Ok I’ve had a heart attack two stents put in 6 weeks ago feel ok but went last week for my first session of rehab
Walked out after 15/20 mins never to return
Physio had a cheeky buyad attitude
Around 20 of us told walk round the cones in the gym so we did
However every patient was clearly at different levels but nevertheless we started walking the two in front of me were at 2mph I was tripping over them , so I passed them and lapped the group Physio starts yelling what are you doing get in line I explained they are too slow I don’t walk that slow
She told me get on the exercise bike Now peddle this don’t go above the no 60 I stared peddling she returned noticed which I didn’t that I was at 95 on the bike which had no resistance at all so she yells what are you playing st I told you keep it below 60 are you thick or something!
I immediately got off the bike and removed wrist strap and chest strap monitors she put on me earlier and politely said here take these I’m out of here No one shouts st me like that for no reason in front of a group of strangers
You can’t walk out she says I say Goodbye
The nurse stops me as I was walking out can I have a word ?
Yes of course so we go into s room she say it’s quite common after heart attack to suffer depression do you this maybe you are depressed
I say No but if I stayed in that gym five mins longer I would be it was like the film one flew over the cuckoos nest anyway I left
Now I geuss most people would say I was foolish for walking out but it was totally unsuitable to be treated like that
So my next thought is how do I do rehab on my own what should I be doing 6 weeks post stents ?
I don’t know what I’m allowed or should be doing anyone got a suggestion ?
Going back to that crazy Physio is totally out of the question
It's a shame you walked out because over the weeks it really can help I'm on the lowest level and feel I could easily do more but grin and bear it and do bit extra at home!! They are only thinking of you but shouldn't have spoken like that
Well it was over 5weeks after the stents that my first appointment was made today is 6 weeks after op
I explained to her that since the hospital fitted stents I’ve been averaging 5miles a day walking the dog cause I didn’t know what else to do so I Guess I’ll just keep walking the dog surely that’s enough exercise for now
I’ve to see my GP Friday coz I want to get back to work and he signed me off till Friday but bills need to get paid
I’ve heard good stories of people at the Physio I suppose I was just unlucky to get a cheeky unprofessional one just as I was unlucky to have a heart attack
GP might be able to help I think there are classes out there for people who have had medical issues. I walk loads every day as well which is supposed to be the best form of exercise. I to am hoping to go back to work next week am nervous about it but like you say bills need to be paid
I think you have missed the point about rehab - its not about what you can do right now. You need to recover from HA and surgery and the rehab brings you on in safe and managed increments. Remember that these people don't make it up and the process is based on a lot of experience and research.
Sorry to be blunt but I would think again and reconsider your decision to go it alone. Your comment about 5 miles a day walks is not a good reference - you may be overdoing it (hopefully not but I want to make the point)
Rehab is the most important thing possible after a heart attack,just go back again and do what you are told.They have been doing it for years, perhaps you think you are better than them,but you will never know unless you go back.
I understand it’s important but clearly the group are all at different levels having different conditions
The Physio was extremely unprofessional and to ask me if I’m stupid and talk to me in the manner she did in front of a group of strangers then I won’t accept that
Maybe I’ll get better info googling it or my GP can come up with an alternative
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Oh to have had the chance of rehab. I was never offered any help post HA and was left to fend for myself. It was a very lonely and depressing time.
I agree I am 6 weeks post HA and one stent fitted have has no support since coming home. It’s vsey scary and I’m still getting pain. See my cardiologist tomorrow hopefully find info out then.
Hi - I had HA and stents nearly 2 years ago. Recovered well, but happy to message you if you have any concerns or questions - including rehab in hospital and the community.
Not sure when this happened or if it’s still relevant to you but with GP referral you can join “level 4” cardiac rehab classes that are run at sports centres etc. around the country.
Note that some reference this as “Phase 4” and nit “Level 4” as I called it. The link appears to show the service is available in Scotland.
I completed the 16 session hospital rehab process and then immediately went on to this as a weekly event. After initial concerns that it was not “hard enough” i now see it as a key part of my weeks exercise. I have returned to scuba diving and am cycling longish distances e.g London to Brighton and a 66 mile ride in North Wales tomorrow. Without the rehab I would not have had the confidence that I was not “overdoing it” and potentially casing more damage.
