Cardiovascular Rehab - what's that?

[IanGordon]

Seems everybody's post op recovery has benefitted from endless walking and Cardio Rehab but can anyone give me some idea what rehab might involve and how long it may last? Just trying to focus beyond the impending open heart surgery.

[Helen_BHF]

Hi IanGordon , these FAQs from the BHF on cardiac rehab might be useful for you: bhf.org.uk/heart-matters-ma...

I'm sure others on the community will be able to share their experiences too.

Hope this helps

[IanGordon in reply to Helen_BHF]

Thanks for your swift response - useful links which will do doubt be complemented by actual experiences.

[Heartlady1]

Hi Ian

the rehab I have been put on ( it is a little while post op ... so time to recover first) was to first have a check up with the physio team... they test your current fitness level then book you in on a rehab class ( with others for a weekly session) and they also give you a pedometer and ask you to fill out a daily diary ( they provide the diary) on how many steps you achieve daily

( they set your target based on your particular circumstances) and also ask you to describe how you are feeling etc each day. I also was given an exercise dvd for those days when I couldn't get out to walk ( today was definitely one of those days) to complete.

Then each week you go to your local rehab centre along with others... and they take you through an exercise routine.... it lasted about 50 mins. This is for 6 weeks.... and is designed to get you back to fitness and build your confidence and your exercise regime up to allow you to then continue with your walking/exercise regime long term.

The great thing for me was being educated on how to exercise without doing too much - or too little. Each week they will push you to walk further.... do more steps. I am currently on week 3 and for me they want me to do 7000 steps ( as an example) ideally to do this each day for between 3 or 5 days a week. But no more than this as it's important to have rest days.

It does give you the confidence to do this in a controlled environment rather than just doing it yourself. You feel that you can push your body without worrying ( as the health professionals are guiding you) for example on days when doing the DVD I shouldn't then go for a 25 minute walk. Eventually I am aiming to go to a 45 min walk each day 5 days a week. I can go further if I want.... but this regular longer exercise will help my body back to fitness and keeps the heart working at optimum levels. It's easy to not exercise post op... especially if you have also not done much before due to ill health.... and so getting us back to fitness nor only helps our heart... but helps all of our body and gets our muscles rec work. And makes us feel more energetic too.

I hope this helps. And all the very best with your impending op

Karen

[IanGordon in reply to Heartlady1]

Hadn't really considered that you need to achieve a level of fitness/ mobility before embarking on cardiovascular rehab - need to keep that in mind and prepare accordingly. So much to think about....

[Mary_Janet]

I have found cardiac rehab a lifeline. I was ill last year with endocarditis and then valve surgery.I lost a lot of weight and muscle tone after a long hospital stay .

I was phoned by a member of the rehab team the first week I was home and then had an hour's appointment with them at the hospital where we discussed my progress, any problems and goals for my future recovery. I was told how much I could exercise -in my case I was to walk 20mins a day on the flat. I also did a step test whilst monitored.

Next was a group session to talk about cardiac disease, prevention, diet etc. I was then invited to a rehab class, people who had a variety of cardiac conditions and different ages. We did an hour of exercises - circuit with about 8 different stations. There were two staff members to help monitor and support us. The second hour was either education or goal setting - increase your walking, adding in swimming etc. The aim of the course is to get people back to health and work as fit as possible. Our course in West Lothian was ten weeks in length after which there was an option of a GP 'referral to the gym for free three months . Much to my surprise I took this up and am now a gym member !

I would really recommend taking up rehab as it will give you confidence to exercise in a safe place and help you set goals to recovery after major surgery. Meeting other people with cardiac issues was very helpful, we all encouraged each other on and enjoyed seeing people get better.

I would highly recommend the rehab classes to you.

[IanGordon]

Thanks, Mary Janet.

Certainly looks like you've got things sorted north of the border. Only hope the rehab is as good in my neck of the woods.

[Rehabguy]

Have they offered you a place on a rehab programme?

[IanGordon in reply to Rehabguy]

Bit complicated. Surgery in Liverpool, recovery in Lincolnshire. Just waiting a date for surgery so some way from rehab. Not that confident about local services given that they are trying to close the local hospital.

[Rehabguy]

You may find you are referred to a community based team. They are only really called 'community' teams because their offices are not in the hospital... They are excellent. You should be referred over on discharge from hospital after your treatment.

[IanGordon in reply to Rehabguy]

Cheers, Rehab guy. Just got my op dates so things are moving.

[IanGordon]

Cheers for your feedback, roundthehorn. Just hope there's a national standard that means I get the same options. When I was stented 4 years ago, rehab was very much a 'one size fits all' approach and not needed. Open heart surgery is somewhat different!