Cardiac rehab

[Valentina98]

Hi everyone

I've got my first cardiac rehabilitation application tomorrow (Wednesday) and I'm really nervous about what to expect (the fact I'm so young is worrying me as well)

Any advice on what to expect or just general expectations

V x

[RufusScamp]

My course was excellent, with people of all ages and abilities, but cut short by the Dread Plague. Graded exercise told me what I could do, and the talks dealt with many issues. Go for it - it will be a great help.

[witchcraft in reply to RufusScamp]

My course I am on now is really, good and good fun too. Go, along enjoy it and get better at the same time. And don't worry about your age or shape they don't care nor do the other people on the course.

[Valentina98 in reply to witchcraft]

Hi Witchcraft

I'm not too worried about my shape, just being so young. I hope I enjoy it

V x

[Valentina98 in reply to RufusScamp]

Hey Rufus

Thank you, I'll definitely go, just nervous.

V x

[Rhinos67]

Hi Valentina98 I love my Cardiac Rehab sessions 😊. They are held in the council leisure centres, so mine is a 5 minute drive away, really convenient

I started with an assessment with the coach, which included a walking bleep test to measure my fitness. The following week my sessions started, low impact circuit training. At 54 I was the youngest by at least 10 years, but as the weeks progressed others my age and younger have joined. The age range is no issue though, everyone just gets in with their own workout but they have all been so friendly. I had to pause my sessions due to HR spikes and when I returned I got a lovely welcome back It's given me the reassurance to start exercising again, even though my recovery is slow.

My free sessions are coming to an end so I'm going to join the local councils leisure centre to continue exercising My CR coach is going to do a programme for me because I'm not fit enough to do most of the classes or go out for a run yet.

I work in a school too and even though I'm able to continue with the sessions if I pay, the times make it difficult. I've been allowed time off to attend whilst recommended by the hospital, but can't take the mickey. Many in my group have gone for years though and I probably will go to the sessions in the school holidays.

Good luck and enjoy it

Joanne

😊

[Valentina98 in reply to Rhinos67]

Hey

Thanks for the advice. I'm just anxious about being 24 and everyone being a lot older and feel I shouldn't be there. I think it's just anxiety talking.

I didn't know you can pay for them if I enjoy it I'll definitely look into it. Thankfully my classes don't clash with work. I also work in a school, I'm a history teacher.

By the sounds of it, some people are at different stages, so it's not all newbie's? I think that makes me feel better.

I like the sound of a bleep test as I think I'll be okay, I was a runner before the heart attack

I've got so many questions but I think that's enough for now

Thanks

V x

[Rhinos67 in reply to Valentina98]

It's probably slightly different around the country, but our sessions are called Keep Moving.Most of those there have been referred by the hospital or GP at some time. Not just heart patients either, diabetes, mental health.

The age difference was a knock to my confidence at first because my surgery meant that I was so unfit that I struggled with the lowest level cardio.

My Cardiologist told me not to compare myself to them though as invasive surgery is a long road to recovery

I was a runner too, but not sure i if/when I'll be able to do that again

[Valentina98 in reply to Rhinos67]

Hi JoanneI'm desperate to start running again.

I'll try not to compare myself but you know easier said than done

V x

[pasigal]

I have done rehab 3 times (unfortunately!), and I really appreciated being able to exercise in a safe space. What I learned is that you don't have to kill yourself to get an effective workout, and that you don't need to join an expensive gym, either. In my case, we started with cardio on excercise bikes, then moved to stretching and elastic band work. Mostly middle-age men like me, but also a few women in some sessions. I wouldn't worry about the age difference, and if you talk to others you'll find a wide range of conditions. Take a bottle of water.

[Valentina98 in reply to pasigal]

Hey

Thank you, I probably should just remember we're all there for the same reason, and being so young doesn't mean I can't have a heart attack or heart issue. Hopefully they'll be some women at mine

I'm not a fan of exercise bikes but we'll do find out how I do of I use it.

