Rehab Session 1: I knew my fitness... - British Heart Fou...

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Rehab Session 1

willsie01 profile image
16 Replies

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 :)

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willsie01 profile image
willsie01
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16 Replies

Hi

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.

Kristin1812 profile image
Kristin1812Heart Star

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.

Lovely new friends was one of the great benefits.

Icasl1 profile image
Icasl1

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!

Giant68 profile image
Giant68

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.

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

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!

dunestar profile image
dunestar

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.

MRSLADP profile image
MRSLADP

All that matters Willsie is that you attended and made it through that session. Forward progress! Yay!

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

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.

willsie01 profile image
willsie01 in reply to Qualipop

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.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply to willsie01

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

willsie01 profile image
willsie01 in reply to Qualipop

What Health Authority are you in?

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?

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply to willsie01

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.

Alison_L profile image
Alison_L in reply to Qualipop

My rehab team do a seated class for those unable to stand. It's a shame rehab varies so wildly across the country.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply to Alison_L

Exactly what I wanted. I have written to the Trust asking them to investigatethe lack of provision.

willsie01 profile image
willsie01 in reply to Qualipop

Your MP?

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

NO; will see what the Trust has to say first.

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