I knew my fitness level was very low, after a decade of low back/leg pain interfering with exercise, compounded by a quasi-emergency, triple bypass but I didn't realise how low until I did my first rehab session yesterday! After the initial stepper test the physio asked what level on the RPE it had been. When I told her "Very Hard" she replied most people only felt it was at a much lower level, which worried me greatly how I was going to cope with the actual circuit!
However, I did get through them, although my legs were wobbly afterwards and a little surprisingly to me, although my muscles were aching my aerobic capacity wasn't overly tested. Maybe that's helped by the beta blocker?
Onwards and upwards! Hopefully...
I have always had problems with the Polar chest strap type monitors with the connection to the wrist watch dropping out. What devices are out there that I could get?
Have a good weekend everyone
Written by
willsie01
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I have various health problems but insissted to the nurse that I was going to do the normal rehab programme . She kept telling me that I couldn't ! She asked me to see one of the nurses on the team . She talked to me and explained gently it was too hard for me and she was right. I'm now on the less strenous re hab programme and I even find that hard ! Lol!
I'm not sure sure which rehab programme you're on but if you're on the normal one and finding it a bit hard, maybe you can change to the other one?
You could get an Apple Watch ! They are meant to be accurate without using a chest strap . There are cheaper versions around but I don't know how accurate they are ! Have a look on Amazon and read the reviews.
Great you are persisting, and at a pace that suits you. The trainers will look after you. My rehab start was very hesitant and slow. You really took me back! Those aching legs and breathlessness! Now I can walk pretty briskly for 2+ miles and love exercising, though I still get angina of I go too fast.
After trying , & been disappointed, with many heart rate monitors I invested in the Apple Watch. Expensive but very accurate and even has a basic ecg app! Highly recommended!
I had 3 heart attacks and a quintuple bypass back in July. I thought I was a reasonably fit 54 year old bloke. My first rehab session was a real shocker too. I really struggled and 6 weeks down the line my strength and stamina is starting to come back although my hands are still quite weak, hopefully no one will give me jars to open!
I was told that strength fades very quickly especially as I was told to do nothing but recuperate for 8 weeks or more. The rehab team here in Southampton are excellent and I will be fit again.
Be wary of the cheapo wrist watches on Amazon. As mentioned in the spring a friend's counted far more steps than the basic app on my mobile. My mobile seems the more accurate. Sadly a lot of low quality goods come into this country. Christmas tat is really ramping up!
My experience is that the cardio rehab does make a difference if you stick at it. I went up the circular iron staircase in the greenhouse at Kew gardens recently and I made it to the top without any bother.
I've had severe spinal damage for years. My exercise is next to nil because I can only stand for a few minutes. I was completely refused rehab after a HA last year. I just got "You wouldn't be able to do it" which was correct but they offered no alternatives. I just saw a different nurse who has come up with a seated programme. Only trouble is , it's not run by a cardiac nurse or physio which I feel I need for my own confidence but I will definitely give it a go.
When I saw the cardio nurse for the assessment she said that if the standard circuit was too much for my back they would work out a routine using my upper body. Sounds like you need someone like her on your side.
I think if I'd seen this nurse a year ago, suggestions would have been made. The other one just "assumed" and gave up. The actual cardiac rehab has NOTHING for disabled people
I suggest you contact your hospital PALS. I don’t see why you’re denied rehab if there’s a way a programme can be devised for you. What have you got to lose?
Through my GP I have contacted the cardio dept who organise the rehab classes. They just say they do nothing for wheelchair patients. Been working on this now for a year. The state of my heart does mean it woudl be safe to do this other course without a cardiac nurse but I still firmly believe the classes should be adapted. It's all circuit and gym work so if you can't stand or walk, you've had it. PALS are useless. I will contact the Trust management though.
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