I wouldn't have to taken a bottle of water if you hadn't have said so thanks

V x

[benjijen]

Don't worry about being younger. I'm sure the other participants will welcome you. Everyone supports each other regardless of age and the nurses are good as well. Good luck. X

[Valentina98 in reply to benjijen]

Hey

Thank you, I'm sure I'll be okay. Just late night anxiety.

V x

[Chriswood79]

Good luck today Valentina98. It’s a big step in the right direction. I felt as though I should be there due to my younger age (42) but everyone is in the same boat. It gave me some structure to my week, confidence and something to look forward to. You go at the pace you are set following assessment, even if you think it’s really slow. It pays off in the end so try and enjoy it as you progress through. Chris

[Valentina98 in reply to Chriswood79]

Hi Chris I'm trying not to think about my age, it's just had.

Thank you

V x

[Chriswood79 in reply to Valentina98]

Just think about yourself and use the opportunity. I know it’s really tough. Sorry just re-read my initial post and I meant to say “I felt as though I shouldn’t be there” - I was fit / healthy and young (and I still am 😁)

[Valentina98 in reply to Chriswood79]

I guessed you meant that. That's exactly how I feel, young, fit and relatively healthy

[EU95PTM]

I was also self conscious about my age (51 and female) at my cardiac rehab. My experience was that I was the youngest there and the only female, so whilst i found it a little hard to make connections with the other participants, the support from the staff to make me feel comfortable and confident was fantastic. After the first couple of sessions I didn’t worry about it.

[Valentina98 in reply to EU95PTM]

Thank you x V x

[MyHF]

I am 36 and was diagnosed with heart failure and cardiomyopathy at the start of October this year. It’s all through my family, lost my dad, my brother and 2 uncles. I work as a labourer but currently signed off. I was hoping to get back to work in December, I haven’t heard anything about stress test or rehab sessions. Is this something that everyone usually gets?

[Valentina98 in reply to MyHF]

Hey

I don't know I'm afraid, it was offered to me after my heart attack.

Maybe ask your cardiologist

V x

[Flimflab in reply to MyHF]

I don't know if cardiac rehab classes are used for cardiomyopathy. You may want to start a new post for this as you may get more specific responses.

Have you been able to speak to your GP or cardiologist about whether rehab classes or other forms of exercise would be useful? The BHF helpline may also be able to advise or suggest the best people to call bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo... Their number is 0300 330 3311

[Carlg]

I've just completed cardio rehab level 3. I enjoyed the sessions which mine were a warm up, circuit and then resistance work. Each exercise will have different levels. I started week one on level one and then based on how I did progressed each week.

I too was worried about age. I am 37 and was by far the youngest person there. However most people were generally nice and easy to talk to. We had a few chats before and after which was nice. We even started putting in music requests whilst we exercised which was nice. (On halloween.it was strange as the time warp came on and a few of us busted out the moves!)

The staff were lovely. They check on you throughout the session. Again we would chat about all sorts. I enjoyed my weekly strictly chat about who went home.

The most annoying thing I found is that my mind wanted to go quicker that the session design or my body wanted. I've had to learn that slow and steady wins over and it's best to get back on a solid footing. Hence wanting to continue the in the community level 4.

I to work in a school. It was part of my occupational health report that I attended the sessions so it has been factored in a part of my phase return. My school are also willing for me to continue attending the following sessions. Luckily where I am there are ones that can work with only a minimal impact ony responsibilities.

Good luck and just enjoy. Focus on yourself rather that what others think ☺️

[Valentina98 in reply to Carlg]

Thanks

Can I just ask does everyone start at level one or after the assessment they decided what level your at.

School have said I can carry on with the sessions if I want too after the course finishes

V x

[Carlg in reply to Valentina98]

Schools know it is best to have there good staff member back fit and we'll than with minor adjustment then have them off.

