Comments on: Recovery Alert: Cardiac Rehab Programs Are “Under-Utilized” http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/ Former Patient And Author, Adam Pick, Blogs About Heart Valve Replacement And Heart Valve Repair Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:18:04 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Monika Sideris http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/comment-page-1/#comment-22391 Monika Sideris Mon, 31 May 2010 04:27:03 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/#comment-22391 I had my ARV surgery in August of 2008. I regret not to attend rehab (I would have to pay a major part of the rehab cost). Now, i would do anything to go to rehab. Will it be too late to do so? I still have not my energy back and also gained a lot of weight. I had my ARV surgery in August of 2008. I regret not to attend rehab (I would have to pay a major part of the rehab cost). Now, i would do anything to go to rehab. Will it be too late to do so? I still have not my energy back and also gained a lot of weight.

]]> By: Mary Pfister http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/comment-page-1/#comment-20939 Mary Pfister Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:18:11 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/#comment-20939 I am scheduled for aortic valve replacement on Wed., 4/28, and I have already inquired about cardiac rehab and I was told I would receive a call a month after surgery asking if I want to participate. I plan to go as I read Adam's book several times and I am sure it will be very helpful for me. I am 69 years old. Thanks for your book, Adam! I am scheduled for aortic valve replacement on Wed., 4/28, and I have already inquired about cardiac rehab and I was told I would receive a call a month after surgery asking if I want to participate. I plan to go as I read Adam’s book several times and I am sure it will be very helpful for me. I am 69 years old. Thanks for your book, Adam!

]]> By: Pam http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/comment-page-1/#comment-20929 Pam Sat, 24 Apr 2010 04:37:29 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/#comment-20929 I had a aortic valve replacement due to an anurism on New Year's Eve and a Pace Maker put in on Jan. 5 2010. It has been long and difficult, but was not told about Cardiac Rehab. I happened to be walking past a room in the hospital with a sign that said Cardiac Rehab, went in and talked with the last week, and will start on Monday. The nurse there told me all of the things that I was going through mentally and physically and can't wait to start! I will keep you posted on how the progress will go, but I think it will be awesome! Pam I had a aortic valve replacement due to an anurism on New Year’s Eve and a Pace Maker put in on Jan. 5 2010. It has been long and difficult, but was not told about Cardiac Rehab. I happened to be walking past a room in the hospital with a sign that said Cardiac Rehab, went in and talked with the last week, and will start on Monday. The nurse there told me all of the things that I was going through mentally and physically and can’t wait to start!
I will keep you posted on how the progress will go, but I think it will be awesome!
Pam

]]> By: Lisa http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/comment-page-1/#comment-16193 Lisa Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:12:48 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/#comment-16193 Helga, Even as a 35 year old, very active nurse, I participated in cardiac rehab, after valve surgery, It is invaluable. He could start now if he wanted, you will of course have to speak to those running the program. Especially after having an arrhythmia, he should participate, in rehab the patients' heart rate and rhythm are monitored by a professional. A blood pressure cuff cannot tell if there is an arrythmia. If it were not for cardiac rehab, it would have made my irregular rate much more difficult to diagnose. I too reacted poorly to metoprolol, but there are other medications out there, you may need to speak to another doctor. Follow up with this issue, this is not a just wait and see situation. Good luck. Helga,
Even as a 35 year old, very active nurse, I participated in cardiac rehab, after valve surgery, It is invaluable. He could start now if he wanted, you will of course have to speak to those running the program. Especially after having an arrhythmia, he should participate, in rehab the patients’ heart rate and rhythm are monitored by a professional. A blood pressure cuff cannot tell if there is an arrythmia. If it were not for cardiac rehab, it would have made my irregular rate much more difficult to diagnose.
I too reacted poorly to metoprolol, but there are other medications out there, you may need to speak to another doctor. Follow up with this issue, this is not a just wait and see situation. Good luck.

