cardiac rehab expectations

[Debbrn]

This is my second week of rehab. I had my my PVR and tricuspid valve repair 8 weeks ago. (4th heart surgery) I exercise on my own pre and post surgery. i had a VO2 of 18.1 on bicycle pre-op.

The first day they did a 6 minute walk test on a 300 ft rectangular track and orientation. Today was exercise day number 3. We weigh ourselves and put our own heart monitor on. I was expected to watch and listen to a video with head phones as I went through the different exercise stations. Luckily the video was mainly on acquired heart disease so for the most part did not apply to me anyway. My planned routine was changed because all the nu-steps and treadmills were in use. Also the equipment is so close together that I can only use certain ones so they can get to my right arm for my blood pressure. They wanted me to get my cholesterol checked last week even though it has nothing to do with my congenital heart disease. I asked at the end of the day what aerobic equipment they would plan for me to do on wednesday so I could plan accordingly on my day off on tuesday. They told me they did not know because they did not know what equipment would be available. I offered to change the time I came in if that would help them. I was told that the amount of people that come at a certain time is unpredictable.

Is this experience the norm, or are they having more patients then they are set up for?

Debbie

 

[Lynlw]

I never had cardiac rehab, but others for back, hand surgery ect. This does not sound good. All the rehab center I went to we had appts so there was never a problems using the machines because of too many people. (that sounds more like a gym to me,) for rehab I expect be be able to do everything I need to and have a plan made for ME, not just general "back pateints or in your case all heart patients. Is there another Rehab center you could go to? This place seems like they are wasting your time and money.

 

[Jkm7]

I agree with Lyn.
I'd be looking for a different rehab center. I think it unacceptable they have not made a plan just for your needs and certainly all machines and equipment should be available to you during your scheduled session. They should be far more 'hands on' with you.

 

[Debbrn]

I have made an appointment to check out another hospital cardiac rehab center on wednesday. I am actually going to UAB's rehab program. I expected more from them. I don't know why, they have not helped me with anything else. I did at least wanted to go some place that had heard of congenital heart disease. I am planning on getting all new docs outside of UAB.

Debbie

 

[MarkU]

I never had to go through rehab, but what you're dealing with doesn't instill a lot of confidence. Sounds like a pretty generic program, not based on the actual needs of the individual patient. I agree with the others that you should check out other options.
Good luck,

Mark

 

[malibu82]

today was my 3rd day of rehab. once our warm up is finished, everyone runs to the machines to make sure they get the one they want. the problem is that this is a rehab class, and on top of that they have regular members that come in all day long and are using the machines as well. so maybe that is what is happening at your place too! it took me by surprise as well. the whole thing is kind of crazy! everyone is all over the place. but in the end, we all get our work out in, our blood pressure taken every 15 minutes while working out, and our cool down at the end. it seems like some people have been going there forever!

 

[kfay]

When I went to rehab, they gave me a time to come so they would only have a certain number of people during that time. We each rotated on the machines. So, if I started on a treadmill, I would always move to the recumbant bike, then to the next and so on. We all followed the same rotation and each of us started on a different machine, so it was very easy and well run. I'd be looking for something new as well.

Kim

 

[Philip B]

Rehab?

Rehab?

My rehav program was done at a small rural hospital. The majority of the folks who were working in the program were people who were dealing with cardiac and coronary issues other than valve replacement.

One of the downsides to my rehab program was that the exercise room was used for all kinds of rehab including physical therapy. Another downside was that the hospital allowed its employees to use the exercise room when they wanted to workout. Both of those issues, particulary the later, made me uncomfortable. I really didn't like hospital employees coming and going. I didn't figure what I was doing with my rehab program was any of their business. Of course, both of these issues created availability problems for cardio equipment use. Fortunately, I enjoyed using cycling equipment which wasn't as popular as elipticals and treadmills.

As others have noted, a good program should address your specific needs. Have you visited with the people who are in charge of your program about concerns you may have. It's okay to be pushy when you self-advocate. Of course, if more than one program is available where you live, it gives you options.

-Philip

 

[Lynlw]

When I went to rehab, they gave me a time to come so they would only have a certain number of people during that time. We each rotated on the machines. So, if I started on a treadmill, I would always move to the recumbant bike, then to the next and so on. We all followed the same rotation and each of us started on a different machine, so it was very easy and well run. I'd be looking for something new as well.

Kim

That's how it was for my hand and Back rehab. My Moms heart rehab also worked that way.

 

[Debbrn]

Things went a little better today. They had more staff working. I looked at one of the other centers this morning. They are in a temp area so they are very cramped. The staff seems really nice though. I am going to try my current location tomorrow and see what happens.

Debbie

 

[Mentu]

My experience was a match for Kim's. You are scheduled with only your small group. The Cardiac Rehab area is not used by anyone else so there is always more equipment than people. If all the treadmills are in use, then, the recumbant bikes are available and so with the weight exercise equipment. Valve patients are definately in the minority because most other people have had surgery for arterial disease.

Larry

 

[Bill B]

Mine was scheduled so there was no issue with overloading. They had a set regimen for using the exercise equipment so you always did the same pattern each time, increasing the reps or time on each machine as you progressed. Most of the patietns were CABG or post-heart attack, so they were very slow and cautious with them. Initially they were with me as well, and the exercose level was not doing me any good at all - rarely breaking a sweat. After a talk with the staff, they stepped up my program and I made dramatic improvement. The staff were excellent, monitored us closely and made numerous suggestions for me to round out my exercise. I know I would not have done nearly as well on my own. I highly recommend cardiac rehab to anyone. Hopefully you will figure out a good scedule that gets you access to all the equipment regularly and they will adjust your exercise program so you get what you need out of it.