For the first week I was on mainly level 1. This was more so to get used to the moves and the format than pushing my exercise. The following week I went up levels except for one where it was due to my sternum recovery rather than fitness.

The staff were guided by me and by the end allowed me pretty much to work at my own pace.

I will just note that I've heard the format of these sessions can differ between locations so your format may be slightly different.

[witchcraft in reply to Valentina98]

Me again,

I was a runner, cyclist and climber before my heart surgery in September. Cardio rehab here at least is tailored to you so you do similar exercises within a group but you are doing your own set. Being massively big headed I am by far the fittest person at my group and the rest are all mostly middle aged blokes but I like them a great deal and love the sessions. I hope it went well today

[Flimflab]

If you have been to the class already, I hope you enjoyed the session? Let us know how it went.

I found the other members of the group were accepting and realised everyone there had been through a cardiac event. Most of the time was spent exercising under the supervision of the cardiac nurses.

I found the rehab sessions set me at the right level and allowed me to progress at my own pace over the 6 weeks. As they are supervised, I felt more comfortable that I was exercising at the right level neither too light nor too hard both inside and outside the class.

I am now just back to park runs (although I am as slow as ever!) and restarted running club training last night. Without the 6-week rehab sessions I would not have had the confidence to know how far I should/could be pushing myself.

As a follow on to the rehab classes there is a phase 4 rehab at the local gym with a discounted membership for 12 weeks. Despite the age difference I am finding it useful to do a gym session first and then use the phase 4 class as a warm down and learn to do some stretches properly.

[Valentina98 in reply to Flimflab]

Hi

Thanks, that's really helpful, not had it yet it's at 2pm but I'll let you all know how I get on.

I'm desperate to get back to running and parkruns.

I just need to stop worrying about my age.

V x

[Victorwhisky]

As well as the physical side of it, the mental health reassurances are really beneficial. Relax and enjoy.

[Valentina98 in reply to Victorwhisky]

Thank you

V x

[Valentina98]

Thanks you x

[Flimflab]

😄 Thanks TWU brought a smile to the day.

[Classof1988]

ValentinaI was 32 when I had my cardiac rehab course, the next oldest person was 51, the oldest 76. A lot of time has passed since then but the course I went on was excellent and my young age was not a problem. The course got me started on swimming, which I thought I shouldn't do, and there was a wide variety of subjects from exercise to nutrition, with a chance to visit a cardiac ward to reassure a patient awaiting surgery how quickly they could return to good health. Enjoy the course, it should boost your confidence and reassure you of all you will be able to do.

[Heyjude31]

Hello Valentina98, I found the Cardio Rehab the best thing I did. I had to go outside of my own NHS Trust area as my area was not offering anything. They did some tests such as bp etc then I did some exercises and they tested again and this was repeated a few times. I then attended some of the rehab classes which was followed by my joining a cardio rehab gym which is run by a charity. I have found the people so lovely and friendly, There is a mix of ages. I can not recommend it highly enough. It helped my confidence and my anxiety. I shall keep on going a few times a week for as long as I can. I am sure you will be fine. Take care, Judi x

[witchcraft]

Been there done that too, seems a long time ago now! Green skin at this call sign, dark blue or light blue at yours?

[uzininemm]

Hello Valentina 1998.

You mention you are nervous, completely understandable but don't be as people have said everyone is in the same boat, and the nurses are there to help you get better.

I finished mine about 12 months ago now, and I can honestly say that it was I was glad I did it.

I used to find the gym situation boring, however my life event changed my way of thinking so much so I still go the same gym now (LA gym), I still get to see the lovely heart rehab nurses get to say hello and am still able to ask questions if I need now.

I used to cycle a lot and thought I would find the exercise bike boring however as these have screens they tend to have video trails you ride along or you can watch the telly. I also use the time to think problems through (the time soon goes).

At the end of my course one of the nurses did me a plan so I could continue and I have gone on and upped my fitness level from there.

Good luck.