Can We Talk 2

Cardiac Rehab

         When I started the rehab program, it was scary. I thought it was too soon after surgery. But I soon learned that I was safe. The staff wasn't going to push me past what I was able. I felt self-conscious about my lack of speed and my ordinary clothes. It looked like a gym, and some of the patients looked like athletes.

         Now I am approaching the end of my program and it feels like it has flown by. I know I am stronger and have more endurance. I'm faster according to the tests. There is still so much to accomplish. But I've taken the baby steps. When I'm done, I'll take some more baby steps.

         On the nutrition side of things, I've learned that fast food places are the devil's playground. I can't walk down the frozen food aisle in the store because that's where the highly processed foods are. I have always preferred fresh produce to frozen, so that will continue. I just have to do more greens more often. I will miss my pot pies and the occasional prepared meal.

         I've swapped some old bad habits for some new bad habits. A loaf of bread would stay in my house until it was stale or moldy. Now I am only buying sourdough or whole grain bread, and I like them too much. I've also discovered natural peanut butter, no sugar or salt or oils added. You have to refrigerate it once you stir it up. So now I consume too much of that in place of cookies and potatoes, etc.

         You can't accomplish it all in a short time. Baby steps. Just baby steps. If I want better quality of what remains of my life, I need those baby steps.