Hi everyone-
And hoping you all had a nice holiday & wish all a very happy & healthy New Year!
Well--Robert here w another 'health concern". (My sleep problem seems to be resolved w a slight increas in valium at bedtime-)
This time--my heart--no...not my usual "irregular heartbeats"...(I STILL get them..but have learned to "live with them")--This time it's different--let me explain...& i hope some get back who are much more familiar w my conceren...can give me some reassurance-
I just arrived in California this week...for the winter. I've always been slim (in college 118-120)--thru my 30s...40s & early 50s......138-144--- But...now i'm 61...& last 3 years or so..I've been very .."inactive"...(NOT walking like i used to...daily)-- My weight has..ballooned to my heaviest ever--165 lbs-!
So--for my New Yrs Resolution---i went on a diet--vowing to lose 24 lbs..over next 4 months or so---and get down to about 141-142 lbs---(& fit into my 32 inch jeans)---
Part of my diet...is a daily 1/2 walk---around a park...near my small apt...in Beverly Hills---I USED to go on walks...4 or 5 yeas ago---and easily briskly walk....3-5 times around...in 20-30 minutes (3 times around is one mile)
My friends here at HW----imagine my concern & downright...FEAR...when ...after walking a few minutes..i felt very short of breath.....and had to slow down! I could NOT...wal my usual..."brisk"...way & watched as older men & women whizzed by me)--
Now--i had NO chest pains..back pains...arm pains or ANY pains! I had no "tightness"..in my chest! Just...felt.."WINDED".
I did do my 4 laps around..but had to walk slower---(feeling constant.."fear"...a pain would come on..it never did)
Then...last nite...walking on the street...i saw walking about 20 feet shead of me.....an old friend...& as i tried to catch up to him...by speeding up my walk....again..out of breath!---
I am so concerned & downright ...worried...that..it's my heart! Maybe...angina..or Congestive Heart Failure (i have NO swelling in ankles etc)---I did have a Stress Isotope EKG about 2 years ago--that..I npassed w flying colors!
My wife..& my RN buddy...who lives in midwest--seem to feel...it could be something as simple as.."deconditioning"..(Term my RN friend used..I never knew it was a "medical term"--he said...medical term for OUT OF SHAPE!)-- (Also--the cardio nurse...who i made the appt with....said same thing..BUT--I'm worried..i might need a bypass..or i have Congestive Heart Failure---! (That's me...always the hypochondriac!)-------------MAYBE i need to go back to a therapist!
My wife has been getting on me...for not getting out more and sitting by my computer all day--
RN friend really feels that what it is...but suggested i see my Cardiologist out here--I called today-will see him,..This (Jan 6)------& also said i could get "backi in shape"...by losing a few pounds AND building up my walking pace & distance! Can..."DECONDITIONING".....do this?
Any & all thoughts & feedback will be greatly appreciated! -----I'll let everyone know --ues---hanks to all... get back.....---hopefully with some encouraging words---kindest regards--Robert