I know too well that it’s a stressful time but take your time and you will get to where you want to be.
But you haven't got a clue what you should be doing now,I actually go in less than an hour for my first rehab session.I have two friends who have been through it,they said they looked forward to it after a couple of weeks, didn't like it at first but it got better,I will do it for eight weeks and see where I go from there.
Clearly you did not follow 'instructions' on two exercises and presumably made your points about being able to walk faster and pedal faster than advised. Just imagine, after years of training and experience the physio is presented with a patient who already knows better and/or does not listen (twice). Perhaps you made a bad day for her worse and contributed to the issue??
You’ve got it wrong all she said initially was ok everyone walk round the cones in the gym no mention of in a formation or any kind of order so I walked but was tripping over the two in front then she yelled at me why would you shout and yell instead of perhaps taking one aside and explaining what was required instead she said ok just go on the bike I did but I didn’t try to go fast or prove I could it just happened that there was no resistance at all in the peddling I didn’t notice on the lcd panel of bile I was going above 60 then she said are you thick I told you don’t go above 60 now that’s no way to talk to someone in front of a group of people
Given your position, I’d have walked out as well. I would also be writing a very strongly worded letter of complaint.
I stopped going to rehab as it was too easy. I was, like you, already walking miles everyday at a pace that was well above average, and when I went to rehab it was like taking a step or three backwards. As with all of these things, the courses are done as a one size fits all and That means it’s not going to suit everyone.as for what to do now, try the internet and find a gym with a personal trainer who knows what to do for cardiac patients - there are plenty of qualified trainers out there. Go privately ( not silly money but individual sessions), keep walking. if you do feel you are depressed then seek counselling (your GP should be able to help but again the internet will help you find someone should the need arise).
The rehab sessions are not the be all and end all - I have no regrets about not completing my sessions (other than it possibly taking a space from someone else).
But rehab is not about starting doing as much as you can do - it was explained at Harefield that it was important to follow the guidance and it was indeed a step back from what I could conceivably have done left to my own devices, but it was progressive and based on my own performance, and not a one size fits all. We could all use same stations but work faster and with more weights etc. as we all had personal charts and records that allowed progression in safe steps.
Rehab is not the be all and end all perhaps but given the wealth of experience in such places you need to be confident that you know better in order to reject it.
So at hare field it was explained That’s the difference nothing was explained just do that then yelled at
Thanks for your comments it’s good to know someone agrees
However re depression nah I’ve not got never had and never plan to have it was a comment made by the nurse no doubt she will write it on my report but I’ll make sure it’s removed
Whatever you decide has to best for you. You understand your body better than anyone else so go with it. I enjoyed rehab and luckily we were split into several groups as I too had been walking regularly, since then I attend their level 4 gym, most physios are great but there is one who is like a prison warder so I no longer go to her sessions. I think a letter of complaint (stick to the facts) is more than warranted and if it is a NHS run program then contact PALS.
Morning I decided not to do rehab after a heart attack and 2 stents in June.
I went to the assessment but after I was told this will be very easy for you, I made the decision to do my own thing.( I am a fitness professional)
Rightly the NHS is one size fits all and does not generally take into account personal fitness levels. You being angry in the class is just as damaging.
I listened to my body, started out walking, slowly increasing speed and distance, got up to 10km before I got back on my bike.
Did flat rides for two weeks and now back taking on hills and riding 50km.
Back in the gym, started light with high reps and now doing 12 reps at a medium weight.
I always have my GTN and tell someone where I am going. Keep my phone with.
Just do what you feel you can do but take plenty of rest. Drink enough water and eat a diet of lean meats and fish, plenty of veg.
Small steps and hopefully you will get back to your old self.
