You’ll benefit most from your cardiac rehab program by becoming
as actively involved in it as possible. Think of yourself as the most
i m p o rtant member of your re c o v e ry team—because you are . Join
with health care professionals in designing or adjusting services to
best meet your needs. Show up for exercise, education, and support
sessions. Ask questions. Report any changes in your feelings or
symptoms.
Finally, be sure to complete the program. Even if you feel that you
already “have a handle” on how to recover, keep in mind that your
needs will continue to change throughout the recovery process.
Your cardiac rehab team can help you respond to those changing
needs, and thereby continue to help you improve your heart health.
So stick with the program!
Getting Your Life Back
As you begin to recover from a heart attack or heart procedure, you
may naturally wonder when you can return to your usual activities,
including work, sexual activity, driving, and travel. Most people can
safely return to most of their normal activities within a few weeks,
as long as they do not have chest pain or other complications.
While you should ask your doctor when you can return to each of
your usual activities, here are some general guidelines:
Work. Most people are able to return to their usual work within
several weeks. Your doctor may ask you to take tests to find out if
you can do the kind of job you did before. While most individuals
can continue their customary work with no problems, some people
choose to change jobs or reduce their hours to lighten the load on
their heart. Counselors at cardiac rehab programs may be able to
provide support and resources for those considering a job change.
Sexual activity. Most people can have sexual relations again about
3–6 weeks after a heart attack or heart procedure, as long they have
no chest pain or other complications. But since everyone recovers at
his or her own pace, your doctor may give you a stress test to deter-
mine when you can safely resume sexual activity. When you’re ready
for sex again, choose a time when you feel relaxed and rested. Wait
at least an hour after eating a full meal to allow time for digestion.
Take your time. If you have chest pain or other heart symptoms
as actively involved in it as possible. Think of yourself as the most
i m p o rtant member of your re c o v e ry team—because you are . Join
with health care professionals in designing or adjusting services to
best meet your needs. Show up for exercise, education, and support
sessions. Ask questions. Report any changes in your feelings or
symptoms.
Finally, be sure to complete the program. Even if you feel that you
already “have a handle” on how to recover, keep in mind that your
needs will continue to change throughout the recovery process.
Your cardiac rehab team can help you respond to those changing
needs, and thereby continue to help you improve your heart health.
So stick with the program!
Getting Your Life Back
As you begin to recover from a heart attack or heart procedure, you
may naturally wonder when you can return to your usual activities,
including work, sexual activity, driving, and travel. Most people can
safely return to most of their normal activities within a few weeks,
as long as they do not have chest pain or other complications.
While you should ask your doctor when you can return to each of
your usual activities, here are some general guidelines:
Work. Most people are able to return to their usual work within
several weeks. Your doctor may ask you to take tests to find out if
you can do the kind of job you did before. While most individuals
can continue their customary work with no problems, some people
choose to change jobs or reduce their hours to lighten the load on
their heart. Counselors at cardiac rehab programs may be able to
provide support and resources for those considering a job change.
Sexual activity. Most people can have sexual relations again about
3–6 weeks after a heart attack or heart procedure, as long they have
no chest pain or other complications. But since everyone recovers at
his or her own pace, your doctor may give you a stress test to deter-
mine when you can safely resume sexual activity. When you’re ready
for sex again, choose a time when you feel relaxed and rested. Wait
at least an hour after eating a full meal to allow time for digestion.
Take your time. If you have chest pain or other heart symptoms
during sexual activity, have lost interest, or are worried about having
sex, talk with your doctor.
A special note: Couples who use medication to enhance sex should
know that these drugs can cause irregular heartbeats. If you’ve been
using one of these medicines or are considering taking one, ask your
doctor whether it is safe to do so.
Driving can usually begin within a week for most patients, if allowed by
State law. Each State has its own regulations for driving a motor vehicle
following a serious illness, so contact your State’s Department of Motor
Vehicles for guidelines. People with complications or chest pain should
not drive until their symptoms have been stable for a few weeks.
Travel. Once your doctor tells you it’s safe for you to travel, keep
these tips in mind:
¦ Keep your medications in your purse or carry-on luggage so
they will be easily available when you need them.
¦ Pack light so that you can lift your luggage without strain. At
the airport, train, or bus station, use a pull-cart to cut down on
lifting. If possible, get help from a porter.
¦ Allow more time than usual to catch your flight, train, or bus.
Who needs the extra stress?
¦ Walk around at least every 2 hours during trips. While sitting,
flex your feet frequently and do other simple exercises to
increase blood flow in your legs and prevent blood clots.
¦ Check with your doctor before traveling to locations at high
altitudes (greater than 6,000 feet) or places where the temperature
will be either very hot or very cold. When you first arrive, give
yourself a chance to rest.
Remember, each person’s recovery process is different. Don’t try to
guess when you can return to normal activities. Always ask your
doctor first.
Coping With Your Feelings
Anyone who has had a heart attack or has undergone heart surgery
knows that it can be an upsetting experience. You’ve just come
through a major health crisis, and your usual life has been disrupted.
Afterward, it’s normal to experience a wide range of feelings.
But you may also feel worried, angry, or
depressed. It may be reassuring to know that these reactions are
very common, and that most difficult feelings pass within a few
weeks. Here are some things to remember:
Take 1 day at a time. Try not to think too much about next week
or next month. Do what you can do today. Enjoy small pleasures:
a walk in your neighborhood, a conversation with a loved one, a
snuggle with a pet, or a good meal.
Share your concerns. Talk with family members and friends about
your feelings and concerns, and ask for support. Be sure to ask for
the kind of support you need. (For example, if you want a sympa-
thetic ear rather than advice, gently let your loved ones know.)
Be sure to give family members time to say what they feel and need,
too. Supportive relationships may actually help to lengthen life after
a heart attack.
Get support from “veterans.” Whether you’ve had a heart attack or
gone through heart surgery, consider joining a support group for
people who have shared your experience. Groups for heart patients
can provide emotional support as well as help you develop new
ways of handling everyday challenges. For a list of support groups
in your local area, contact The Mended Hearts at
www.mended.hearts.org or at 1–888–432–7899. Your local
American Heart Association chapter may also offer support groups.
Keep moving. Regular physical activity not only helps to reduce
the risk of future heart problems, but also helps to relieve anxiety,
depression, and other difficult feelings. Any regular physical activity—
even gentle walking—can help to lift your mood.
Seek help for depression. Up to 20 percent of heart disease patients
battle serious depression, and many more suffer milder cases of the
“blues.” If you find yourself feeling very sad or discouraged for
m o re than a week or so, be sure to let your doctor know. Counseling
and/or medication can often be very helpful. Seeking help is very
important, not only because you deserve to enjoy life as fully as
possible, but also because heart patients who are successfully treated
for depression are less likely to have future serious heart problems.
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