come on Lynn... you're bound to be trying to achieve more in a week or two than anyone could reasonably expect in 6mths of hard work, so look carefully at what you're trying to achieve. You must take into account your physical conditions - all of them, not just the cardiac issues because it isn't your only health issue - and your own past history. If you've never done much exercise you cannot possible expect your poor abused body to suddenly get the hang of it.

try to take a step back and listen to the voices of the people around you who can see the bigger picture. You've already pointed to the fact that you've doubled your aerobic exercise in a very short period of time so part of you knows this isn't realistic.

you aren't lazy and your illnesses aren't in your head, so stop for a minute, breathe and get some serious perspective Lynn because if you push yourself too far too fast you'll end up doing more harm than good, and that is kind of not the point!

being a perfectionist workaholic is never going to make life easy, but do try to make allowances for yourself.

Kerri.