French Patrick wondered, in a comment to yesterday's post, if playing hooky might be contagious. I'm not sure but it may be a lingering malady. 😁 I was mightily tempted to do so again today....until
From the Mail Bag
"I'm in my mid-50s and married. I had a heart attack and spent a few days in the hospital. When the doctor made his last visit his instructions included mentioning that I should hold off on any sex for a while. It's been three weeks and my nuts feel like they're going to explode. My wife still won't accomodate me. Not even a hand job or a blow job. Do you think it's okay for me to jerk off?"
Sadly, few men get counseled about any sex after a heart attack, or other major illnesses. See, we guys have to be our own health advocates and ask.
But, um...let's see. Your doctor did give you advice and suggested you avoid sex. The heart rate increases dramatically with the exertion. You didn't say how severe the heart attack was, but even when we masturbate it can be a bit of a cardio workout. But, the most recent studies as reported in this 2015 article in the LA Times, sex or masturbation after a heart attack is not necessarily bad.
"Sexual activity, including masturbation, does not seem to touch off heart attacks in patients with established cardiovascular disease, and need not be avoided by those who have already suffered a heart attack."
A 2013 CNN report suggested "Masturbation can be a healthy way of easing back into things, too." And, this article at dummies.com backs that up, "The best treatment for fear of sex after a heart attack is reassurance by your physician or cardiologist. ... One way to overcome fear is to make masturbation the first step and slowly work your way up to intercourse."
I'm going to say, if it's been three or four weeks since you returned home that taking things in hand may be okay.
A note of caution: I am not a physician. You may want to place a call to your cardiologist and have his nurse pose the question to him. Seriously, this is a question they've heard before - there's no reason to be embarrassed.
