Cardiac Rehab.

[1234Chris]

I am now 8 weeks post AVR replacement, and yet have still not started Cardiac Rehab, due to complications since the AVR. We have that nearly sorted now so should be starting soon. Can anyone tell me the expected duration of the rehab.

[KazSumm]

Hi 1234chris

I had AVR Aug last year. Rehab normally starts 12 weeks after the operation, by then your sternum has healed. You should by now have a appointment to see your cardio rehab nurse, once she Has completed a review on your recovery she will book you in for rehab. Rehab normally is for 8 weeks, but again it may differ on where in the U.K. you live . I hope this has helped. Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery Kaz💕💖❤️

[1234Chris in reply to KazSumm]

Thanks Kaz.

Because of the complications I experienced I am well behind with my Rehab, yet to start. This has put my start back to work date well back, not that i'ts a problem. I guess that whilst having Rehab you are still under the guidelines of the NHS and therefore nor fit for work.

[Mary_Janet]

Hi Chris

I too had AVR but also endocarditis, my recovery was long and protracted. Surgery in May and discharged mid July. I was followed up by the cardiac rehab team by a phone call the week after discharge and had an appointment with them two weeks later. My rehab started mid August, no more than 12 of us, all ages and many with different cardiac conditions. It was lend by a mixture of physio, nurses and OTs. I found the programme very helpful. It helped me start to get to know how to exercise in a safe monitored manner. We set goals which I found helpful. It was good to be able to measure my progress each week and also see how well I was doing as someone new started ! The peer support was very valuable. I would of found the whole experience much much harder without the rehab. On completion I was refered to the local gym for three months free use - I have now completed this and actually joined the gym. Never saw me as a gym bunny but I never imagined that I would require heart surgery .....

Good luck with your rehab Chris

[PhilipH]

Hi Chris,

Cardiac rehab classes are six weeks in Kent and a second level class is available as a follow on if suitable.

It was very helpful for me in improving fitness and confidence after my CABG.

Phil

[Hidden]

Hi Chris, Im 69, & in week 9 after AVS by Open Heart Surgery. The danger for me is doing too much. Im impatient to be well, but must wait 12 weeks before exercise/fitness classes and proper rehab.

I've hurt myself twice now & have learned my lesson. Its because I feel so well that I forget & lift a shopping bag, or move a chair, or sneeze!

I will start BHF exercise class online after week 12, but not before.

Daily walks are fine, Im up to 5k including little inclines, & deep breathing which I was shown in hospital.

The path to recovery is unique to each individual patient, & I am being more careful now. (But its very slow and takes so long!)

We are all so different.

Good luck.