Walking after Stents Op

[Jennyhenry]

Hello everyone, been a very worrying time as my dad has recently had a heart attack. Anyway you know what bloody men are like and after coming out of hospital yesterday and having 3 stents fitted he’s already wants to get back to work. We have told NOOO but he also wants to go for a walk- so I’m just wondering how long can he walk for in his first week? Is there a specific time or any recommendations? He’s 59. Thank you all in advance- and for the Men and women on here sharing their personal stories and the people giving help and advice (what amazing people you are!!)

[Stentrunner]

I started on the BHF cardiac rehab videos - it’s easy to stop at any point, and you never far from help! But I must admit I didn’t do much at all for about a week after being discharged. That said, walking is great exercise.

[Rose54]

Hi

Normally its a 10min walk each day slowly building up to 30min a day

BHF site has loads of infomatoin and booklets

He should have seen Cardiac Nurse before discharge from hospital who should have advised him.

Rehab is good if offered even if at present it is on line .

[Cookie2020 in reply to Rose54]

I had a heart attack 7 years ago and had two stents fitted and I still see my cardiac nurse.

If you don’t ask you want get any help you might need’ good Luck.

Cheers Andy (55 years young)

[Edwen_]

After my heart attack I followed the NHS rehab programme. It is important to exercise as soon as you leave hospital and walking is one of the best activities. It is also important not to get out of breath or over exert yourself. I was told that you need to be able to hold a conversation whilst exercising. There are also activities that need to be avoided including the way that you position your body. This is to do with blood flow to the heart.

Going back to work is an individual choice depending on the type of job. A period of time for recovery is essential though. It also takes time to learn about rehabilitation. It is a life changing event and if you avoid the aftercare it could be fatal. The prognosis is very positive with the right approach. Good luck!

[Jennyhenry]

Thank you for your advice and will let him know, much appreciated! X

[Heartinthehills]

Hi Jennyhenry. Looks like you have plenty of good advice already. Adding to that I had 3 stents 7 years ago and added complications before discharge. I had to prove I could walk happily around the hospital ward for 5 minutes without being out of breath before they would discharge me. I also started walking every morning within a couple of days but took a few weeks before I could walk for an hour without stopping. Walking was by far the most effective healer and gave me uninterupted time to think through my experiences as well. I started working from home for a few hours straight away and back then happy to travel to work by public transport after 3 weeks before starting to drive after being advised not to for a few weeks more. I can verify the previous comment about wanting to test yourself on what you can manage. I also found that just talking about my incident helped come to terms with reduced capabilities. Your dad may need to share his experience with work colleagues and others outside the family.

[Jennyhenry]

That’s great to hear that 7 years on you are doing so well! Thank you for your help x