UGH!
Ok, the BIG key to cardiac rehab is that they hook you up to monitor your heart function, check your resting rate, working rates, and BP's AND they keep a good eye on you all the time.
Well, a good rehab clinic does that anyways, not all are the same....
That's all important because there's someone SPECIFICALLY keeping an eye on your heart and what it's doing while you're exercising. Most, not all, of us who've had valve replacement have had our hearts cut open and stuff ripped out and other stuff sewn back in. That's not exactly a very nice thing to do to the heart and sometimes they don't feel very well afterwards. Sometimes that can lead to problems later on and frankly, I'd rather be on an exercise bike in a rehab clinic when that happens than out on the street trying to hail a cab.....
Rehab is an exercise program, but they place an emphasis on making your heart stronger and healthier and they'll be the first ones to spot a problem if there is one, PLUS, hopefully, they'll catch it before something dramatic happens like you passing out.
Outside of the potential expense involved if your insurance doesn't cover it (or you don't have any to begin with) there shouldn't be any reason NOT to have cardiac rehabilitation after surgery.
I've also heard, even on this list, of pre-operative patients going to cardiac rehabilitation programs...
I recieved physical and occupational therapy when I was in the hospital after surgery. Part of that was because of the length of stay I had and the severity of my condition, but I think most patients get some of the physical therapy, at least one or two visits before leaving. Cardiac rehab was just an extension of that.
I walked every day when I got home from Cleveland. It was pretty slow at first. I gingerly made my way up the street and back again being towed along by my 4 y/o son who was much faster than me at the time. It took a fair amount of effort but it was well worth it, just to be home at around familiar surroundings again, sun and fresh air and NO HOSPITAL... I pushed myself to do it, but it wasn't that hard. A few weeks later I was in rehab and I just got stronger and stronger. Now I'm about 90% of what I was a year before I started getting sick. Before I got to Cleveland, I could barely move around a room in the house.
