Mike's Posts

Mike, I understand completely. I told my cardiac rehab nurse that it's hard to walk this slow on the treadmill. I promised my cardiologist I would go to cardiac rehab. I went three times and told them I'll handle the rehab. I went to my gym and used the elliptical (about ten days after surgery). I did light leg work on machines and light cable work. My only concern was a non union of the sternum so I avoided the chest pressing. Just like yourself I walked miles around the neighborhood as well as the gym. Always felt a dynamic body heals better than an inactive one. For many cardiac rehab is great and necessary. They are very good and steeped in medical science. For me I know I needed something different. With all your years training/powerlifting you have a good sense what your body needs. This is not to offer any medical advice but I just wanted to share someone of the same mindsets experience. I dont want to get in trouble here but I hit it pretty hard and responded well. Just wanted to let you know I had the same cardiac rehab experience. Keep us posted Mike.

Thanks Rich. Much appreciated. Like you said, cardiac rehab is great and necessary for many. I'm blessed that my conditioning going into surgery was solid so that helps. That plus they didn't have to open my sternum up. I don't have a problem taking a conservative approach but this was a little too conservative. Your progress is an inspiration and it is super helpful to hear from someone with a similar mindset.

I did not sign up for cardiac rehab. I have kept a diligent diary of every day since surgery with every workout (only doing cardio, no strength work yet), the distance walked, speed, time, HR range, HR recovery, and how I felt. I share this with my cardiologist, in writing, and shared it with my surgeon in advance of my post-op appointment. I specifically asked if I should be doing anything more/less/different. I'm sure the rehab people are good at what they do but I feel like working out at home, on the trails I am accustomed to walking, and being able to then relax in my home without worrying about a ride home, is a better program for me. Mike, if anyone took a stethoscope to my chest and didn't tell me what they heard, I would ask them before they took more than one step away. I can't believe that you would get no feedback, especially while going through post-surgery rehab. It takes nothing to tell you everything is OK, or that something is amiss. And it is our absolute right to know that. Rich, I hear you loud and clear on the slow treadmill walking. I can't walk under 3mph on a treadmill or it feels like I'm shuffling like an old man. I'm thinking about starting little TRX assisted pushups this week. I'll be able to modify the load pretty easily and mark the floor so I can gauge progress. Going to take that slowly. Putting my lawyer hat on for a moment, I'm pretty confident that there is no motive to push limits in cardiac rehab. I imagine that their first thought (from above) is limiting liability and that their second thought is improving your fitness.

Mike - You're waaaaaay ahead of the average 13 day post-op heart patient. I didn't start cardiac rehab for several months due to the scheduling at my facility and I was started very slowly. I'm sorry that the staff isn't more engaging - half the benefit of cardiac rehab is the inspiring interaction with the participants and professionals. Give it a bit longer and see if you feel more challenged in a week or two. Best of luck to you!