Rehabilitation

[marciemarine]

I just ot the information about the rehabilitation in our area. My first thought when I got the info packet is that I really don't want to be bothered. I am 53 years old and although I had (notice the past tense) a normally active llife before my surgery on Nov. 1st, I'm getting back to normal slowly but surely and I really don't look forward to a half hour trip into Utica three times a week to do an excercise program which will wipe me out and even the idea of having to buy new loose fitting excercise lothes seems like an ordeal. I am getting around the house and make it a point to mave around a bit during the day, but I still gat tired and I can't generate the enthusiasm fir the program. I have all I care to do keeping up with doctor's appointments and trips to the lab for bloodwork. I'm sure I'll feel up to it soon, but then I don't think I'll need rehab.

Any comments? Marcie

 

[bvdr]

Marcie, you sound a little depressed. That is really common following heart surgery. I think rehab might be a good thing for you both physically and emotionally. The exercise will actually give you more energy rather than drain you. I was 55 when I had my valve replacement and I think I was the youngest in rehab. It was good for me though and I hope you give it a go.

 

[AlonnolA]

Marcie I agree - you should really consider rehab. I think of myself as fit, and was even told by my doctors that I didn't need rehab, but I tried it anyway. It's a really good way to get the excercise you need, and get your energy level back up. They will not push you further than you can handle.

The rehab nurses didn't even want to talk to me until about 4 weeks out. You're still a few weeks away aren't you? By then, the excercise program should not wipe you out very much. You might also feel more confident knowing you are being monitored while you excercise, by people who've seen all kinds of OHS recoverers and can talk to you about whatever you're experiencing.

I'm the youngest at my rehab too, but its really nice to excercise with people who have had similar experiences.

You can always quit early if its not working for you

 

[CThrock]

Note of Encouragment on Rehab!!!!

Note of Encouragment on Rehab!!!!

Hi Marcie,
Im in rehab right now . I had the same feelings that you are expericing right now. But it was one of the best decisions I made. It has helped me recover better and quickier. Im 5 month post surgery and feel great. I've talk to people that did'nt do rehab and wish they did!! So if your insurance will pay do it don't put it off the half an hour drive will go fast, & your energy level will go up fast.
They know what they are doing there they are all trained. So just do it you'll be GLAD you did. Crystal
P.S. I'm even going to stick with it after the insurance runs out ,thats how much I'm glad I did it, you will be too.

 

[Mike]

Rehab in Rome

Rehab in Rome

would be closer--and easier to get to, as well. (I really don't like driving around Utica!) Rome Memorial has a decent cardiac rehab according to the local VR people I have talked to...


Diana (Mrs. Mike)

 

[AlonnolA]

Isn't there a hospital in the Town of Oneida too?

 

[marciemarine]

Hi Everyone! I am feeling pretty good today and am planning to relax and enjoy Thanksgiving with my husband and two of the kids at home. It has been very pleasant and comfortable. I seem to be up and down like a yo-yo depending on the moment, but I am still planning to go to rehab and to give it a try. I'll keep you posted! Marcie

 

[Paul117]

another vote for rehab

another vote for rehab

this is another reason to do the rehab bit. I too was the youngest 55 and I'm 9 months and 6 months post op's. here is why I have two post op dates.
After the first Robotic Mitral vavle repair I went to rehab.... about three weeks into it I nearly fainted. The nurses were ontop of me they fou nd that I had SAM my newly repaired valve was flopping over and plugging up the Aotic vavle!!! If it weren't for those great people at rehab I could have died the first time I thougth I was "fit enough"! I then had a mechanical valve put in 6 months ago hence the two post op dates. I've finished my rehab schedule now and I'm going to what they call phase 4 were I can go when I want and still have them keep and eye on me.

Consider rehab a test of your fitness under the watchfull eyes of profesionals. It saved my life!!