Is cardiac rehab worth attending. I have 3 stents fitted six weeks ago and have dilated cardiomyopathy and offered cardiac rehab classes are they helpful?
Rehab: Is cardiac rehab worth attending... - British Heart Fou...
Rehab
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Emilyiris12
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I had 3 stents 6 years ago and if there is one thing i would definitely recommend is cardiac rehab. It gently got me back into doing bits I was struggling with, I'd say its certainly worth a try or you will never know what it could do for you. Take care and let us know what you think if you decide to go.
Thank you i appreciate your reply.
Yes, certainly worth doing Cardic Rehab, I started last week for the second time in my life, the first back in 2009 after open heart surgery and this time after having had a pacemaker fitted.
I didn’t realise how out of condition I had got so it’s good for me to get back to exercising. Also covers healthy eating etc, and you get to meet other people.
I’ve been offered a referral for cardiac rehab after complications caused by getting a pacemaker .
Sorry to hear you had complications after your pacemaker. If rehab has been offered to you then I would go for it.
Thank you
Have you decided to go?
M cardiologist said he wants me to be put on a treadmill while I have a heart monitor on to see what my heart does during exercise then he will see me again with a view to a referral for cardiac rehab ,
Thank you.
I’ve had a cabg 2019 did cardiac rehab, I had pacemaker 2022 and was offered nothing no after care follow ups. I’m sitting in hospital now after being blue lighted in on Thursday morning with AF..I would love a class to get me moving under supervision as afraid to attempt anything alone not even a walk.
Hello Dogloverxthree I am sorry to read that you find yourself back in hospital this morning but you’re in the best place if you’re not right and now in safe hands. I’m sure you know the drill, all the blood tests and other heart tests you’ll have to go through to get to the bottom of why you’re back there now and I imagine you feel pretty lonely and scared no matter who is around you - you just want to be back home and safe. But try and keep your chin up, you’re strong, you’ve been here before and once the medics know what’s happening then you’ll get all the treatment you need and be back home where you belong. You will get back to walking etc but all in good time. Your body will heal but the mind may take longer. Just accept all the help on offer and all the after care. If it’s not offered then shout up and ask for it as cardiac rehab and support should be offered to you, but just get through today first. I’m thinking of you and sending best wishes for a speedy and good recovery. ❤️🧚🏼♀️
Hi, I had a pacemaker implant in June this year and was only offered cardiac rehab due to my being born with congenital heart disease and a long family history of heart disease. The other patients having a pacemaker were not, to my knowledge, offered the rehab. Only other follow up I now have is with the pacemaker clinic. Also, in my case I am having an annual Echocardiogram due to my also having an ascending aortic aneurysm. No other follow up on the pacemaker.
Im sorry to hear that, thank you.
Thank you.
yes rehab will benefit your recovery. And to be with other patients is a huge plus.
Go for it.
Sooty
Thank you.
Thank you.
Certainly no harm in going. For me personally I was taking hard exercise before heart issues and hence didn't get much out of it. The exercise part of it is very low level (understandibly). They also cover diet stuff but that's the usual for anybody.
Thank you.
Hi,
From my experience, I think it is worth it.
In my area, cardiac rehab is conducted in phases.
I was a healthy and active person until I had a heart attack (nstemi type2) root cause - undiagnosed and untreated atrial fibrillation. Angiogram with no interventions, discharged with medication and exercise.
Phase 3 - this was run by the NHS with cardiac nurses and some trainers from a local charity. It was a 12 week program, starting and finishing with a walking/jogging beep-test; to show progress. Predominantly this was low intensity circuit program designed to get you moving again after discharge. The group was mixed and while I found it relatively easy, I did welcome the slow build up. There was a lot of uncertainty and trepidation in mind about the position I was in. This gave me the confidence to get moving again without feeling I was going to keel over. You also had the opportunity to discuss things with the staff, emotional support is important too. The psychological effects can sometimes be more debilitating than the problem itself. This was run in conjunction too, with some educational seminars covering things like diet, medication, etc.
