At the first rehab session we did some basic exercises. The second session, we did the same exercises but they were increased by about 30 seconds, or that's what it felt like.
After week one, they said to do exercises five times during the week. So I walked every day for about an hour each time, sometimes more.
At the second session I told them about my walking exercise and they said I shouldn't be walking more than 30 minutes a day (I must admit to getting tired after a few days so probably an hour each day was too much).
My question is, what's peoples experience of rehab? When you reach that final sixth week, how much has your exercise time increased (I assume some of it will be down to the individual)?
Before my STEMI, I was really active and fit. Maybe I'm expecting too much from the rehab sessions?
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Although my NSTEMI did not, apparently, make a great deal of difference to my physical capabilities I took up the offer of a cardio rehab and completed the course, unlike some. My take in the course I attended was that it was very much catering for the group rather than the individual, so you had to very much observe what was being said/done and apply it by adjustment to your own situation, and that included lifestyle as much as exercise. But as far as exercise is concerned I think everyone is very much in control of what they can and cannot do, rehab or not. So listen to what your body is telling you, and if you feel tired wind it back, but if you don't push on a bit.
At my rehab we did a circuit of 6 cardio machines (rower, treadmill, cycle, etc.) followed by some resistance machines. The first 2 weeks were 2 min at each stop, the second 2 weeks were 3 min each, and the last 4 weeks (it's an 8 week course in Ireland) were 4 min each.
They also increase the level of the machines as necessary to get each individual to their target heart rate. (They determine that on a treadmill before the rehab starts. My target was 100 - 105.)
There's also about 10 min of warm up stretches / light exercises at the beginning, and 10 min of cool-down at the end.
I went for the first session after my nstemi and they said I didn't need to go back. I did a timed walked with the person doing the the rehab. It was just me and him. After 30 minutes he said my pulse was fine reached 90 on his machine at the end of brisk walking and I didn't need to go back. Just do a little walking everyday and keep heart rate under 120 !
I was very disappointed in my rehab, firstly I had to drive 40 miles there and back for basically an hour's exercise class. I was expecting 1 to 1 measured exercise on bikes, treadmill etc. I did continue with it because it gave me something to do once a week but I do feel it was a tick box exercise for the benefit of the NHS beurocracy. I feel I had more benefit from my exercise bike where I could see improvement, or not, and by walking. Maybe others had more benefit from it than I did.
I did a course after my double bypass nearly six years ago. I thought it was good, but I was pushing myself beyond what the team there wanted me to do. Firstly, I was a couple of months longer than normal on from my operation, because I'd had an infection and had to go back into hospital for treatment for that. Secondly, I had been a club cyclist before my incident and so, like you, was reasonably fit (though never actually any good).
Most importantly, the specialist who discharged me said I was OK to push myself as much as I liked, and that's the main thing, I think - get and follow medical advice.
I found rehab very useful. The exercise began quite lightly but was ramped up gradually. For me it wasn't just about the exercise but rebuilding confidence and coming to grips with what happened. Being with others who'd been through similar was very supportive as were the nurses and physios running the sessions. I now go to my local cardiac rehab gym twice a week for a class and independent session. It's pretty much like going to normal gym but has the benefit of being geared around cardiac-related ongoing recovery. It's well equipped and you are pushed quite hard as your fitness improves. I've also had to sessions with the centre's doctor to assess my fitness levels. I could go to an ordinary gym as they run similar sessions but prefer the sessions I attend.
I went from, prior to my HA, only being able to walk 200m to, before the end of my rehab, doing parkrun which is 5km. At the start of rehab I was walking 3km with ease. I've now cut 10 minutes off that parkrun time.
I agree with Lowerfield, everyone is different and you’ll find a level of exercise that suits you and increase it gradually. My GP said that if you can do it, then you’re not damaging your heart. Best wishes
I found rehab was more about giving people the confidence to thrust the heart to work the way it used to and recognise if you are doing too much too soon without worrying you are having another event.
I started rehab a year ago and are now back to doing aqua aerobics three times a week, park walk and ballroom dancing and feeling more like the old me.
I was diagnosed with myocarditis and are on heart medication and have a reveal heart monitor. The biggest issue I had was confidence to do exercise again and rehab was perfect for that and also talking to others face to face in similar situations so you know you are not alone
I found rehab disappointing. It was basically a modified form of circuit training which set off other problems for me such as sciatica. I asked to be referred ( by them) to gym on prescription instead which provided an individual programme with superior equipment and was much better. Am still going to the gym 5 years later
Hi, rehab is different everywhere, mine was an hour a week for 12 weeks. 10 mins gentle warm up followed by 40 mins of set exercises, followed by 20 mins cool down and stretching. During the main activity we followed 5 colour coded set of guides which contained things like step ups, lunges, squats etc. First couple of weeks had 30 seconds rest between each activity but as you moved up the scale you got reduced rest until no rest on the highest. Took pulse at start . After completing one cycle of the programme we took and recorded pulse rates again then did another complete cycle and then recorded pulse again. Nurse reviewed readings and moved you on up the scale. Some moved up more slowly and many never made it to the black (hardest.)
My experience of rehab was positive. The two main benefits I had were that the rehab nurses kept a track of heart rate and told me what I should and shouldn't be aiming for each week. It gave me the confidence to push myself more than I would have done by myself. We also had a half-hour talk after the class on various aspects of cardiac health, which was very helpful and answered some questions that I had.
I've never been a gym user, so was quite happy with the cardio exercises, and use a static bike at home and go swimming outside of the cardiac rehab. I now go to level 4 rehab classes which I pay for, the level 3 were free, and have seen a continuing improvement in my fitness. Not quite where I was before, but slowly getting there.
One thing I have appreciated is the camaraderie, where the other attendees have largely similar experiences, and you don't have to waste time explaining how you are feeling at any time. We've all been there and bought the same t-shirt.
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