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I had an elective CABG surgery right before Christmas 2023. This is my blog about my experience, to help others facing it themselves. It was not as bad as I had feared, and I learned a whole lot along the way!

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Cardiac Rehab intake - finally!

99 days since my surgery (3 months)

Today I finally had my intake appointment at the Cardiac Rehab Center. They had me do a 6 minute walk test, and they said I did great.  The minimum requirement is 500 yards and I blew that away. They basically had me walk back and forth between two cones for 6 minutes

She also had me do sit-to-stand tests where they ask you to sit and then stand up a number of times and checked my balance. They had me turn around after standing a few other things. They also checked all of my vitals.

While I was there I saw a group of people sitting in a group doing basic exercises like knee raises, etc in chairs. People were also on treadmills and recumbent bikes. 

I asked if this was what the cardiac rehab program would be like, and they told me this was a pulmonary rehab group but that it would be similar. 

I have to admit it was underwhelming.  Most of these people seemed to have low fitness levels and were mid 60s to late 70s and I don't know if that is the level of rehab I need. I am already quite active, and I am thinking I need more strength training etc. When I asked this of the intake nurse, she told me to try it for a few sessions and then if I want, I can do it on my own.

I'm now on the next waiting list.

The bad news is that the intake is just the next road bump to actually get TO cardiac rehab. I am now on the waiting list to get an actual spot. And that will take a couple more weeks. So now I wait some more.