Phase 4 - this was run by a local charity with their trainers. This was a 9 month program starting and finishing with full CPET tests (treadmill/Bruce protocol). On completion of the tests, the results are analysed and you are given a target heart rate to work to. You then follow the program, twice a week, circuit training or gym, working to your target. The staff are there to monitor, support you and to show you how to work safely to your desired intensity.
On the initial test, I scored well for my age cohort and was given an ‘aggressive’ HR target. There was no looking back for me, I jumped straight in, predominantly just running on the treadmill. My final CPET test result was even better.
This was 4 years ago and I still attend the weekly gym sessions. I do have some low dose anti arrhythmia medication but I have now been ‘Afib free’ for 3+ years. Post heart attack, I was left with slight left ventricle dysfunction but this has gone, on my last echo; my heart is ‘structurally normal’. I currently feel that I don’t have any limitations- I regularly run, climb, cycle and travel.
I attribute a lot of this to the cardio rehab program, it was fantastic for me. I’d recommend anyone in the same position to give it a try.
Thank you for reply. I really wish i had your energy. Maybe because i have a lot of unanswered questions and suffer with depression which is worse since my diagnosis just out of the blue i just feel totally exhausted and low.
Hi, not sure how long you have had depression. After my surgery I certainly felt very down for a while, and rehab definitely helped me physically as well as mentally. Good luck I do hope you feel better soon . Judi
Thank you Judi have had it since my early forties. Im not good with groups of people and heart condition such a shock.
Hi where I went they really made you feel welcome. If you don’t want to mix with others that’s okay too. I do understand, this can have a severe impact on our confidence. Don’t expect too much of yourself and take it one day at a time. Take care j
It is undoubtedly a shock and will take some time to adjust but I agree with Heyjude31. My group is friendly and sociable, everyone is welcome. There is quite an age range too, some in their 50s, even 40s up to 70s/80s.
Despite my story being positive, I did have some darker times too. For a period of time, I was plagued by ectopic beats and ‘ectopic storms’, which drove me mad, robbing me of sleep and bringing me down. Having good support groups, like in the rehab program , along with my medical team, was a great source of help and reassurance. I eventually turned to CBT and for a short period, an evening sedative. Thankfully, it all worked out.
Thank you
After reading your comments and history I totally understand how you feel and many people on this forum felt the same.It's very common for people to feel confused , anxious about starting to get active again and feel unconfident , scared or depressed about what has happened , and what comes next.
These feelings are even more intense and harder to get past if you suffered from a mental health condition before your heart event.
Everything about it triggers negative responses , a little grief for your " Old Normal' and most importantly help that you receive during recovery , like Cardiac Rehab , can often be asking you to take part in activities with new people which you would have found hard or avoided before the heart event because of mental health difficulties.
But that , and all of your questions , are the reasons that Cardiac Rehab is even more important for you and others suffering with mental difficulties and Fatigue .
It allows you to start at a low level with encouragement and support from professionals whom can also physically assess what fitness level you are at .
They give you goals of activity that will help you move forward and gain confidence in doing things again without pushing things too far.
Knowing that your heart is improving by seeing it in test results really does make the difference and blows your fears out of the water.
It gives you the assurance to know that you can move on beyond your heart crisis and by following the weekly programme you will be stronger both mentally and physically . After you've finished the course you are prepared to keep moving and finding your way to your healthy " New Normal".
It builds your confidence up in doing physical things which you may often put off if you try to do it on your own because of the understandable anxiety about causing yourself symptoms.
Achieving each little goal every week reduces your fears, increases your energy, and helps to improve those feelings of negativity that make depression worse.
You can even learn to begin to use exercise and some social interaction at a basic level to improve your preexisting mental health problems.
Receiving guidance for which exercise to do at home between sessions with tips on how to do it helps you feel more able and more motivated to do those activities which will also help the physical feelings of fatigue and low mood that are being made worse by the change of pace after your heart event.
Groups aren't massive , in fact many rehab sessions just involve you and the professionals.
