Rehab by Perscription

[MichaelJH]

I am now being referred for this as Phase 4 is a struggle because of other conditions. However, GP not certain I will get it because of limited places and assessors may decide I am not that limited (!). This rehab can be frustrating at times!

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Rehab does seem to inconsistent between one area and another, and even where it exists there seems to be limited places, which is a pity as I think cardio rehab is without a doubt one of the best services the NHS provides.

I'm lucky that the service where I live is exceptional, I'd be very disappointed if it were not available here.

Good luck with getting the rehab you want

[Maisie2014]

Sorry to hear that MichaelJH. I did really well with my rehab but have steadily gone downhill since. What is Phase 4? I try to go for a swim/walk in the gym pool at least twice a week but the past few days I’ve been away for rest and recuperation but I’m shattered now! Too much walking. I’m becoming breathless and have put on weight.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Maisie2014]

Hi, There are basically four phases:-

Phase 1 - Maintaining/improving fitness before surgery

Phase 2 - Breathing exercises/mobilising in the days after surgery

Phase 3 - The rehab that start anywhere between four weeks and twelve weeks post surgery

Phase 4 - Carrying on in the community after you finish Phase 3

Phase 3 & 4 vary tremendously between Health Trusts. I found it too much of a one size fits all particularly Phase 4. This is why I asked for the referral where the idea is that things are tailored to suit your particular needs.

First though I need to be accepted for it...

If breathlessness, etc. becomes an issue go back to your GP as things can change over time!

[Eadaoin in reply to MichaelJH]

I liked the phrase “one size fits all”. Am just finishing an 8 week cardiac rehab and am disappointed with parts of the experience.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Eadaoin]

When you have people aged from 40 to 85 with a variety of conditions and BMIs from 18 - 35 one exercise program cannot fit them all! A number of times I was the only member of the "zipper" club there!

[Snowdrops_17 in reply to Maisie2014]

Hi Maisie, thinking of you okay....God bless you 🙂🌃🌠

[Snowdrops_17]

Hope you get that tailored rehab Michael. Every person is different, some recover fast others slower. Depending also which heart problems you had and like me ended up with vascular disease in my legs. But getting much better.

After work I am still tired, some days are better than others. Where I work its difficult to get the right balance with my shift pattern. Can't handle lack of sleep at all. Just feel like a Zombie the next day. Sunday worked 17pm - 01.00 am Monday morning, then had a shift for 10 am ... on Monday. So I asked if I could come at 11 am !!! Today told Sous Chef a late and then early shift knocks me physically....

People don't understand until their health is affected with heart problems and diabetes like you.

Does get me depressed at times when work isn't listening and then I read a bible verse and my daily reading. God got me through this and I just have to trust him to carry me when I find life hard.

Hope you all here sleep well tonight.

[francesw47]

It really is different in different areas isn't it?

I had second AVR in early June and do not have assessment for rehab until end this month, then there will be a wait for a place. I did rehab prior to first AVR 5 years ago and it really was the best, and stage 4 was great also. Pressure of work meant I had to give up.

In my local area (in South London) there is a separate group of activities for the over 55s and I know that the fitness instructors from the rehab programme hold exercise classes in this area. Quite a few of the older Heartsmart attendees go to this as it is somewhat more fun. You might have the same where you live..if rehab turns you down?

Good luck with the assessment.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to francesw47]

We have both Phase 3 & 4 in the area but it is very much "one size fits all", which is why I asked for this referral.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

As mentioned elsewhere I now have the referral. So far I have been unable to book the initial assessment. I thought it odd that the phone number for the gym was for the next area code - it was the next council's housing department! The number I have now is one of those "busy" ones. Might just rock on by...