]]> By: Helga Mukhar http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/comment-page-1/#comment-16188 Helga Mukhar Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:48:08 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/#comment-16188 Hi, Adam, Thank you again for your wonderful book. It made my husband decide to have his aortic valve replaced now instead of later. His opening was at .8 cm. Normal is 1.5 to 2.0 cm. Since he was otherwise in excellent health, at the age of 77, we decided to have it done now. He had his surgery four weeks ago and was in the hospital for six days. He was discharged on a Monday afternoon. Started walking slowly on the treadmill at 1.5 mph for 30 minutes the next morning. On Friday, he decided to increase it to 1.7 mph and was on the treadmill for 40 minutes. Then he took a shower and almost fainted. Guess he's not Superman after all! Anyway, it turned out he had atrial fibrillation and we ended up in the ER that day. They gave him metoprolol 50 mg, which made him very tired and slightly lightheaded. He was so weak that he had to sit down when he brushed his teeth. Another side effect was diarrhea. His cardiologist wanted him to remain on the medication for three months. My husband felt so bad on it that I asked if he could have another medication, but the doctor said no. Well, after 15 days on the medication, I decided to stop it. We had been monitoring his blood pressure and his heart rate every three hours anyway. We've been continuing to monitor him and he has been fine for the last six days. I believe he will continue to do fine. Our blood pressure machine will show if his heart rate should become irregular. He has not been on the treadmill since. We've taken walks outside up to half an hour. When do you think he should start cardio rehab? Does he need to since we have a treadmill? His surgeon seemed to think he doesn't need it. He just wanted him to work up to 2 miles a day on the treadmill. Your advice is much appreciated. And again, your book was extremely helpful. Blessings to you and your family! Helga Hi, Adam,

Thank you again for your wonderful book. It made my husband decide to have his aortic valve replaced now instead of later. His opening was at
.8 cm. Normal is 1.5 to 2.0 cm. Since he was otherwise in excellent health, at the age of 77, we decided to have it done now.

He had his surgery four weeks ago and was in the hospital for six days.
He was discharged on a Monday afternoon. Started walking slowly on the treadmill at 1.5 mph for 30 minutes the next morning. On Friday, he decided to increase it to 1.7 mph and was on the treadmill for 40 minutes.
Then he took a shower and almost fainted. Guess he’s not Superman after all!

Anyway, it turned out he had atrial fibrillation and we ended up in the ER that day. They gave him metoprolol 50 mg, which made him very tired and slightly lightheaded. He was so weak that he had to sit down when he brushed his teeth. Another side effect was diarrhea.

His cardiologist wanted him to remain on the medication for three months.
My husband felt so bad on it that I asked if he could have another medication, but the doctor said no.

Well, after 15 days on the medication, I decided to stop it. We had been monitoring his blood pressure and his heart rate every three hours anyway. We’ve been continuing to monitor him and he has been fine for the last six days. I believe he will continue to do fine. Our blood pressure machine will show if his heart rate should become irregular.

He has not been on the treadmill since. We’ve taken walks outside up to half an hour.

When do you think he should start cardio rehab? Does he need to since we have a treadmill? His surgeon seemed to think he doesn’t need it.
He just wanted him to work up to 2 miles a day on the treadmill.

Your advice is much appreciated. And again, your book was extremely helpful.

Blessings to you and your family!

Helga

]]> By: Jo V. http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/comment-page-1/#comment-15947 Jo V. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:59:46 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/#comment-15947 I am an RN who had mitral valve repair March 2009. To combat the fear that is inherent in an medical professional who works with cardiac patients, I used Bellaruth Naperstek's guided imagery CD "Preparing for Successful Surgery." Guided imagery CD's are part of the cardiac program at the Cleveland Clinic, rated +1 by U.S. News and World reports for cardiovascular surgery. That CD helped turn my attitude 180 degrees. I entered the surgical suite rested, laughing and joking with my surgical team. Came out feeling like road kill but that is a different matter. As far as physical preparation, I religiously rode my bike outside in Northern Illinois for the three months preparing for my procedure. You would have to involve your physician in an exercise program so he could define your limitations but the exercise made a great deal of difference in my recovery. Although admittedly I am 50 years old, I went in on Monday and came home on Friday- (lost a day due to nausea post op from pain meds and anesthesia). Best of luck. Be sure to prepare mentally. I am an RN who had mitral valve repair March 2009. To combat the fear that is inherent in an medical professional who works with cardiac patients, I used Bellaruth Naperstek’s guided imagery CD “Preparing for Successful Surgery.” Guided imagery CD’s are part of the cardiac program at the Cleveland Clinic, rated +1 by U.S. News and World reports for cardiovascular surgery. That CD helped turn my attitude 180 degrees. I entered the surgical suite rested, laughing and joking with my surgical team. Came out feeling like road kill but that is a different matter. As far as physical preparation, I religiously rode my bike outside in Northern Illinois for the three months preparing for my procedure. You would have to involve your physician in an exercise program so he could define your limitations but the exercise made a great deal of difference in my recovery. Although admittedly I am 50 years old, I went in on Monday and came home on Friday- (lost a day due to nausea post op from pain meds and anesthesia). Best of luck. Be sure to prepare mentally.