One thing you could do to make early sessions easier is to ring the unit and explain to them that you have Depression and Anxiety and are feeling scared to go because you also dont like crowds and ask if it would be possible to book in your first sessions on your own , or only with a couple of other patients, and for the course supervisors to take your mental health complexity into consideration as they work with you. You could also ask if you can have a friend or carer in the room for mental health support.
I say , go , go , go. Give it a try if you don't find it useful then let them know and try a different group or way to get back on your feet.
My tips for someone with Anxiety or Depression whom find interaction difficult is to take someone with you that you find it helpful to be around.
Even if they can't come in the room with you they can give you lift or travel with you to make that easier. motivate you to go and give you someone to chat about it all over a cuppa afterwards.
Good luck with it and please write a post for us about how your first session went and to get any more tips you need to make rehab easier for you as you go along. Hugs , Bee
Totally got me thank you so much for this hugely inspiring reply x.
What a great inspiring post
I would say yes. They gave me back the confidence to exercise again after having OHS to replace my Aortic valve..I had previously been for and active but after surgery felt really worried about doing anything other than walking.
I had to wait for 4 months until my sternum was stable and then for a place to be available. My rehab was run at the local leisure centres. I went expecting to be "top of the class" as the average age of those in the group was about 70. It turned out that they were all much fitter than me when I started, and that really knocked my confidence at first. I persevered though and loved the sessions and seeing all my new friends. The classes were/are open to anyone if they pay and most had chosen to continue after their referral and free sessions had run out.
I really miss them, so when I get time off in the holidays I pop along and join in again to see all of those that I met. 😊
Joanne
Thank you R67 that is very positive.
I can't praise the classes too highly, structured activities and the opportunity to talk with others with similar issues is priceless and has helped me greatly.
Thank you S1952.
The course I went on was excellent. A mixture of graded exercise and talks from a variety of people on various aspects of health and treatment.
It's also a chance to chat with others in a similar situation.
Can see how that would be useful theres a lot i would like to know, cheers.
Hi EmilyIris,Cardiac Rehab is singlehandedly the best thing I did after having stents fitted 2 years ago. I started attending at a hospital for 12 weeks then 9 months twice weekly at a local council gym.
Whilst it is tough it helped me to physically recover but more importantly get my confidence, reduced any anxiety and low mood. I also got to discuss any worries with the Physios and fellow hearties. With work-I still go once a week and do 2 sessions on TV/YouTube per week.
Take it a step at a time and go for it!
Thanks BT im in Bangor, just feel really down atm first class is on Nov 8th hopefully be in better form for it by then .
Yes Yes Yes I had a aortic valve replacement TAVI done in April if was the best thing I did going to cardio rehab It makes you fitter and gives you confidence
Thanks for reply Capp.
I’d definitely recommend cardiac rehab. I felt out of place at first, mainly because I was the youngest there (51) and female. All the other participants were male and in their sixties/seventies. I felt very self conscious but the staff were so reassuring and supportive, I forgot about feeling self conscious after a while. Mine started with an individual assessment at the hospital and then six weeks of supervised group aerobic exercise which had different levels, depending on your ability. Then six weeks of going it alone following the exercise video at home (with remote support/advice if needed) or undertaking your own exercise before a final assessment. I had mine after a heart attack and it helped me with my confidence no end and I continue to exercise regularly and for the first time in my life I actually enjoy it!! I also got myself an Apple Watch so I record all my exercise sessions and can see over time how far I have come. Do attend if you have been offered it, it really will make a difference.
Thank you EU95PTM.
One of the best things that I have ever done definitely go for it. It’s tough to start with but rewards later on are worth the effort.
Thank you Gfern.
Without a doubt! For me, not only doing the physical parts of the rehab but just being around people who had had similar experiences helped me come to terms with what happened to me. Just take it steady and keep positive!
