I've passed the four week anniversary since my stent. Actually, it turns out I had three balloons in me during my stent procedure. That's what the cardio nurse told me during a call about a week ago during which she decoded some of the discharge notes. That was really useful as I wasn't entirely sure what had happened to me. She also gave me some guidance on dos and don'ts and answered some questions I had on certain issues (sex - if you manage two flights of stairs you're okay. Booze - stick to the 14 units limit. Exercise - listen to your body).
The last one is the most vague. I feel a lot better than I did pre-stent when I was getting tired walking to the local shop, and did turn back once. Now, there is a literal spring in my step, but I haven't done anything more strenuous and have not been on my bike for months. The nurse insisted that I shouldn't be doing nothing, which I feel I have been for a while.
The cardiologist told me that after four weeks I could return to normal activities, so that's next on the card. There is the possibility that I could do some cardio rehab courses, although I think I'll be on a waiting list for them. In all probability I'll be cycling before then but I would like the reassurance of somebody giving me the once over to see what I can safely manage.
On one side I'm nervous, but on the other I'm champing at the bit to get on with life again. The past year has been one of missed, or untaken opportunities because I haven't felt up to doing things or convinced myself I shouldn't be doing them. Now I want to catch up.
Our fragility was brought home to me this week when I heard some awful news about a friend - one of those terrible things that brings your own experience into perspective. Relatively speaking, what has happened to me has been small potatoes. It has scared me but it has also made me think I shouldn't waste the chance it has given me.
I've been very lucky.