]]> By: Steve McDonald http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/comment-page-1/#comment-15363 Steve McDonald Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:24:37 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/#comment-15363 CAN ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT PRE OP EXERCISE PROGRAMS. I'M READING ABOUT SOME PEOPLE GETTING IN GREAT SHAPE BEFORE SURGERY. BUT IF YOUR AV IS SHOT HOW DOES ONE GET INTO GREAT SHAPE? I WALK BETWEEN 2 TO 4 MILES A DAY ON MY JOB, BUT AM AFRIED TO DO ANY CARDIO WORK SINCE MY AV IS WORKING OVER TIME TO PUSH BLOOD OUT. ALSO I UNDERSTAND HAVING SOME STRONG AB'S WILL BE OF GREAT HELP POST OP. ANY INPUT WOULD BE GREAT. CAN ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT PRE OP EXERCISE PROGRAMS. I’M READING ABOUT SOME PEOPLE GETTING IN GREAT SHAPE BEFORE SURGERY. BUT IF YOUR AV IS SHOT HOW DOES ONE GET INTO GREAT SHAPE? I WALK BETWEEN 2 TO 4 MILES A DAY ON MY JOB, BUT AM AFRIED TO DO ANY CARDIO WORK SINCE MY AV IS WORKING OVER TIME TO PUSH BLOOD OUT. ALSO I UNDERSTAND HAVING SOME STRONG AB’S WILL BE OF GREAT HELP POST OP. ANY INPUT WOULD BE GREAT.

]]> By: Rick http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/comment-page-1/#comment-15352 Rick Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:52:47 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/#comment-15352 Thank you for the article. I will be entering my rehab starting next month which will be 3 days a week for 8 weeks. I had a stent placed in my LAD artery. I am very anxious to start as I want to regain or get close to my previous level of exercise and activity. I am glad to hear and see your much more severe procedure has went so well. All the best. Thank you for the article. I will be entering my rehab starting next month which will be 3 days a week for 8 weeks. I had a stent placed in my LAD artery. I am very anxious to start as I want to regain or get close to my previous level of exercise and activity.

I am glad to hear and see your much more severe procedure has went so well.

All the best.

]]> By: Vicki http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/comment-page-1/#comment-14225 Vicki Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:55:39 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/#comment-14225 I had two heart attacks, two angioplastys, and one stent all within four days. While I was still in CCU I asked my physician about cardiac hrehab and he ordered it for me. I just completed my 24 visits in 8 weeks (I am 16 weeks post MI). Cardiac rehab is the best and probably the most important thing I have ever done for myself. I hope to continue through the self-pay phase. Most of the patients I met in cardiac rehab were post CABG and under Medicare which allows 36 visits. I think it is great that all the CABG patients were in rehab but I don't understand why cardiac rehab isn't recommended as frequently to heart attack patients as it is CABG patients. My first heart attack was a serious right inferior MI. The second attack was four days later and caught early (since I was a patient in CCU); a stent was implanted in the area causing the trouble with 80% blockage. The recovery was slow but cardiac rehab has made me a new person. I had two heart attacks, two angioplastys, and one stent all within four days. While I was still in CCU I asked my physician about cardiac hrehab and he ordered it for me. I just completed my 24 visits in 8 weeks (I am 16 weeks post MI). Cardiac rehab is the best and probably the most important thing I have ever done for myself. I hope to continue through the self-pay phase. Most of the patients I met in cardiac rehab were post CABG and under Medicare which allows 36 visits. I think it is great that all the CABG patients were in rehab but I don’t understand why cardiac rehab isn’t recommended as frequently to heart attack patients as it is CABG patients. My first heart attack was a serious right inferior MI. The second attack was four days later and caught early (since I was a patient in CCU); a stent was implanted in the area causing the trouble with 80% blockage. The recovery was slow but cardiac rehab has made me a new person.

]]> By: Kerrigan http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/comment-page-1/#comment-12717 Kerrigan Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:00:14 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/07/30/cardiac-rehabilitiation-programs-under-utilized/#comment-12717 I can't say enough good things about the 12-week cardio rehab program I completed after surgery. And continuing with the 3-day-a-week 1 1/2 workout afterward is the key to quick recovery! I HIGHLY recommend it. I can’t say enough good things about the 12-week cardio rehab program I completed after surgery. And continuing with the 3-day-a-week 1 1/2 workout afterward is the key to quick recovery! I HIGHLY recommend it.

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