Thank you Bry14
Yes very useful i went after my heart attack and found it build my confidence
Thank you Badger132
Despite being a candidate for rehab after surgery it was denied to me. I now find myself panicking when I am breathless and frightened of my own body. If it’s offered please take it, it should help you to understand the “new” you and how you need to adjust to look after yourself. Being with others who have been through the same type of thing can also help. I wish I had had the opportunity.
Have you considered asking for the referral now.You could explain how difficult it has been for you by not taking the classes and how it's effecting your mental health and how anxious you feel about activity.
They should give it to you if you need to help , and you can ask them what the medical reason is for denying it to you in writing. That usually gets a change of heart!
Otherwise , you could request to go for cardiac supportive pacing courses at physiotherapy, which are also useful.
Oh yes, I have been screaming into a void for nearly 2 years. NHS Highland are dreadful. But good call about the clinical reasons - I will add that to my, now very long complaint!
Trust me requested brightly and politely with a smile in your face asking for the medical reasons for you being denied important therapy in writing so that you can show it as proof to your GP or specialist gets very speedy results!They have no medical reason to withhold treatment or therapy and doing so can only be for arbitrary budget decisions and has nothing to do with providing you with the basic preventative care you require in your recovery.
I’m afraid nether NHS Highland or my GP’s care. I have requested rehab, repeatedly. I am now at a stage where all I can do is put a formal complaint in, but I do know that complaining does not work. I will however, as you suggest, request a clinical reason for refusing me rehab.
Thank you Wolfie1234 Im sorry to hear how you are feeling.
Echoing what others have said. I was a very active walker and swimmer pre nstemi last November. My HA started in the pool of all places. I also had our allotment to keep me busy. Confidence took a real hit and cardiac rehab was a massive boost to that as it eased me back into things. There were also sessions which explained diet, medication and how the heart works and what goes wrong. I'm now having my second stint as my confidence took a bit of battering following a blip in the summer after which I suffered panic attacks which were preventing me doing much. Confidence is on the up and I'm venturing out on my own more once again. As my Cardiologist, GP and rehab nurses often tell me, they can "fix" the physical but dealing with my noggin may take a bit longer. Hoping to get back into the phase 4 rehab phase soon. I loved that as well.
I didn't go to rehab not because I didn't want to but because my cardiac rehab nurse thought it would be to full on for me but would of liked to of gone for the education bits was given a website to follow from home for six weeks instead.
I was in your position 3 years ago during full lockdown so all rehabilitation was done via phone - I did ok but if ‘in person’ rehab was available I would have attended- why wouldn’t you.
Absolutely yes. I was told that studies show those who attend on average do better than those who don’t.
Thank you.
Hi
I would go to rehab if I had the opportunity, I also have cardiomyopathy and know how living with that is very hard and how it can make you feel.
Take care of yourself and choose what’s right for you. Tina
Thanks Tina it is nice to hear that from someone going through it.
Hi it’s good to hear this is being offered. I have never been offered rehab, and I only heard about it when I landed on this site.
5 yrs agoI had a pacemaker defibrillator fitted as a replacement for another one who’s battery was low, with the defibrillator added as a precautionary measure due to severity of my heart failure, and yet again I was never offered rehab. You can’t lose anything as others have said who benefitted from it.
Originally when I heard about it I thought it was only offered to people who had heart attacks, but more and more I’m hearing it’s offered to anyone with a heart condition.
All the best
Thank you Deejay62.
Hi, l have not been offered rehab after heart attack and 3 stents in 2022. I would grab it with both hands, Emily iris, cause information in what you can and can't do will help you and not worry about everything you do like me doing it alone
Thank you Dillon1 a very thought provoking reply.
For me it was. If nothing else, it helps to rebuild confidence and understand how to rebuild fitness. You also receive a range of advice (e.g. relating to diet) and meet individuals in a similar position.
Hi Emily, I’m currently on a level 3 rehab program following nstemi heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery on 25th July this year. I’m 61 , was fur and strong pre heart attack , making a great recovery and finding the rehab frustratingly easy. All the literature and statements say it is tailored to individual needs. I find it way too easy but I’m grateful that I’m in the classes and can access the physios and the bolt on talks about nutrition, stress , CPR . I’m completing the course so that I can progress onto level 4 , which I believe has a cost attached but is more like circuit training.
