How useful are rehabilitation programs?

[ccrawford]

I live about 45 miles from the nearest source of cardiac rehab programs, and don't relish the idea of spending that much time getting to and from the classes. Any opinions as to how useful these programs may be. Why couldn't you locate the right information and do it yourself with walking,stationary bike and a heart rate monitor ? Would appreciate some different thoughts.Chris

 

[Creed3]

Hi Chris,
I am about 8 months post op right now. I looked into doing cardiac rehab shortly after I came home. My insurance wouldn't pay for it. They felt it wasn't necessary because of my age (34). My cardio also felt it wasn't necessary, but would have written something to the insurance company if I wanted him to. My insurance company wanted me to have all of these tests done before they would approve the rehab and my cardio didn't feel that any of the tests were necessary. At the time I didn't feel like fighting and arguing with my insurance company, so I spoke to a therapist over the phone and she gave me tips on what to be doing. I have done just fine physically without the rehab, but I think mentally I would have been a little better off with the rehab. I have always been a very active person and worked out a lot. When the time came for me to start exercising again, my confidence was shot. I kept thinking something was going to happen if I started exercising again. Here is where I think rehab would have helped me. It helps you get your confidence back. I am slowly becoming more and more confident and I am getting back into somewhat of an exercise program, but I know that it is still in the back of my mind that something could happen. I don't know if this has helped at all. I just wanted to let you know what happened with me. Everyone's situation and recovery is different. Good Luck & Take Care!

Gail

 

[Ross]

Chris there isn't any reason that you can't do all of it yourself. The only thing I can think of is perhaps they push you a little farther then you might want to push yourself. Coaching I guess is the better word. If you've got the discipline to do some misery yourself consistently, then there isn't a real need to do the traveling. You might call the place and have them send you instructional papers on the excercises they have you do. That would be a good start anyway.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello Chris,

For someone who is motivated and disciplined, exercising on your own should be sufficient. You may want to visit a rehab center to see what exercises they use and to discuss a regimen with the nurses. My rehab nurses required a specified set of stretches and walking before and after working out. One of the main benefits I found was from their 'arm bicycle machine' which really helped to loosen up my arms, back, and shoulders.

My routine included 30 minutes on the treadmill with a gradual warmup (needed due to CAD), followed by 10 to 15 minutes on a Schwinn Airdyne (GREAT machine), 10 to 12 minutes on the arm machine (alternating forward and back every 2 minutes), and a few minutes on the 'elliptic stepper' which is a real killer until your legs and hips become accustomed to it.

It would be good to also have a self test Blood Pressure Cuff and to take readings before, during, and after exercising. The rehab center also had one of those finger blood-oxygen instruments with a built in heart rate monitor. The nurses measured blood sugar levels for diabetics daily and others at the beginning and as needed or requested.

'AL'

 

[pillarpaul]

Partial Rehab?

Partial Rehab?

Chris,

Perhaps you could take it for just a week or two and learn froom what they teach you. I'm about seven weeks post-op now and just started my 4th week of rehab. I didn't think I would need it - I was in excellent physical condition prior to the surgery and what more could I learn, right? Boy was I wrong.

First, Gail nailed one of the concerns. My confidence level became shot. Having someone "coaching" me and pushing the envelope was very important. Also, I learned some new machines I had never used before (they have state of the art equipment). It's like having a personal trainer.

Every program is different but ours also includesd 4-6 classes on Nutrition and Stress Mangemnt. Again, I thought I wouldn't need it (especially the nutrition of which I am a nut) but they offered to do 1 on 1 with me and it was like taking graduate level nutrition and meditation classes.

And, finally, maybe the most compelling reason I am staying with the rehab program - the therapists are very nice on the eyes and when they hold my arm to take my blood presure, well, I just, uh, uh, never mind (sorry if that sounds sexist, ladies).

Good luck to you Chris.

