So after three months of cardiac rehab, including the three weeks I missed, I finally graduated. I will continue to attend the HeartLife rehab facility as a member, which allows me to work out under the supervision of nurses, although I will no longer wear one of their heart monitors. However, they will spot check my pulse occasionally. That is why, after suggestions from the nurses and other ARVD patients, I have purchased my own heart monitor from a sporting goods store.
Most heart monitors in the consumer market are just watches that detect your heart rate while placing two fingers on two sensors of the watch, that responds in a matter of seconds. But there are a couple watch monitors out there that also come with a chest strap. The chest strap is capable of constantly monitoring the heart, without the use of finger sensors. The one I purchased also gives me the option to set a personalized heart rate zone, and will beep anytime I go over my intended maximum heart rate. I am very thankful for this, because without it, I most definitely would get my heart rate way above what I am allowed, which would then cause more scarring of the ventricles, and there is no reversing that. So with this monitor, I am able to set my maximum heart rate at 120bpm and be alarmed by the watch when I exceed that, which also helps keeps my anxiety at bay, and makes me feel more comfortable while being active.
The past three months have been very encouraging. I have made incredible progress, physically and mentally. When I first started rehab, at the end of February, I was barely able to walk on a treadmill. Mainly because of my disabling anxiety. On my first day in rehab, they put me on the treadmill and had me start to walk at 2.5mph. After 15 minutes they increased it to 2.8mph, and at that point I was too scared to do anymore. At the time it seemed very fast. But as the days progressed, and I continued to have no symptoms, my anxiety decreased, enabling me to push myself further.
By the end of it, I was able to do more than my heart was capable of. Whereas, in the beginning, I wasn't even close to reaching the limits of the disease. Now, I am able to walk at 3mph at a 7% incline, of course not for very long, because of my heart rate limitations, but still more than I ever thought about when I first entered the program. Just in the past week, I was able to work out on an erg machine (indoor rower) for about 10 minutes, which I haven't done since 2008. Like I said, the only limitations I have now are the ones my doctors set to limit the progression of my heart disease. I am no longer chained and shackled by my anxiety. I feel comfortable being active, and I now feel comfortable playing 18 holes of disc golf. That was my goal. Before rehab, I was unable to get through a couple holes before freaking out a little, now I'll complete 18 holes and want to do another round. It feels good.
Cardiac Rehab was a huge step in my recovery process. Without it, I would still be afraid to even walk. Last September, I visited Glacier and only stayed in the apartment. Five months later, I was back in Montana, back to being myself again. I was able to get in a lot of walking without any problems. Rehab has given me the chance to become more independent, more comfortable with my disease and even more confident in my abilities, and most importantly, given my peace of mind back. I am very grateful I was given this tremendous opportunity and thankful to all those who have helped in my recovery.
