From: Grayghost (pm3shep3-163-132.intrepid.net)
Subject: Re: After bipass surgery
Date: December 01, 1999 at 13:16:44 PST

In Reply to: Re: After bipass surgery posted by James on November 29, 1999 at 16:38:55:

Hello,

I had 4 bypasses done in 1996. Two of them plugged up within 3 months because my blood vessels were small and even though I had gone on a low fat diet, I wasn't serious enough about it. I did several things that have helped me lots since then:

1. I went on the Ornish reversal diet.

2. I learned to control my blood pressure, pulse, and skin temperature responses to stress by doing biofeedback.

3. I joined a support group.The one I joined was Mended Hearts, but there are others as well.

4. I pushed my MD to refer me to a cardiac rehab program. There I was hooked to a monitor and started on an exercise program. It gave me lots of confidence, and assured me I wouldn't die if I pushed my heart.

I still do the Ornish diet, walk 4 aerobic miles a day, and belong to a support group. I do tai chi to relax and meditate. It works.