Hi Bill
Just a brief history firstly to explain my situation. I received a Heart Transplant 14 years ago this August due to a illness called Cardiomyopathy, which would lead to Heart Failure in it's later stages. In my case I carried on playing right up until I had my op, I was actually practising when we had the call to say a heart was available!
Following the op I asked my consultant what I should do in regard to playing a brass instrument, and he informed me that this was one of the best exercises I could get to get me on the road to recovery. I was told that this type of exercise would help pumb oxygenated blood around the body, without putting too much strain on the heart itself.
Ovbiously I took care, and if I felt tired whilst playing I would just stop, have a braek and start again when I felt better.
Therefore my advice would be to carry on and do what you can if you enjoy it, but take care not to overdue it, a little bit of what you fancy does you good you know.
Feel free to conatct me if you need any further advice.
Good Luck
Alan
