Cardiac Rehab After Myectomy????

[liona]

I will be having a myectomy after a few weeks, and I wonder if they send us on to rehab afterwards. I've had several friends who had open heart surgery and then went to rehab for 2 weeks, but I haven't seen any mention of it here on this forum-------

[LynnS]

Hello there,

I had my myectomy in August 2002 and am just now heading to cardiac rehab starting next week. The delay was due in part to a couple of complications, both medical and insurance related. To address your question, my understanding is that cardiac rehab can be very helpful following the myectomy but the decision on whether you should attend will be up to you and your doctor. Certainly attending a rehab program can increase endurance and confidence while helping to educate on appropriate exercise levels but again, the decision tends to be specific to each person.

Best wishes!
Lynn

[Toogoofy317]

I did not have a myectomy but I am currently in cardiac rehab. After I had my defibrillator implant my docs thought it would be a great idea. Since I did have factors for sudden death they wanted me monitored during my exercise. I wasn't to willing at first,being 21 and in a rehab program where the next youngest person was 58. The monitored part of my program was 12 weeks. During that time they helped me with issues like diet, stress, and coping techniques. Now I am in the phase three program where they show you how to do this yourself with a heart rate monitor and other techinques. So if your doc okays it I would do it. It turned out to be a great experience and a controlled way to lose some weight.

Mary S.

[Sarah]

rehab

HCMers don't have rehab as much as heart attack patients do and the programs are designed around heart attack survivors more than anything else, so if your doctor/team recommends rehab for you -you need to make sure that they talk to the rehab people and set your limits/guidelines as they will not be the same as a heart attack patient's.

good luck,

S

[Robert Hartwell]

I have to chime in. Mary and Sarah's comments are right on. I am just completing my 12 weeks of phase 2 rehab. It has made a very positive impact on my lifestyle. During my initial consultation, it was clear that the program was focused on heart attack survivors and others who had bypass surgery. Before my first session, I put the rehab folks in contact with my HCM Specialist and they set the program and limits for me. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

When I finish, I will be heading to Phase III, for about 1 month, then probably joining the club where this program is.

Rehab helps you establish an exercise program, look at your diet, and change your lifestyle. For Myectomy patients, we were always looking for ways to avoid exertion. Even after my surgery, I was walking slow since it was a habit. Rehab will help you establish new upper limits and teach you just how far you can go.

Bob

[liona]

In-Patient Rehab

You replies have been most interesting, but I was thinking and wondering more about going to a rehab hospital for a week. I'm trying to figure out how long I will probably be away from home.

I think most of you are talking about out-patient rehab. I've always been pushing myself, and have always been a member of a health club. I frankly RESENT the attitude of the professionals, which seems to be that their generalized ideas are more important and relevant to my case than my own 56 years of managing this defective body. Over time, I will probably just go back to the Health CLub and continue on my own.

[Sarah]

ouch

Dear Liona,

I higly recommend that you talk to your doctors about a regime that works for you. Not the local ones, but the team doing your myectomy.

While it is important to "get up to speed" it is equally important to know when to stop.

I haven't seen anyone discuss a rehab hospital transition here --anyone?

S

[Robert Hartwell]

Hospitals offer what is called Phase I cardiac rehab. This is a directed program which gets you out of bed after surgery and gets you moving around more. I was able to do this part on my own and did not use these services. I am not sure that this is what was meant by "rehab hospital".

In my experience the next level of rehab is indeed out patient rehab which lasts 12 weeks.

Bob

[Linda]

Liona, My mother had open heart surgery 2 yrs ago(not HCM related) and went to a rehab hospital after surgery for a few wks. They prepared us early for this as people are discharged so early, that some may not be able to care for themselves. Mom needed more time to be able to be walking, needed phys therapy, - just more time. This is not what what we typically think of when cardiac rehab is mentioned. Most think of cardiac rehab as an exercise program to increase exercise capacity, with classes offered in stress reduction, dietary education, medication info, etc. What are you referring to? If you are likely to be pretty much on your own, and not able to care for yourself after surgery, the rehab hosp is definitely an option. My mother had multiple problems, and we knew she would not likely have a quick recovery. Your medical team will be able to help guide you. Linda