Paul

 

[inventory]

Chris-
Like everyone says it is up to the individual.
I also had a hassle with the Ins. Co so decided
to go it on my own. My cardio thought I should
do rehab.
I walked a couple of miles a day, did cardio exercises
and lifted weights my cardiologist advised on week
by week. Also like Gail I felt the mental part might
have needed rehab, but as for the rest I felt fine
on my own. I have always done exercise and weights.
I guess I will find out in the long run.
I am four months out from surgery and go see my
Cardio again next monday.
Whatever you decide, I am sure it will be right for you.
Good luck.
Al

 

[ccrawford]

Thanks Guys

Thanks Guys

I knew I'd get a bunch of good stuff back. Some good thought provokers there. I've ordered the book "Aerobics for Total Well Being "by Dr Ken Cooper which supposedly has a good chapter on heart patient rehab programs. My local rehab place has invited me for a walk thru which I will probably do. Paul, your discussion of nutrition is a good one - it is so easy to slip back into old eating habits, and this can be really detrimental. Gail-I had a concern, but hadn't figured out what it was. You nailed it - I guess we all have that concern about blowing out the new valve, and the pro's can help sort thru that. I too, have most of the excercise stuff, Al, and it probably makes sense to do it yourself, but only after I get something structured that makes sense for me. Its probably time to get one of the kayaks down and head for the river-this is an incredible form of aerobic excercise if you're careful not to strain too much at first.I'm already walking over a mile a day and its getting easier each day.Al, I don't have an elliptical stepper, but if you've ever been to Owen County Indiana and seen our terrain, you'd understand why I don't need one. Thanks for all the help-its time to get motivated again. Chris

 

[Granbonny]

Rehab?

Rehab?

My Card..never mentioned it to me. After I became a member of VR...did I hear about it..For the first few months..I just walked, walked, and walked...If you want to strengh your arms..take the wet clothes out of the washing machine. Bonnie

 

[ccrawford]

Your RX

Your RX

Bonnie - I heard that your doctor prescribed that you wash the windows in your home every week. sounds like a good aerobic excercise to me. Chris

 

[Granbonny]

Chris

Chris

At five weeks post-op..take that kayak out and paddle the river. Then, wait 2 days and post again And don't complain about your pain in shoulder's back, ect.. You post-male valvers never cease to amaze me.That macho thing? If you want to be Macho..wash the windows first. Remeber, you just had major surgery..takes a longggggg time to heal.. Bonnie

 

[Georgia]

Another vote for rehab

Another vote for rehab

I didn't ever work out, so I really needed the help. However, I found the structure and monitors really comforting. I started 3 weeks after surgery and could barely walk across the street from the parking garage (had to hold on to spouse).

Because of the medication (beta blockers and coumadin) I had no way to judge how hard I was working - the beta blockers suppressed heart rate and coumadin makes you cold. I was able to work harder than I thought I could because the PT and nurse would intervene if my heartrate went too high or there was any problem with the rhythm.

I'm in Phase III now - I go three times per week after work; and really enjoy it, too. We have an exercise center at my work and I could use it for free, but prefer the terrific equipment at rehab, as well as having blood pressure and pulse taken, and free advice. I pay $45 per month for this rehab - seems cheap for the advantages.

 

[Rain]

Cardiac rehab!

Cardiac rehab!

Hey Chris,

I was a little scared to get too far from home or work my heart to hard right after heart surgery. And it was just great to have the cardiac rehab nurse to quiz when I had a question. She also writes reports that I take with me to my cardio appointments, showing my average heart rate, blood pressure, etc. .....which he loves.

The other thing is I had never exercised on a regular basis before I started rehab. So I?m not sure I would have stuck with it without having a certain time & place to be. It really is like having your very own personal trainer!!

 

[Jane]

I found rehab a godsend

I found rehab a godsend

I am sure it would have been possible to do the exercise by myself and do get the diet and other info from books, but I found rehab absolutely great,( and on the NHS in UK absolutely free of charge!!!). It was run as a group thing. It catered for people who had had a heart "event" such as MI, artery bypass, and/or valve replacement. Mostly the people in my group were older than me, but we had so much fun and seeing how the others coped with their problems and fears gave me so much confidence.

