Every scar has a story.

Three months post-bypass today. I walked 40 minutes without stopping for the first time since surgery.

Six weeks ago I couldn't make it to the mailbox. Cardiac rehab twice a week, the treadmill at home on off days, and honestly — just saying yes to help. My wife carried everything for the first month and I hated it, then I accepted it, and that acceptance was its own kind of progress.

To everyone in week 2 or 3 right now feeling like you'll never breathe normally again: you will. Slowly, but you will.

Week 6 of cardiac rehab done. They had me on the bike at level 4 today and my heart rate stayed under the 115 ceiling they gave me.

The nurses watch the ECG the whole time and honestly that's the only reason I dared push it. If you're on the fence about joining a rehab program — go. The fear of exercise after a stent is worse than the exercise itself.

From a rehab physio: the most common mistake I see in month two is doing too much on good days.

Recovery isn't linear. You'll have a great Tuesday and want to mow the lawn, clean the garage and walk 10k steps. Then Wednesday you're wiped and discouraged. Pace yourself — the body is still healing inside even when the scar looks fine. Consistency beats intensity every single time.

Small victory: slept through the night without the heartburn that plagued me for the first two months post-op.

Turns out it was partly the timing of my evening meds and partly eating dinner too late. Shifted dinner to 6pm and it's like a different life. Funny how the little things matter so much more now.

Walking program for early recovery, if anyone wants a simple structure:

Week 1-2: 10 minutes flat, twice a day. Week 3-4: 15-20 minutes. Week 5-6: 25-30 minutes, add a gentle hill if you feel good. Always warm up for 5 minutes at strolling pace. Stop for dizziness, chest pressure or unusual breathlessness — those are not 'push through it' symptoms.