Regards
Neil
I personally believe you should swallow your pride and ring up rehabilitation, ask to speak with the person in charge and go and see them and lay it out to them. There is no point in walking out because nothing will change. Make your complaint and ask if you can return to classes (and there must be different times of day) without he problem instructor. From a personal view, I felt fitter and faster than most - and when the staff realised that, I was stretched to my limit on several occasions. Since the problems began on your first visit and whilst walking around in a circle - I can tell you that on your first visit they are actually monitoring you very closely and NEED you to comply with everything they say because this is the warm up period and only after that can they assess your abilities. It's OK for you to say the pace was too slow, but until they can see your heart coping, just like the cycle - you can not progress safely. These people deal with people of all ages and ability and it's not a competition, it's rehab. You are missing out on a lt of learning - go back - you have to be a bigger person and bite your tongue for you will be the looser. Trust me I'm a sailor
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Your missing the point I don’t speak to people the way she yelled at me so why should I allow her to she’s obviously a bully do I’ll take my chances but I’m in the middle of writing a strong letter of complaint as another person will suffer as a result of her actions of that I’m sure
Had my angioplasty after a bike race, prior to that I was exercising between 5 to 7 hours a week, average. Lets hope my cardiac rehab experience is a tad more enlightened than yours. But well done for walking out, nobody has the right to talk to you that way. Regarding future exercise, find a good fitness instructor, who can guide you through the next few months in a graduated way. Without patronizing you.
I will just continue to walk I don’t feel the need to work out in a gym I never did before so why now I’ll walk swim and cycle I’d imagine that’s plenty exercise together with a healthy diet
Hi...I don’t blame you at all..your self assteem is low as it is after the shock of what’s happened to you without the attitude of this particular person..but I wouldn’t give up on rehab...I was offered a couple of places to attend and days which apparently did have people a little older than myself, so we’re limited before there heart event..l found that rehab was good for me..it did feel a little childish at times ie walking around in circles..I did what I could to start with and got stronger and stronger..Also being able to talk to other patients is good..see if you could get another class somewhere else..
As for doing things on your own..start with a short walk..it says ten minutes to star but I think your past that stage..go for half an hour and build it up and increase your pace. I had my event five months ago I still have the off day but I feel great..good luck x
Rehab is not a Competition, you go at the pace you are instructed to do. It has been worked out on age, health and weight what your Maximum Pulse should be during Exercise. Everyone has to carry out the Warm Up when you are on the Bike it's been calculated what your Maximum Pulse should be, you can't do it yourself unless you know the Formula.
You have not mentioned who was present at your Rehab session I have been to two different Rehabs, North of Scotland and South West of England both were Identical with a Trainer ( physio ) and a Cardiac Rehab Nurse present. Personal -) comment I wonder if you should be at an Anger Management Class.
I am still wondering what your expectation of Rehab was
I went today to the gym, didn't actually do any exercise today,I asked about what they do and she told me they have a set procedure for exercise the first time you do it,they take measurements of your heart rate before and after exercise and depending how your assessment goes they calculate what level you should be at and then build it up gradually until by the end of eight weeks you reach a level that you should try and replicate when at home.
I'm sorry to say that I don't know what a "buyad" attitude is. (Apologies if its a modern mnemonic).
I'm not doubting your account of events at the rehab class but I can tell you that you have got hold of the wrong end of the stick with the exercise bikes. At the beginning of a session they are simply there to gently warm up for the exercises that follow. They are not there to pound away to raise your heart rate.
Similarly the test on your first session, walking back and forth between the cones, is to give the staff a baseline to check on your progress during subsequent sessions. Its not designed as a race to show them how many people you can overtake.
If any of this was explained to you in a rude fashion, that's clearly not acceptable. The people who run my classes seem very caring.
Just two Physio’s in gym one watching other telling all she said was ok everybody walk round the cones so we did I was tripping over ones in front so I walked past them [no sprint] so Physio yelled at me then said ok get on that bike I did she had it set to zero resistance I hadn’t noticed the numbers on dial nor was I trying to go fast it was virtually going itself then she came over and said am I thick she told me keep it below 60 she was and is very unhelpful and obviously power hingry
Having read all the replies both sympathetic and otherwise I would say re-hab for me was generally a positive experience. But not 100%
The classes told me nothing I had not already read in more depth, and the nurses seemed to be going through the motions, however the exercise physio was very good in allowing me to understand what was possible safely. My class had a broad range of fitness levels. But apart from the warm up which was the same for all. The stations on the circuit had various options of weigh/intensity we were given a level and if it seemed not to be taxing us it was reviewed very quickly. Even though I was not aware of scrutiny the guys were watching us and
Offering advice regards stance and intensity, I assume also keeping an eye out for signs of stress also.
