cardiac rehab

[dharkan]

I am about to finish my 6 weeks rehab at the hospital this week after STEMI in end Oct. There is a programme to continue Phase 4 rehab in the local gym. Was looking for views and opinions regarding continuing with Phase 4.

[Hidden]

The physio who did my rehab at the end of last year thought I would get nothing out of doing the phase 4 session in the gym as I was doing plenty of exercise and had regained my confidence.Has your physio given you any guidance?

[dharkan in reply to Hidden]

The last session on Tuesday, plan to ask the Nurse then. But I am walking at a descent speed for 6-7 km most days and doing about 40 mins yoga daily. looking to get back to running slowly, was not sure if Phase 4 would help me to get back quicker.

[Hidden in reply to dharkan]

Good on you for what you are doing, I reckon you'll get the same guidance as I did.

[Cherrylee in reply to Hidden]

After my stent I had undiagnosed micro vascular angina. So for me the classes are great as I got so unfit during that year. Also help build confidence. Once I had completed my cardiac rehab I went straight to the classes. And I really enjoy them. Also a bit of craic too.

[Chappychap]

I can't remember the precise details of Phase 4, but from memory it sounds like it's above the level of private exercise you're taking, in which case I'd go for it.

It's hard to over emphasise the importance of life style changes in managing most heart problems. In order to enjoy more years of healthy life ahead it's worth investing in positive experiences such as this.

Good luck!

[Boris1978]

I continued my rehab at my local gym once I had the confidence to go and do it by myself I just carried on the exercises snd listened to the advice of the rehab team

[benjijen]

I did it for several years. It's good because the trainers are properly qualified for cardiac people. You are also there with those in a similar situation as you. I have only recently stopped going as my arthritis is worse. I'm looking to do one of the other exercise classes which is more suitable for me now. It would be worth at least trying a few classes to see how you get on.

[Clerkenweller]

If you’re a stranger to the gym I’d urge you to go. Similarly if you are anxious about recommencing exercise go.

[Ewloe]

Yes go for it. I started phase 4 beginning of January. I had stemi and cardiac arrest end of July followed by AFib for 3 months. Then a cardio version. Pre stemi I had personal trainer twice a week and walked a lot. I was very fit. Never smoked. Normal weight. I now have reduced ejection fraction and muscle damage. The cardiac trained trainer in phase 4 is a good stepping stone to get back into what you want to do without overdoing it too quickly ( I’m not good at pacing myself and would push too hard otherwise). I’m swimming, walking a bit and now doing Pilates as well. The phase 4 adds a good mix. Good luck

[BobbyB1962]

Bit of a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned, go for it! It'll help your recovery (as long as you don't overdo it) and great for mental health too.

[Babsben]

Hi,. I DCM (lvsd) I had rehab bit only one session due to covid but was offered 12 weeks at my local gym (0nce a week). They checked my blood pressure before each session and guided me on my abilities. That was last year. I am now back at my own gym. I go a few times a week, started off gradual etc. 😊

[Heartattackvictim]

I too was very fit pre-HA (half marathon runner) but I went to Phase 4 to help re-build my confidence, get an idea of what else I could do exercise-wise and also critically I found a ready-made community of folk who had gone through a variety of heart-related conditions and treatments and they knew what I'd been through. You've nothing to lose by going for a few sessions at least. Then you can decide if it's for you.

[Janma123]

You are fortunate having the chance of actual rehab classes. Hubby went for an assessment, got a phone call after a month and that was it!He did the early classes in 2007 and found them really helpful so was hoping to go again this time - no luck.

As someone else has suggested - go for the level 4 and see how you get on.

Jane

[Faub]

Hi, I had avr back in October and I am doing pretty well now, goib back to jogging, taichi, yoga and some cardio training. However, I wasn't offered az cardio rehab program after my surgery, after the 1.5 month check I was told to start a brisk 20min daily walk/jog and build up from there. I was curious about what the various phases of the rehab entailed?

[Marco2764]

Depends on you as a person. You need to embrace the fact that daily 'quality' exercise is most important. The phase 4 gets your body to a good level so then you can go forward in life. The exercise has to continue after the course's, otherwise all the work and effort goes to waste

[AnkurKapoor]

I started phase 4 around 2 months ago and i would recommend it if you want to get into building physical endurance. Its not that you will be doing same exercises as a normal gym goer would do but you will be on the same path. I find it good since it gives me a routine and helps me to monitor and track my progress on weekly basis. The well being instructor is good as he can give you advice on when to stop based on what is your current health condition.

Also it comes with concessional price for 12 months (for my it includes Gym + Swim) so there is no reason not to try it. Personally i felt that i gained more confidence after starting this routine. Since after my angiography i was really lost and conscious to understand what i should be doing and what not.

[dunestar]

Before the pandemic I was going to a weekly cardiac rehab class at the local gym. I found it very beneficial. Nice supportive group. We did circuit training so we had access to various bits of equipment so you get a variety of kinds of exercise. More importantly for me you weren't allowed to stop (unless feeling unwell obviously). On my own I can think of all sorts of reasons to stop for a breather. It made me really fit and I miss it.

[srixonad333]

I WENT TO PHASE 4 AND FROM THERE REMAINED AT THE GYM DOING MY OWN THING TILL COVID. NOT BEEN BACK SINCE. AS PREVIOUS ANSWER I DO ENOUGH DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES THAT THE GYM ISN'T NECC. OFTEN FOUND IT MADE ME FEEL BETTER TO BE DOING SOMETHING BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY AND FROM THAT POINT OF VEIW WAS WORTH WHILE DOING.

[Max1019]

Well worth it, just to help you stay focused. Good to have the support. I waited 18 months for mine owing to lock down. It has enabled me to move forward again in a safe environment. If it doesn’t do it for you then pull out, give it a try.

[Gibson01]

You are lucky, I was offered phase 4 but the Gym contracted by the local authority was not able to offer it. Apparently the one trainer who was suitably qualified was on maternity leave!

What have you got to lose by going along?

[Alison_L]

I would go along and at least give it a go. If it's not for you, then fine, stop, it's not regimented in the same way a Phase III, but they will at least give you pointers as to what you should be doing. Although the Phase III physio should be able to answer any questions at your discharge assessment.

[RailRover]

As others have said, absolutely go for it. Fit before heart attack. Walked 20 miles per week and played badminton. STEMI Dec 19 followed by stent to RCA then triple bypass May 21. Did cardiac rehab Sept/Oct 21 and then there was free 2 months at sports centre gym. Now just started further period at half price. Back to my walking and badminton now, plus gym 2 or 3 times a week.

[dharkan]

Thank you so much everyone, finished my last session of Phase 3 today and will contact the sports centre to start phase 4.

[Cherrylee]

After my stent I had undiagnosed micro vascular angina. So for me the classes are great as I got so unfit during that year. Also help build confidence. Once I had completed my cardiac rehab I went straight to the classes. They are definitely a step up from rehab but it’s up to yourself how much you put into it or how much your allowed do. I really enjoy them & they are a bit of craic too.