Oops! After only just over 2 years after my first heart attack I've just returned home from having a heart bypass operation. I knew that this was in my future but it was a real surprise when I needed it so soon. On the plus side I didn't have another heart attack I just knew the feelings weren't right and went straight to the hospital. They gave me an angiogram and found a lot of new restrictions in my arteries. They got me in within 7 days and fixed me up. They're hoping I'll get plenty of years out of this major clean up of the pipes.

I've been pretty good with my diet and my drinking has been "medicinal" the only thing that wasn't perfect was my exercise regime. Otherwise I don't know what I could have done differently. I'll redouble my efforts again and hope to get 20 or 30 years out of this fix not just another 2!

During the operation they break the breastbone. This is healing nicely as we speak. As all the riding/braking forces go through this bone I'm unsure when I can start riding again but I guess I'll just get a feeling for that. At least I've got the little Serow to start me back onto 2 wheels.

My first planned outing this year is to see you all at Ripley in 12 weeks time.

I'm positive as always.

Allan.

Link to original 2007 thread: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-at-45-a-25351

Good going mate !! No doubt you will on 2 wheels before you know it..

Maybe give cycling a go for the exercise you think you need and hey, its still 2 wheels

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Onwards and upwards as they say... easier said than done though. I am sure you will soon be back, you are obviously getting the bug by veiwing all these jammy buggers planning their trips.
Stay focused and determined and see you at the next meet. Tim

Thanks Ted. My recovery was improved when Reggie (the cameraman) came to see me in hospital last week. He's very cruel making me laugh like that.

That's the spirit; Get on that bike! I got a bit of crap health news myself and it really makes you prioritise!!!!!

Thanks Caminando, you get better soon too.

Good luck Allan,

I had bypass 10 years ago and single stent put in 2 months ago. At the ripe old age of 63 am going RTW with Kudu Expeditions on my GS1200 in June and also managed to get full medical cover.

Hope this will give you plenty or encouragement.

Tim

Hi Tim, thanks for the encouragement. Good luck with your trip. It's great that you got the medical cover. Does that cover the USA too? good deal.

I'm 3 weeks post op so I've got to wait a little longer before I get on the bike. How did you find riding after your sternum knitted back together?

Hi Allan,

Got worldwide cover including USA and Canada.

Actually didn't have bike at that time, it was probably 2/3 years after op.

I reckon you should wait a bit because of how you are going to have to hold your arms up when riding the bike. Take doctor's advice. Don't think you will be able to lift anything for 3/6 months.

Don't worry the time will go quickly. I have dogs so did a lot of walking after the operation which was very good. Also went to a friends flat in Majorca in February and walked miles around the coast. Great therapy.

Good luck.

Tim

Recovery update: Well, I'm healing pretty well, just my ankle is giving me pain and still has a dressing on it. I've been walking a few miles everyday and today managed a 5 miler without any problems.

As for riding, I rode the Serow about 80 miles on Saturday without a twinge! My assumptions that all the forces would go through my sternum seem incorrect as I had no pain there at all. I think that the forces go through your arms and into your back muscles, which is rather handy! Yesterday I took the Tiger out for a spin, a quick 125 miler around the Peak District. Again I had no discomfort, even my ankle was happy inside my boots.

I'm so glad that I can get out and ride it's very therapeutic. I may have a little walk around the Stafford show at the weekend and socialise a bit.

Thankfully, things seem to be coming together nicely

I thought I'd write a little update...

Well I made it to Ripley, my first HU meeting, and had a wonderful time. It was good to be camping again and having a laugh with friends. A great setup there.

I was off work for 4 months and when I returned to the job I had to take some leave. So 2 weeks later I was off for 6 weeks holiday!! I patiently waited for a break in the weather north of the border as I wanted to go island hopping up the west coast. It wasn't to be so I was "forced" to go to the south of France.

I traded my Tiger in for a Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport and once I'd run it in I was off down to the tunnel and away. I spent about 5 days exploring the mountains around Briancon. Then I went over the Millau bridge on route to the Pyrenees. 3000 miles and 3 weeks later I was back in Blighty relaxed and feeling good. I had no problems with my health after my recouperation and riding was a joy. It was hot, 103f one day, but I kept myself hydrated (Camelbacks rock) and well fed.

As usual France didn't let me down and I met some great people on my trip. I even took the Guzzi home to Italy for the day and ventured over the border into Spain on a couple of occasions.

Here's a ride report I posted on 1200 Sport.com...

Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport Forum :: View topic - 1st camping trip on the Guzzi

I fitted some heated grips to the Serow today to make my winter touring more comfortable. Life feels good and I'm packing as much as I can into my days. I'll see you all at Ripley next year before my next summer trip. Serow to the Nordkapp anyone? That's the plan.

Hi Doc

I'd say that was a good years progress ! You will be an inspiration for anyone else out there who is looking to get back on their bike !

Good to see you at Ripley and liked the pics - that's a good looking bike - -been over the col dliseran a few years back -nice bends and snow in September as I remeber !

How far is it to nordkapp? - how long do you plan taking? - this is the sort of trip that would be good for the serows first trip abroad.

Chizz

Bruce

Hi Chizz, how's the wifes Serow doing? I've actually been abroad with with mine once before when I visited the Normandy beaches. It handled the trip with ease. The Nordkapp is a good 2 weeks round trip from the south of Norway, but first you have to get to Norway overland so need another week for that. As it's 80kph with a few 90kph most of the way it's ideal Serow country. I'll have about 140 miles range at those speeds but will need to carry an extra 4 litres for the top end I reckon.

Doc

The Serows going fine - didn't quite get it run in before the ice and gritting started. I think Nordkapp might be pushing it for Stellas first big trip - so lots of trips in the Highlands and islands seems favourite for next summer and of course a trip down to Ripley for the meet. So far biggest trips have been to Skye and West Coast - Stella loves this bike and is much more confident than on anything else she has ridden - realise I am goin way of topic here -stay well Doc - look forward to seeing you in the summer?

Chizz

Bruce