart going to the gym but I am so scared of using the machines in case I retear my artery.

 

Before my illness I had started using the Paleo diet and going to the gym once/twice a week and had lost nearly 2 stone which obviously I have now put back on.

 

I have looked online for an exercise programme to use whilst rehabilitating from illness but I am totally confused and unmotivated.

 

I need to know where to start, what expectations to set and set some goals but again dont know where to start.

 

Can anyone offer any suggestions as I am become a fat, slobby coach potato.

 

Thanks for reading

[Zenshu 10]

Hi,

 

Get back on moving a bit more everyday (walking, swimming, etc.) and start again your paleo diet. Use what was working for you.

 

Regarding specific exercises, you should ask your GP or a specialist that knows about your condition to help you building a program. It will be difficult for anyone here to give you safe advice...

[Janus 28]

I think you have done very well to get back in to the swimming again, and especially 40 lengths-well done.

 

I agree with Zenshu about asking your specialist what you can and cannot do in respect of exercise.

 

I can tell you from personal experience that whatever you do to get fit again , it will be a lot more motivating if you do it with someone else.