Hi Bob. I am 8 1/2 weeks out now from CABG. I like you, and diabetic. I had my first heart cath in Dec '19, and in the next 14 months had 4 more heart caths, with re-stenosis of the same vessel every time. They even put a stent inside the first one and one proximal to that, and it still occluded. Sounds like you've actually done pretty well going that many years.
Bypass surgery is a big deal, don't get me wrong, but in my case, it was getting really frustrating and demoralizing going through another heart cath every 3-4 months when discomfort stated again only to find the same lesion blocked again. So far so good since the surgery, and yes, I really do feel that cardiac rehab helps, as does this group. Every experience is different and I think it does help to be with other people who have had the same issues. There are many types of heart disease and rehab helps improve stamina and progressive strength. The other
really important benefit of the the cardiac rehab programs is that you are monitored while at exercise, so they can detect if there are any problems with rhythm or blood pressure, or shortness of breath which is exercise related. They also do teaching on lifestyle changes and diet which may be beneficial if you have not made those changes.
With my bypass, the doctor was able to use the LIMA, (left internal mammary artery--there's one on both sides of the chest), which he said they have found is much more likely to maintain patentcy for a long time, as opposed to the native coronary arteries or leg vein grafts. If that turns out to be the best option for you, then definitely do not turn it down. Sometimes the body just sees the stent as a foreign body, as mine apparently did, and kept setting up inflamation and buildup of blockage again. I am doing well and back to my exercise level where I was after the first heart cath. Keep us posted,
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Dennis Danner
Retired RN
[Punta Gorda, FL
[Phone]
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-23-2021 21:53
From: bob ghetti
Subject: Cardiac Rehab? Does it help?
Diagnosed with diabetes and heart blockage 17 years ago. eight years later a third stent , and then in January of this year ( eight years later) two more stents after experiencing shoulder pain while exercising. In every case I was able to shake off the set backs , resume exercise and living , and then two weeks ago more discomfort while walking. Angioplasty this week when doctor found 99% blockage in site of stents placed in January. All five stents in the same artery. I must admit that my confidence in fighting this disease has been shaken and for the first time since this all began I am questioning how much longer I will be able to fight off this disease. Will cardiac rehab help? Doctor says any further blockage and my only alternative will be bypass surgery.
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bob ghetti
Hattiesburg MS
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