Cardio assessment

[Lynn1966]

Hi all, I had my last cardio exercise today. I feel quite sad as the group were amazing. I recommend anyone who has the chance to go, to go. I called it my safe club. Everyone there were so supportive. Iv also made long life friends 😁😁

[Dame65]

Well done Lynn1966! Glad you gained something from it.

I have mine next week, after having another stent 2 weeks ago ! It'll be my 2nd lot as I also had Cardio rehab classes in 2016.

Keep up the good work.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Good to hear it went well. Mine was OK but no more - a one size fits all approach and broken equipment impacting on the experience. I hope to continue in the community, so to speak, soon if I find something appropriate. Initial enquiries were disappointing - I am not sure 'BSc Sports Science' equips people for the real world!

[NathanBlau in reply to MichaelJH]

Have you looked for 'level 4' carduac rehab classes? They are held in a variety of locations from gyms to village halls but I found it a brilliant follow on from the hospital based cardiac rehab.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to NathanBlau]

I think it may be Phase 4 but will find out Monday. The website is totally confusing, but then many are!

[NathanBlau in reply to MichaelJH]

You are right - you would think after 2 years of a weekly class that I would have the name right! The important thing us though that they provide a great progression from the original rehab.

[Deanosbeano]

Got my first class today , been a bit surreal this rehab , signed up to something called up and active and left to my own devices . Been a lonely trip this recovery journey so far with only my Chinese Fitbit watch and me to mention . It's massive shock from the first 24 hour minute by minute care to the general ward were it was understaffed to the GPS 3 week waiting list .

Can't wait for some social interaction with folk who are experiencing the same worries and anxieties :).

[Kev12564]

Great to hear. My dad (86) had a bypass last year and his rehab referrals went missing somewhere. However, he’s finally starting rehab, and I think it will change his whole mindset. It’ll be nervy at first - anyone starting fitness will get out of breath and even want to be sick, but sticking with it will be hugely rewarding.

I’m not a heart patient fortunately, but I used to to huge (17 stone male, BMI 32, sedentary, heavy drinker). Now I’m BMI 26 and very active. Out on a very slow walk with my dad the other day, I ran off and sprinted over a load of dog hurdles. He was impressed! My transition wasn’t easy, so it’ll be harder for a heart patient, but well well worth it. Glad you enjoyed the training, but try and keep it up if you can

[Janma123 in reply to Kev12564]

That’s good news for your Dad, hope it goes well for him. Bob enjoyed his classes when he had his first heart attack but was unfortunately not able to complete the classes after his bypass, due to another health issue.

[Kev12564 in reply to Janma123]

I’m sure he can rejoin later or at least have an exercise plan to work to even if it’s just walking?

My dad’s GP left him a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation notice, which I don’t understand at all and am a bit angry about. It seems to have motivated my dad to make an effort, though.

[Janma123 in reply to Kev12564]

You could maybe ask why the notice has been left. Up here has been a focus recently on considering the future quality of life for older patients and not automatically resuscitating if the likely outcome is not beneficial to the patient.Again hope your Dad gets on well with his classes and regains some fitness and confidence.

Jane

[Kev12564 in reply to Janma123]

I didn’t want to dwell on it too much. The notice gave details saying he’s breathless, etc. He wasn’t breathless at when I walked with him. It was fatigue, pure and simple. When the likes of you and I get flu and recover, we’ll get fatigue and have to stop walking.

Whatever happens, he can walk albeit slowly with lots of stopping to sit down. That’ll only get better. It’s more of a mental thing and being motivated to walk every day.

Not wishing to moan about my mum too much, but her negativity is an issue. She keeps saying he’s frail. Yes, because he’s got no appetite because he’s so sedentary. It’s a vicious circle and shows how much a positive carer can help. You’re doing great by the sound of it.

[Janma123 in reply to Kev12564]

Sounds as if your mum needs some support too. Can she go to the classes with your dad, although a short time apart would probably be beneficial too - she could maybe go out for a coffee or lunch while the class is on and get a bit of ‘me’ time to cheer her up.

Our eldest son described Bob as ‘fragile’ and ‘vulnerable’ last summer, but he is much stronger and more robust now! His biggest issue is his balance particularly on slightly uneven ground.

[Kev12564 in reply to Janma123]

Yes, my mum’s health isn’t great, but it’s all mental (anxiety) related. I’ve never seen anyone worry about every little thing so much. It’s not pleasant to be around.

An example from last weekend, my wife and I went to the local chip shop to get a portion of scampi - it’s a joke between us that my dad always ordered scampi and chips anywhere - his face lit up when we gave him a whole portion on scampi. We didn’t care he wouldn’t finish, we’d eat the leftovers. But my mum whinged and whinged it was too much, he’d be sick, blah blah, as he was trying to eat. That’s not helpful and I was getting angry inside.

A time away from such negativity would be ideal, I agree.

Glad to hear Bob sounds a bit better. Keep up the positivity

[Janma123 in reply to Kev12564]

I can understand your frustration with your mum, that sort of negativity doesn’t help at all - she sounds as if she has become overwhelmed with everything and is over anxious. Can your gp or community nurse arrange some support for her?

[Kev12564 in reply to Janma123]

Oh yes, she’s been prescribed antidepressants recently, and I guess these things take time to settle down, but she needs to do something such as watch TV or read and not just sit there fretting as this is very pointless and annoying for everyone else.

[benjijen]

Check your local area for stage 4 classes. I've been going for over 2 years now and some have been going many years more! It's a combination of regular exercise and like minded people which help physically and mentally. Make sure the classes are taken by properly trained people who know how to deal with heart problems rather than a standard trainer.

[Handel]

Lovely to hear Lynn. Keep up with your amazing recovery. xxx

[Bob6969]

Likewise, first one today, met some great people .

[Jogler1372]

Hi Lynn 1966, yes im coming to the end of mine too. These sessions are so beneficial as they help you push yourself that bit further each week with the support mechanism there to assure you. I look forward to meeting the group and staff members where you can share any issues, ask questions about medication etc...

[Lynn1966 in reply to Jogler1372]

Definitely beneficial, I was amazed on how much more I could do , but was afraid before. Everyone understood each other. I always looked forward to the group.😁

[Alison_L]

Hi Lynn. I enjoyed my rehab so much that I have volunteered to help out with them. Unfortunately, my heart has other ideas, and the docs are debating again whether to operate (mitral valve replacement), so I can't start yet!

[Cazz1954]

Hi I was a bit sad when my rehab finished at our hospital so the rehab team referred me to our local gym that do cardio rehab sessions twice weekly. They are trained and also help out at our local hospital when needed. That might be an idea for you to look into