Rehab program

I had my heart attack three weeks ago and have been home for two weeks now. When am I likely to be contacted to start or join a Cardiac Rehab Program?

[Hidden]

Hi there , I’m in the same boat , heart attack three weeks ago , I had a phone call from rehab after two weeks , the number comes through as a 0800 number and they don’t leave a voicemail if that helps . It’s extremely worrying isn’t it . I had a wee guy on the phone talking at me for twenty minutes and that was it . I was so disappointed and feel now like that I’ve been left to deal with this myself with no support. So I really do understand how you are feeling . Watch out for an 0800 number it will most likely be there . Stay safe .

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Based upon my experience you won't be. My rehab programme consisted of a talk while I was still in hospital (with what I now consider to have been poor advice), and told to watch some YouTube videos.

12 months later and that was it. Covid is being used as an excuse for people to not do their jobs.

Hopefully you do better, but remember, no-one cares about your own health anywhere near as much as you do. Do what you feel is necessary.

[Chappychap]

The BHF (who sponsor this forum) are providing an on-line version of cardio rehab during Covid. They also have experienced cardiac nurses that you can telephone with questions.

You only have two options for preventing another heart attack, medication and life style changes. The cardio rehab course aims to give you lots of valuable information about both. You owe it to yourself to sign up.

Looking further down the line, you should also be given an annual check up with your GP or with the practise nurse. This covers blood tests, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, an ECG, and sometimes a few additional tests. These are really to monitor your progress and your risk factors. Comments on this forum suggests the feedback and guidance you'll get from this is a bit of postcode lottery. It's even more reason to do the on-line cardio rehab course, so that you're better placed to interpret your own metrics.

As has already been suggested, you're basically now responsible for your own heart health. I don't want to get into the rights and wrongs of it, but that's really the situation. Some people who have heart attacks primarily need medication, but for the majority it's life style changes that will do the heavy lifting of keeping you healthy. At the end of the day, the only person who can change your life style is you.

Good luck!

[QuadroVEINia]

Covid has disrupted a lot of the post-op rehab services which is unfortunate but some services are beginning to open up again but not fully. There are lots of YouTube videos by NHS for cardiac rehab which talk you thru exercises at home so you could try that... also see if there is a local fun, fit and/or support group you could join? I run one here in my area which has been a really good resource for many. Good luck.

[MDR1]

Try the BHF run online rehab programme. Try other exercises that suit you. Go for walks.Normal rehab programmes obviously can not start as indoor gatherings are still not allowed so it's nothing to do with people not doing their jobs.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I had my surgery last July but I didn't get my re hab till January, I thought it was brilliant, I had a nurse a physio and a dietitian that I could ask any questions which I found really helpful, I am the opposite of a lot of people just on the verge of being underweight, then we had classes via video link, only for four weeks which I did enjoy, I find it difficult to motivate myself, they are finished now but as someone else has said I need to get take charge of myself now, I found it invaluable, everyone was lovely and so caring, I wish I could have went to a class but it was good all the same, I am in Scotland, I hope you can get something organised take care char