Some answers at last!

I've had quite a busy day today and met with my doctor twice (which meant that I missed the gym training and the lecture session - super!). Since I've been here I've been trying to get answers to a few questions that I have. Finally I have some more information:

Q1 - Did I have a large or small heart attack? (Basel said small, Rheinfelden said big).
A1 - It was a small heart attack caused by blockage of a small artery. They also believe that full recovery of heart action will be achieved, indeed it may be already.

Q2 - What caused the heart attack?
A2 - Given that there is a history of high blood pressure in the family and that I was already suffering from "very" high blood pressure, this is the most likely cause. The doctors believe that the high blood pressure is work stress induced which coincides with the timing of the attack being just before returning from work after holiday. It's been recommended that I don't go back to work for a couple more weeks and then start at 50% for a while. I will need to constantly monitor my blood pressure and may have to stay on beta blockers for some time.

Q3 - What's with my blood?
A3 - One of the lipids and (news to me) cholesterol are high. This needs to be controlled.

Q4 - What is the follow up when I leave the rehab clinic?
A4 - I was amazed to find that the first thing that I have to do is visit my "hause artz" (GP) who will then refer me to a specialist. The doctors at the clinic are not allowed to recommend a specialist / cardiologist. I thought that was strange.... however, I am allowed to search out a preferred choice - so now I'm looking for a sports cardiologist who speaks english. Could be a challenge!

Q5 - When can I resume "proper" bike and running training?
A5 - As expected - when my appointed specialist says I can!

So there you have it! You know as much as I do.

The rest of the day was fairly normal except that I went for a two hour walk this afternoon. It also seems that there is not too much communication between the doctors and the trainers as the wattage on the velo machine was upped to 170 today! I left a suitably sized sweat puddle on the gym floor ;-))

So tomorrow is Saturday and I have a guarenteed home pass! I can leave after velo training tomorrow morning and don't need to be back until Sunday evening. The weather is meant to be OK, so hopefully we can get out to the Rigi on Sunday and eat sausage and chips in the snow (sorry I meant cheese salad). Best of all I get one night on my own bed and can cuddle Fi!

I hope that you have a great weekend. I'll probably have the weekend off blogging unless something really impressive happens.