Community cardiology cardiac rehabilitation first appt. 5 weeks post discharge not two

[noodleshobnob]

hello, just found out my first appointment to be assessed over the phone is three weeks later than the hospital quoted, thier response was " I wish they wouldn't quote two weeks follow up as we can't.. we are too busy". I understand this and will wait my turn, she has a note if anyone cancels I may get that slot but I'm sure everyone else is told that. It was a stemi heart attack. sorry just very down and ranting. when does the actual rehab start after the assessment?

[PadThaiNoodles]

Not a direct comparison as I'm in Ireland, but I got my phone call at 4 weeks and they're trying to get me in to the program that starts in January (which will be about 4 months post-surgery). But I gather that they only run one at a time in my local hospital, so depending on where you fit in their 8 week cycle it could be somewhat shorter or longer.

[noodleshobnob in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

wow, ! you would think it would be staggered, hope you cope ok and recover well

[BlueDays24]

Hi Noodles,

I was told by a friend today, who used to be a GP, that they usually start cardiac rehab after a few weeks of just recovering at home. It’s just difficult when nobody tells you that at the time, and it feels like you’re just being left to your own devices. It’s all new and scary to us, but just a normal day at work for them. Some reassurance would be good, wouldn’t it?!

So, take this time to allow yourself to rest, process, and start to come to terms. And the first weeks will pass. Take care.

[noodleshobnob in reply to BlueDays24]

thanks you are very helpful , I tend to zoom about every where, I shuffled round tesco yesterday(took breaks at the end of the aisles)) and people were giving me annoyed looks as they went around me, sod me explaining myself , I was waiting for them to challenge me ! all 5'1 of me. I think I did too much as I had a dizzy spell at the end. I only went in for about 10 items so didn't do all the aisles. I need a blue badge for car park even if short term.

[veganmash7 in reply to noodleshobnob]

Shouldn't be driving, really. At all. So freshly outta surgery. Take care.

[DWizza]

I had to chase up my enrolment to my rehab programme after nstemi and quadruple bypass last July . Was told I would here with two weeks and followed up after 3 weeks to discover “oh, your name has been missed off the list and the person dealing with it is on holiday for two weeks” NHS provides great surgical treatment and nurses on wards but dire admin/logistics . Got there in the end 🙌🏻

[Cofton]

I had two heart attacks in May , my rehab starts next week so you’re doing well . I began my own rehab in my local park - look online at BHF website for details .

[Mancunian1]

I’d had a very similar experience. Followi by a really good post CABG recovery my first meeting with rehab was to fill a form in, and then almost 3 weeks later (last Thursday) for a short walk test to then be told it’s a minimum of 4 weeks delay to starting, but could be longer.

Having been told time and time again the value of Rehab the delays are really frustrating now. I’m thinking of scrapping it and asking for a home based programme because as well it’s difficult to actually get any idea what you’re going to be doing. And I’m not confident I’ll be in there in 4 weeks anyway… for clarity my rehab is taking place in my local area and not where I had surgery which was at wythenshawe who were absolutely fantastic.

[veganmash7 in reply to Mancunian1]

My rehab, now two weeks in session, is in our local sports centre, exactly the same room, where I used to take my son, 4, for his gymnastic classes, twenty years ago. 🙃🙏🏻🌌

[veganmash7 in reply to veganmash7]

Basically it's all gentle cardio exercises, well monitored, throughout, the physios keep an eagle eye on everything that's happening...no running, heavy lifting etcetera, as we used to decades earlier...it's all toned way down. One does break into perceptible sweat /perspiration...all good. 😹🌅🙏🏻🌌

[Skiffrower]

I had my first appointment 2 wks after op but this was just Blood pressure and a chat to determine what I was then able to do. Actual class didn't start until 8 wks after op. But Newcastle hospital trust sent me home with a large booklet which detailed the exercises to try from week 1 onwards. If you didn't get such a thing try phoning your hosp and see if they have similar.

I'd had double valve surgery with sternotomy so my op was significant but I managed to do the exercises from the start. They start small and build up.

Also BHF website has info ( try searching exercises post heart op) . Best advice is to try to ensure you keep moving . Walking is good ( if that's an option). Just round the house ,or garden if you have one.

[HA24]

Hello. I had a STEMI at the beginning of August and am still waiting for my cardiac rehab to start! I had an initial telephone assessment on 30th September which was basically checking information about my condition, an appointment for an exercise tolerance test on 21st November and still no date for starting the course which I have been told may not be until Dec/Jan and will be 4 weeks rather the the expected 6 weeks. My acute care was second to none and I don't like complaining about the NHS as I understand people are working under very difficult conditions. But having read the NICE guidance recently which talks in part about cardiac rehab improving outcomes and listening to the current political health agenda it is very frustrating and has left me feeling confused and vulnerable during my recovery. I have excellent GPs and am doing what I can - walking regularly, eating healthy, counselling to help with the psychological impact of a HA and finding out what I can from other sources including BHF. But I have no doubt I would be further along the path to recovery had I started rehab in the recommended timeframe. Here's hoping we both get started on this path soon.

[noodleshobnob in reply to HA24]

same boat x this is horrible. acute care was amazing ! felt safe in ward, then outside , is it going to happen again, ect

[Skiffrower]

Also, I 've found that it's not just a physical thing , I have found mental readjustment is as hard. I was v fit before op and it is hard to learn to listen to your body as much as you need to. A good rant can help sometimes!

[sjs1me]

Hi, had a call 2 to 3 weeks after CABG and started rehab at the end of 6th week. 12 weeks of free 1 hr cardio exercise classes with qualified trainer, 2 nurses and 2 or 3 volunteer helpers to induct newbies at local sports centre. Usually about 15 participants. A phase 4 rehab offered but at cost of £10 per session.

[Deb1162]

I started my rehab in July, twice a week for 16 weeks, yet again the Thursday class tomorrow is cancelled, 4th time due to staff shortages. Yesterdays class of 12 was only 4 of us again and I am sure that's why its cancelled again. This is under Slough- Berkshire and it a shambles. People have just dropped off the course. 3 staff and 4 patients yesterday. Good luck with your rehab hope it is better in your area

[Angelonmyshoulder]

Hi Noodles, it’s one hell of a shocker isn’t it? Understand how you’re feeling as I was the same - not knowing what was good/bad, overdoing/underdoing…. I personally had to wait over 4 months post HA before I finally got on a physical rehab course. It was a very long worrying and frustrating wait, but I totally recommend attendance to anyone in the same position. I got great advice on strengthening and protecting my heart going forwards. I discovered I had been doing too much too soon, but fortunately no harm done and I have learnt such a lot from the sessions. I am well on the way to my recovery (I say my recovery because everyone’s is different). I get the impression you will be very determined in your endeavours 😂 so good luck with everything 👍.

[noodleshobnob in reply to Angelonmyshoulder]

thanks Angel, I'm trying not to go too quick, old habits, but given up smoking and going from 1/2 veg/fruit a day to about 8 so a start, lost about half a stone already. so going in right direction. good luck to you