Start cardiac rehab next week

[rbaker0960]

Hello all, I start cardiac rehab next week but I'm not so sure that I really will benefit from it. Can I just do my own exercising and get as good results? Have many of you gone through cardiac rehab if so please let me know your experience. Thanks!

[stevejb1810]

It’s not mandatory that you do it. I did the first three classes and got totally bored with it and never went back - I just exercised on my own terms . I know others who loved it. I would advise you go along to the first one or two and make your own mind up from there

[fedupoffeelingtired]

I did cardio Rehab and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's not just about exercise, it's helping you understand the procedures you have been thru, what your meds do and why you take them, and lifestyle changes. The support from the nurses was fantastic, and being around other people who have been thru the same as you is uplifting. I was in denial after my ha and stent. I got so much out of the course it helped me so much more than I ever thought possible. I would never have come thru it without them. I really miss it now, but am very grateful I had the opportunity to attend.

[Gail1967]

I found it positive. I was a regular exerciser before my bypass surgery- for me it was about building my confidence again before I went back to my own programme. It’s quite basic but good to share experiences with other hearties each week and see your own progress

[thetidders]

The main positive for me about rehab was that as Gail has said it gave me my confidence back. I had a triple bypass followed by a severe electrolyte imbalance so I was very weak still physically & mentally when I went. Knowing that cardiac nurses were there to support me & keep an eye on you all the time helped me so much.

I finished the course & then went to the next stage which was held at a municipal gym.

I hope you give it a go to see how you get on.

Jean

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi. I was really sceptical but was glad I went along in the end. I thought I’d be the youngest at 55 but I wasn’t and it was great to meet up every week and have a chat. We were lucky as we also had a ‘classroom’ session with an interesting talk and presentation each week. Really helped get my head around my ‘out of the blue’ heart attack and stent. And going to cardio rehab is associated with a 20/30% reduction in mortality rates. So worth it for that. This is interesting from the BHF: bhf.org.uk/for-professional...

[francesw47]

Hi

Its variable! I've (unfortunately) been through this loop twice and found the first experience terrific, great fun, hard work and really worth the effort. Social aspects helped with confidence and was so enthused by the education slots that I went on and did some serious study to expand my very limited knowledge. BUT second time around was dire! 5 years later and cuts to services meant a very different story. I came to the conclusion that the personality of the cardiac nurse attending also made a difference and I'm afraid that staffing changes resulted in a very disaffected nurse being in charge - she really could not have given a xxxx about us and stood chatting with her colleague throughout. I complained.

What I wanted was to get to Heartsmart. Thats the stage 4 programme which in my area is free. You have a choice of 12 sessions in local leisure centre - thats either gym based or circuit based exercise. It also carries on after the free element. I;m there now and its brilliant.

Try a couple of sessions and see how you get on - but the programme afterwards is worth keeping in mind and if you want to attend that, then stick with it.

Frances

[Ianc2]

Gets you out of the house, gets you moving, gets you mixing with other patients, assesses where you are now (beep test) and again at the end of the course, before you move onto the next stage. Simple exercises but varied e.g. stand up, sit down, 3 sets of 15 repetitions, etc. As NorthantsSteve said there is a very positive reduction in mortality rates.

I did it and it helped my recovery and encouraged me to carry on with my recovery. It is free - so why not?

[080311]

Hi, I found rehab really helpful, apart from getting my stamina back you are with others who have had the same or similar experiences as you. This really helps your mental health you don’t feel quite so alone. Plus mine was twice a week on one of the days we had a talk given by lots of different people from someone talking about the drugs we were on and the possible side affects to someone talking about research into heart disease. Also there are cardio nurses on hand for checking your bp and any other problems you might have. As others have said we are all different but why not go along and see what you think? Best wishes Pauline

[Mikedabike]

If you have a good cardiac rehab team in your area, you will certainly benefit from it far more than commencing your own exercise regime. I am just into week 3 of my rehab. It is suitable for all levels, your heart rate and blood pressure are checked before and after the exercises, and they also monitor while you are exercising. The rehab team in my area also offer from regular drop in sessions on such topics as lifestyle, healthy eating, exercise etc and many others.

[gilreid1]

The rehab clinic in Aberdeen was excellent for me. It’s not just about exercise but how to slowly build yourself back up and getting your heart working the way it should. The relaxation and health talks are also good. A good social also as everyone there is going thru the same experience

[Hatchjd]

My rehab clinic was great. Run by a physical therapist and two cardiac nurses. More strenuous than I expected and only a 5 minute stop mid way in the 45 minute class for a quick drink and we had to walk on the spot then ! They also carried out BP checks taught everyone how to check their own pulse and had finger oxygen meters to check on breathing and oxygen levels. If you had a problem with blood pressure, chest pain, shortness of breath etc the nurses would reassess your meds or consult with the doctor on course of action or arrange fast track clinic appointments for extra tests as needed. I had a 24 hour BP monitor and a treadmill Stress test arranged within 24 hours after mentioning lightheadedness and some chest burning. This was all very reassuring.

[Artemlos]

Thanks for posting this and all the responses. I've just posed a similar question on the site and the feedback here has been really useful.