Also, when it looked for a time as though I might need surgery again, but on my tricuspid valve, the support from the rehab nurses and the other patients just about saved my sanity.

I hope that you make the decision that is right for you. Good luck!

 

[TIM W.]

Hi Chris,

My insurance wouldn't pay for rehab either so I got creative. I started building my house 7 years ago and haven't finished it yet due to slowly going downhill health-wise. So six weeks post-op, I got the tools out and started back at it. I took it easy, as the work is mostly finish type projects. Now I'm up to 7 - 8 hour days.
Both my surgeon and cardio gave there approval. They just wanted me to also include walking in my "program".
I feel absolutely great and my house is getting finished as well!!
Tim

 

[ccrawford]

Sounds like the people who are using rehab programs are really sold on them. Especially if the cost is reasonable. Unfortunately, I've not found one yet that is priced reasonably. Bonnie, how can you call us men macho when there are many gals who have had children; some more than once. Thats pretty macho to me. Tim, I still have a recreation room to finish out in the basement, so that might be a good project for the heat of the summer. Keep your fingers away from the power saw ! The other benefit I hear people talking about is the fact that a planned program tends to motivate them to keep it up on a regular basis. Something to be said for that. Maybe if we get into a really good routine (including nutritional) and stay in it. HMMMM A lot of good ideas here. Chris

 

[Yokena]

Cardiac Rehab after Surgery

Cardiac Rehab after Surgery

Hi! I'm new here, but your message really struck a cord with me due to my recent experience. I had my surgery in July 01, and was sent home with instructions about walking and stretching, but no other rehab. I live 60 miles from the nearest rehab facility. I did well at my 1-year check-up and asked for some more exercise guidance. I was sent home with a booklet with 16 exercises using light weights and told not to exceed 50 pounds. I was feeling great and highly motivated, so I jumped right in and did the exercises and worked my way up gradually with the weight Then, I started having pain in my chest (not heart) in January 03. I thought I'd pulled a muscle. A chest x-ray showed I'd actully slightly separated my sternum!

I had to give up the weights entirely for 8 weeks to heal, but the good news is I got signed up to go to the rehab place 60 miles away 3 or 4 times and they got me all set up with APPROPRIATE exercises, amounts of weights, and the proper form to use with the exercises. It is very important that we protect our chests by doing the right exercises in the right way. Well worth the drive a few times. The exercise is very good for us, but we have to do it right or we'll do ourselves harm.

Good luck to all!

Joyce in Mississippi

 

[ccrawford]

Hi Joyce

Hi Joyce

Welcome to VR.com Joyce, glad to have another valver on board. I guess we did strike a chord-hard to beleive that you had a sternum separation at 6 months. This points out the importance of either being part of a program or getting the right information from your cardiologist. HMMM some more questions I need to ask my cardio. Joyce, I hope you'll stick around and participate-I think you'll find this is a pretty caring group, and a great source of information. Chris

 

[Granbonny]

Chris

Chris

Reread Joyce's thread again..she said she hurt her sternum at 1 1/2 years post-op// I have been sneezing a lot the past few days from pollen and have felt a slight pain there. I held my age 5 month old grandson all Sunday afternoon. Dead-weight at 16 lbs. Felt it all day yesterday..And I am almost 15 months out from surgery....Maybe I can have Ross post a poll on how long did your sternum take to heal? Bonnie

 

[Georgia]

Hi, Joyce

Hi, Joyce

It really takes a lot to jolt folks on this website - that sternum separation at 18 months did it! Sure gave me a jolt; when I went to the cardiologist at 3+ months she said limits were off the lifting. Hmm-m-m-m. Think I'll be more careful with my 44# grandson. And not move some of the furniture. Etc.

Hope you'll hang around and contribute. Welcome.

 

[terry40]

Joyce

Joyce

Welcome, and thanks for sharing that information, I didn't think we could seperate the sterum, being it's wired shut?!?

You gave us food for thought, Did they tell you at rehab which exercise could have caused this? After my year anniversary, I was planning to go back to BFL wt lifting/exercise program, I'm not so sure now.

Terry40