Generally I think the information classes are structured for people who take no information from any other source. The base is pretty low and the information is pitched at that level.
However part of the process is helping people understand and cope with the mental side of experiencing an often life changing event.
My rehab was very quickly organized as rightly or wrongly being self employed meant I felt the need to resume work as quickly as I could. I was fortunate in living just down the road from my local hospital so staff were often my close neighbours. Perhaps I was lucky but my Physio team led by Sally at Trafford general were all polite and positive. They facilitated my early inclusion to classes and let me attend multiple classes per week as I wanted to get in a position to earn a living as soon as I could.
I returned to work overseas after six weeks at home and four weeks of double classes of rehab physio and have started brisk walking most days for at least 45 mins to an hour and if the weather is suitable have ridden my bike 50km plus. Only problems saddle related.
For backgroundI had a fairly large heart attack late June and since then have lost about 20kg being a bit of a porker I wasn’t so keen on exercise prior to the day event. However I am bloody grateful to the physio staff for giving me the confidence to work out at a reasonable level. For me that makes the rehab valuable. I could be described as a difficult patient I read and research as much as I can regarding my situation. Sometimes medical staff seem to have an issue with a patient being informed. But counter to this I have found a little knowledge and questions posed from a
Educated viewpoint have resulted in staff giving me excellent information and assistance. I think a motivated patient is motivating for them also.
If you feel you cannot work with the first physio find another rehab instructor, but keep up your efforts regardless. There are cardio specific exercise books on amazon. One of the things to be careful about if going solo with exercise is heart rate zones if taking beta blockers. As they tend to cap your heart rate and you can be over-stressing the heart without your readings seeming high. Information regards this is on the web. However physio will explain and calculate your zones after taking regard of your general condition and perhaps making some stress tests on a treadmill/bike.
We are all unique. Nobody fits a one size fits all program so we all take what we can from the classes then if interested make a program to suit our selves.
Good luck and relax stress is a risk factor we all need to avoid. If one class is not good then change class, if you simply find your not suited to a class environment I am sure a few private physio sessions would give similar information and the results as always are down to you.
I am sure you will find a path which works for you. And just venting your frustration in here is most likely good for you. I get a grump on sometimes and find often a similar thing has happened to somebody on here and find useful information in the posts and replies.
I’m glad you and others have had a happy experience with your rehab
I was clearly unlucky that I came across such an idiot Physio
Funny enough I spoke to two other people who experienced the same or similar problems with the same mad woman
So it wasn’t just a bad day she was having. She must be getting away with her crazy manner and attitude because no one complains is it “2018”
Any way I feel like I’m doing ok and to hell with her.
Your most likely probably right but I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction that I need her
I’ll ask my GP if he can send me elsewhere if not I’ll go private I’m sure when your paying you will at least be treated with respect
Civility cost nothing
Problem solved GP says I don’t need them he says go out walking if you feel like stopping then stop and carry on he suggested I get my bike out cycle wherever I want and I’ll know when enough is enough. GP says it’s not the first time he’s heard about the mad Physio his words but I can do it myself
I did my first rehab today,first of all I had my heart rate and blood pressure taken,then we did 10 minutes warm up doing various exercises and stretches,then we did 10 minutes of circuit training, different chairs with objects on and instructions,from weights to medicine ball,stairs to walking with weights.We then had to walk in a circle while drinking water for a minute or two then we did another 10 minutes of circuit training,we had our blood pressure and heart rate taken before we started the second set of exercise,then we did ten minutes of warm down then heart rate and blood pressure taken again, there are 4 levels of exercise,I started on level one,she explained that everyone is different so the rehab is based on your age, what pills you are taking and what problems you had with your heart.The readings they take should form an arc from your first reading before exercise,the second should be raised and the third should be close to your first reading,mine was pretty good on that count,they assess your progress and move you up when they think your ready.
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After CRT-D Cardiac Rehab - The recovery continues....
LULU
EXCERCISE
Returning to the bike 
Rehab Session 1
