Benefits of Cardiac Rehab

[ALCapshaw2]

. Did any of you have back and rib and shoulder and neck pain before you went, and did the rehab make it disappear?

Did you read my response that addressed those issues?

 

[ponygirlmom]

Thanks for all your advice. I talked to the cardiac rehab nurse today, and she said that I would need to come 3 times a week for 1 1/2 hours each. I can't see myself getting up at 6 AM to do this before work.

Do you really live in Pittsburgh? If so, in a large metro area like that there have to be dozens of cardiac rehab choices, and even more general physical therapy choices. You should be able to find one that better fits your schedule.

 

[LeakyValve]

A very timely post...I just scheduled my Cardiac Rehab this afternoon at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, where I had my Mitral Valve repaired 5 weeks ago. Being a competitive athlete and relatively young (43), I thought the sessions would be a waste of time. However, after extensive research and talking with other young OHS patients, I am convinced it's VERY necessary and I am making the time for my twice-a-week appointments. As one or more people have mentioned, I see it more as making sure you don't overdo it. Even though my recovery time is shorter, due to the minimally invasive procedure, I want to make sure my return to health is closely monitored by people who know the heart much better than I do. One thing that has already put my mind at ease is hearing from the director of Cardiac Rehab that I should put aside any benchmarks or baselines pre-surgery. The heart is a changed muscle after OHS and all old notions should be forgotten. My initial fear was that my resting heart rate (RHR), which used to be in the high 40s, was too high (high 70s, low 80s).

Ultimately, it's your call. However, as an active person who was told by some docs that rehab was unnecessary for someone in my condition, I am very much looking forward to my sessions.

Best of luck and Happy New Year!