Cardio Rehab

[VelvetSky]

Hi, I’m six weeks after heart attack, stent fitted. I went to the Cardio clinic last week and was signed up for rehab. I read all advice about cardio rehab and went enthusiastically to my first class yesterday. Compared to the other people there it was obvious I am still far from recovered. The class was held in a very small room, 20 people, electric fires, no open windows, very dusty, doesn’t help when I am a chronic asthmatic.

Lots of stairs to access the room, then had to go downstairs to do a walking test, this is in the full gym, a lot of machinery in a very small space, the noise and dust were overwhelming for me. As I can just about walk to the end of my road I knew I couldn’t do the initial walking test, the whole thing was just more than I could cope with. I felt a total failure, I burst into tears, this is the first time I’ve been reduced to tears since the heart attack.

The nurse sent me home, telling me to go to the GP as I was obviously still unwell. She advised me to go to a Cardiac Rehab class in a nearby town which she thought was better.

Has anyone else had this sort of experience, the majority of people seem to sing the praises of rehab. I would add that I don’t drink, smoke, not overweight, indeed since the heart attack I have unintentionally gone from 10st to 8st 13lb because I have been so sick and cannot eat, partly due to the meds. I did a lot of gardening and DIY before and I am usually very fit and active. Apparently my heart attack was a genetic factor.

I am really disappointed in my experience at rehab, has anyone else felt like this?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Not really but it could have been better. Out of four exercise bikes only one had a working computer for time, distance, incline, etc. That was the situation for ten weeks. There was also a long step for stepping exercises that you could not use for the period either (I had two extra weeks because of conflicting appointments) because of a broken hand rail. I felt like buying a piece of bannister and coming along with my drill but was sure it was probably unionised! I cannot decide if it was a case of "Mañana" or "it's someone else's responsibility"! I also had two healthy eating talks in that tie and the two presenters were not on the same hymn sheet! Definite room for improvement. I want to follow it up but finding something suitable is not easy.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Ours always finished promptly even it it started late. The session finished with a talk and this is what got truncated. Most interesting talk was on medication including advice to get it reviewed on first anniversary. The pharmacist was dealing with a few specific questions and had to finish - I think there was at least 15 - 20 minutes to go.

[Chappychap]

That's such a shame, but I guess it's yet another example of a postcode lottery.

The eight week cardio rehab course I attended was difficult to fault. A spacious, ground floor venue with easy parking. Motivated and expert nurses who tailored the sessions to ensure everyone was working at an appropriate level. Informative talks that were professionally delivered and with plenty of time for Q&A.

[thetidders]

My experience was the same as Chappychap & as he says it was difficult to fault except mine was for 12 weeks twice a week. After the initial assessment I was placed into the gym which was quite spacious with equipment that worked. We all had individual programmes which were reviewed & changed after a few sessions.

I have just finished the follow on cardio fit programme at a local recreation centre still supervised by a member of the rehab team, that was 12 weekly sessions.

Rehab seems to vary so much throughout the UK.

Jean

[Clerkenweller]

It is a post code lottery. I like chappy chap had a first class experience. I urge you not to lose faith in a rehabilitation process. Ask your GP if there are any other classes.

[WGM1]

Hi VelvetSky,

Did you get to your GP? I hope things start to improve. My experience of rehab wasn't great (no-one's fault... staff holidays and people taking I'll during sessions - otherwise I'm sure it would have been good) but luckily I was still able to take something good from it - especially the talks and videos. Also just meeting people with a similar condition helped. I'm so sorry you're experience wasn't good. I hope you can find somewhere closer and better. Do keep us up to date as to how you get on.

If you haven't done so already, there are quite a few Facebook support groups (search heart attack and agents) which I initially found very helpful. Good luck.

[benjijen]

I had good experience as well and am still going to stage 4 rehab after 2 years 2-3 times a week. The classes are with like minded people, many of whom also have other health problems including me. It sounds more like the venue is at fault for you so I would ask around (or google) your area for classes. Alternatively you could ask the question on here with roughly where you live and you may find someone who can help. Don't give up though.

[Ianc2]

I am sorry to hear of your difficulties. I think it depends on the hospital staff who organise the course. The first thing that happened with the course was a beep test to establish fitness levels. After that we had talks by various professionals and the progressed to a room in the local authority Leisure centre where we warmed up, stretches, etc, did a set of gentle circuit training exercises to a music cd ' petticoats and popsicles', and then warmed down. The exercise that sticks in my mind most was the ' stand up sit dpwn' exercise . At the end of the programme we were introduced to the main gym.

Having said all that I like being out in the green stuff, walking.

[Qualipop]

I wasn't even accepted for rehab. Our area has no facilities at all for anyone disabled. All I got from the rehab nurse was "Oh you wouldn't be able to do that". Some areas do seem to be extremely poor

[Benzman]

I fully agree with others and about asking on here for venue recommendations. I'm on the South coast and the rehab unit is brilliant. I now attend the health club at the same venue and the other members and trainers couldn't be more friendly, helpful and supportive. We are all encouraged to stay for a while afterwards for tea/coffee for a chat and to ensure no repercussions from the exercising.

[Geoff51 Heart Star]

Although it was 9 years ago i had my Cardiac Rehab i was impressed with it, basically it was specialized circuit training supervised by qualified nurses and excercise coach, only basic small equipment like weights, steps and the like were employed. The last part of the session was talks by the nurses on medicines, diet, healthy living etc. It was well structured in a separate room in the local indoor sports centre with plenty of space for all and the maximum number in the class was less than 20. All in all I found it very helpful and help to return me to fitness and support me to get over the trauma of my Heart Attack.

[Dockdog]

I feel for you, what an awful experience. At least you have been offered Cardiac Rehab. When I left the Royal Brompton following a pericardiectomy my NHS Trust in Kent did not offer me any kind of help. I have since found that there are a few locations all in N & W Kent where Heart Failure nurses operate but nowhere near to me in E Kent. Very much a post code lottery where there are facilities I fear.

[VelvetSky]

Hi, thank you everyone for your helpful replies. Living alone you can easily feel you're the only person with a particular problem or worry. I'm so glad I've found this site.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I personally think the variability in availability and quality of cardio rehab totally unacceptable. This seems to start at a higher level within trusts. I was referred to the Urgent Chest Pain Clinic when I developed bad chest pains but not seen for six weeks. Then there were endless delays for tests and once I was referred for a bypass ten months passed before it happened - I accept two months delay were due to a tooth abscess that should have been dealt with far quicker. I dislike targets but somehow it seems if they are not there manana kicks in.

[TinaC1]

So sorry to hear your experience I attended rehab with the physios and rehab team at George Eliot hospital. They were excellent helped my confidence I felt it such an important part of my recovery. I hope you can go to another group and have a good experience.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I agree with Michael there is too much variability in the type of Cardiac rehab provided.

It does need to be tailored more to an individual's needs especially for those who have difficulty exercising due to other reasons.

I had a fantastic support from a Cardiac rehab nurse only problem was I was unable to complete the course.

My BP dropped and pulse rate went up too much.

I was also the youngest and only woman on the course!

I was extremely fortunate as I then saw a physiotherapist who continues to work with me to help me slowly build up my exercise capacity.

[Hidden]

Sorry can't help you there as I wasn't given rehab. I had a 10 min appointment with a nurse 6 weeks post HA and that's been it.