just had stent fitted

[Ds1423]

I would like some feedback on timescales to get back to good level of activity post stent procedure?, I had it fitted after investigating a year long angina diagnosis, up until a week before the op I was playing golf 3 times a week and wondered how long to get back to that level if not better.

[Ds1423]

I think the mental end of things will be a barrier to me pushing as hard as I could, the consultant has referred me for cardiac rehab but he did say they are busy at the moment so it may be a while. Because of this I looked at BHF website and looked at the options and as a result joined this forum.

[Ds1423]

just to clarify I had the procedure at a private cardiac clinic as a NHS referral (to tackle waiting list)and it was 80 miles from home do he is referring back to my local hospital, you would still hope they contact me soon but I don’t know what the procedure is in these circumstances.

[Ds1423]

I am ex forces so know what you mean about the PTIs😁,my way of keeping fit has always been exercise to limit rest and repeat, that’s why this thing in my chest is SCARY

[rubina786]

I never had any rehab so had idea what to expect. Was up the next morning (so only half a day and one nights rest) cooking and doing normal chores...lol. Was that ok to do...no idea!Got better at everything gradually so I suspect its about doing what feels right and getting to know ones new limitations in a safe manner. Every individual person/case should be different I expect, logically speaking. If there are guidelines, I would be interested to know too.

[Ds1423 in reply to rubina786]

I am hearing that there are cardiac rehab units attached to cardiology units in hospitals who oversee your rehab, as I had procedure in private clinic (NHSwaiting list reduction) I am not sure about the process for referral.

One of the other people who responded said he went through what sounds like a regimented rehab program under the supervision of one of these units. He said it was good to have people who know how much to push you from a medical point of view.

[rubina786 in reply to Ds1423]

Interesting. Wonder why I was not told. Thanks. Hopefully won't need it again

[Drummerstu]

Morning! it really depends on where you were before the procedure in terms of fitness and exercise (and how the procedure went). I was advised to do the BHF Level 4 cardio rehab which I completed on my own via online as it was in Covid times. Its a great tool. Best of luck

[Kwakkers]

Hallo and welcome to the `club`. Depends where the stent was fitted and how many. You listen to your body. You exercise (golfing/swimming/walking, etc) until you feel like resting.

My stents (3) were put in my aorta (leg area) and it took me a year to learn to walk again; nasty! Go with the flow; golf when you feel up to it, then rest. The `new` fitness will return as the body adjusts.

Ta-ra,

Frank.

[Ds1423 in reply to Kwakkers]

hi

Glad to hear your back to active lifestyle again, my stent was at the top of the left cardiac artery just after the first branch. Just been for walk to the village shop and didn’t have any issues 😁, so I have been told by local cardiac rehab team to exercise daily and gradually increase my heart rate each week. I must admit I am really looking forward to getting back to golf again, so I am using that as my motivator throughout rehab.

[Heartinthehills]

Hi Ds. I can confirm that physical and mental recovery will likely depend on your approach to both. But you have already started by joining this forum so going in the right direction. I was lucky with a hospital run rehab class, started to use the BHF online rehab tools then joined a Phase 4 rehab class and kept with it for 8 years whilst redeveloping my own exercise regime.

You could try the BHF online rehab videos for starters available here: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I also found a morning walk before breakfast extending distance and pace helped develop a heart recovery discipline. I set the alarm early for this when I was still working.

On the mental side it helps to just talk about your event and the after effects with anybody who will listen. We all do on here but face to face with friends or complete strangers worked for me. There should be a few listening ears at the golf club.

The good news is that you will get back to golf. I don't golf but swim a mile twice a week, 11 mile Rambler walks, gym body exercises every week, ride a bike and mountain walking holidays. Most of this within 6 months of my event and the same 10 years on. I have 3 stents and restricted blood pressure. Developing and sticking to a regular exercise programme helped to work out what I could do and when.

Good luck and in the current climate you have probably started in the right place. I recommend using all BHF support facilities as well.