Physical problems slowing down rehabilitation

[tigerlily]

I had my aortic heart valve replaced 8 weeks ago tomorrow. I was coming along nicely with my walking program when an old problem flared up. I have pain in my left leg (sometimes my hip) when I am at rest. I'm fine while exercising but at night I have trouble sleeping because of the pain which is usually in my left thigh.

I've been waiting to get approval from my cardiologist to start cardiac rehab. I saw him last week and I am ready to go as far as my cardio is concerned. While I was waiting for permission to start cardiac rehab, I made an appointment with a physiatrist in an orthopedic group. I've heard that physiatrists often work with heart patients and design custom exercise programs for people with orthopedic problems. I'm wondering if I should just work with him and join my local gym. I'm also wondering if the physiatrist could coordinate with the cardiac rehab people and help me with my exercise that way. Another possible option would be to let the cardiac rehab people advise me concerning the orthopedic problem and put the physiatrist off for a while.

If this pain doesn't get under control, I won't be doing much exercise at all. The sleep disturbances are wiping me out. How important do you all think Cardiac Rehab is? I'm going to have to get up at 5:30 in the morning and drive 35 mins. to the rehab program before I go to work 3 days a week. Sounds tough but I'd be willing if it's the best thing to do.

Any advice? One last thought to throughly confuse the issue. I'm scheduled to soon start a beginners yoga class one night a week. I've been waiting to join this class forever. The class is suppose to be really good and is usually full. But am I biting off too much?

I can sure complicate my life. Need guidance. Thanks.

 

[Nancy]

Has anyone found out what the pain is from? Can it be helped somehow?

 

[tigerlily]

Hi Nancy,

No one has clearly diagnosed the problem for me. I've seen 2 orthopedic doctors, a chiropractor, a podiatrist, 3 physical therapists, and discussed it with my cardiologist last week. Everyone thinks it is back related. Evercise always seems to be the trigger for a flare up. I also think that it is related to my feet. I have very flat feet and the left one is flatter and weaker than the right one. I've tried custom orthodics twice but they didn't help. I've had hip, back and feet xrays. Supposedly, I don't have arthritis, siatica or any major back problem. Naturally, I am about as frustrated with this problem as a person can get. I've been dealing with it off and on now for 8 years. I'm hoping the physiatrist who is a MD will be able to finally diagnose the problem or problems.

 

[Rich]

What I have been experiencing sounds exactly like what you have described.
The doctor told me it is coming from the sciatic nerve on my left side.
The pain starts there and goes around my hip and then down my thigh.
According to the doctor this is the exact path of the nerve itself.
He gave me some stretching excercises to do, and suggested a lot of walking.
It is usually sore when I get up in the morning, but some activity including walking does ease it off.
I would also ask if you really need re-hab.
Personally starting the week I got home I walked at least a mile twice a day, every day for 12 weeks and beyond. When my cardiologist checked me out at six weeks he said I didn't need any re-hab.
Ten years later I still follow the same routine as often as possible.
Rich