I would say that it’s worth signing up ton, getting assessed and completing. Research has been done that indicates better longevity outcomes for those that have completed cardiac rehab classes.
Thank you.
100% helpful, it was one of the things that helped with my recovery so glad I done my 12 weeks cardio rehab
Good luck
Thank you.
From what I have read and heard, Rehab will be useful for your mental and physical health.
It is a natural thing to feel so very low at this point-you’ve been through an traumatic experience -and have no confidence in your body, the rehab nurses will have dealt with just such feelings many times.
I do hope you decide to take the opportunity (which is not available everywhere) and that it helps you. Please report here if you do and as you progress as it will help others too.
With very best wishes to you .
Thank you.
Simple answer yes 😁
Thank you, to the point, 😁
Sorry I am on a cycle holiday so was rushed 😂. Put simply I had a quad bypass and what the rehab did was provide a controlled way to start to get active again, the higher end exercises were pretty active!
I am 55 and have had 3 stents following heart attack and am now on week 5 of cardiac rehab I would say yes worth it from point of view of giving you confidence to be able to exert yourself. Also a bit educational as taught me that the heart now functions differently now I am in medication and the importance of warming up and down properly, not just a few stretches before and after.
I also attend the online classes on all subjects about diet (it really is a minefield) and medication and mental health.
Thank you.
I didn't think it would be worth it for me, as I was already big into fitness and weight training...bit despite the exercises feeling for me like I was being taught to suck eggs, it gave me the confidence to get back to training after my diagnosis in a safe environment where I was being monitored the whole time.
Thank you.
I found it really helpful in helping me to learn what I was capable of when I was nervous about doing too much and causing further issues. Also was reassuring to have the initial comprehensive One to one assessment and there were blood pressure and heart checks at the start and end and during each session. Some of the information given during the short session after the exercise I already knew but some I things were new to me. It's entirely up to you if you want to interact with the other participants. Most were very friendly, some kept themselves to themselves but there was no pressure either way. The staff couldn't be more friendly, helpful and professional and certainly knew their stuff. I personally think it is a brilliant service and would definitely recommend it.
Thank you.
I was given an 8 week program working 1:1 with a physio. Got different physio most weeks. Some were good and motivating others were just clocking their time. It was useful but better continuity would have improved it
Thank you.
Hi if you like me and never exercised before HA then go for it , i started mine 7 weeks after ,i had started walking exercise ,but going there gave me more confidence ,ride a bike etc , ive got 1 week left and ive asked if i can still attend i like it that much
Thank you
Cardio rehab for me was brilliant, not just the physical side of things but the mental aspects as well. Well worth doing if it is offered.
Thank you.
Yes. It is probably the single most important thing you could do to help your physical and mental health. Good luck!
Thank you.
Absolutely, go for it. Worked for me after HA and stents, built up my fitness and gave me back my confidence. Lots of good folks available to offer help and support.
Thank you.
Yes it can be a good thing,but some off the cardiac nurses think they know more than the cardiologists.Ifyou question them they don’t like it.
Thank you
Yes. They help you get back on track with movement and exercise and as I recall, give you someone to communicate with
Thank you
I did the rehab course's and if you want to know about your medical conditions medicine's etc and get knowledge of how it all works then like for me it's worth doing
Thank you
Absolutely definitely!!! They are extremely helpful!! My class is brilliant as are the staff. Try them!! What have you got to lose? Good luck
Thank you
Definitely go to rehab, I have had two sessions of rehab one in 2004 and one in 2016, very helpful and gives you confidence.
Thank you
For sure yes. I had a Stent fitted end July 23 and I am on my 6 of 8th class with the rehab team and it's been amazing for my recovery both physically and mentally.
Those who attend have a higher success rate and faster recovery then those who don't. And that's down to being well equipped with the right information and support.
Go for it!!! Xx😘
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