"Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise and Education Programme"

I had an Aortic Valve Replacement surgery in Royal Victoria Hospital in November 2023 and was discharged home 8 days later.

I was referred to cardiac rehabilitation at Whiteabbey Hospital and first met Roisin, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Co-ordinator in December 2023.

I was assessed and considered suitable to attend education and exercise programme which started in January 2024 in Whiteabbey hospital with exercise in Ballyearl centre the following week. 

From that point on the education was so informative from understanding heart disease through to health style advice. It was also so reassuring to have the nurses Roisin and Joanne there who checked our BP and heart rate but also gave individual  advice on any concerns. 

The exercise programme led by Alan was so helpful teaching us how to exercise - warming up properly and cooling down. I really enjoyed it and always felt good after the class.

After open heart surgery I was apprehensive about exercise apart from walking so this gave me confidence. I even enjoyed the gym on last two occasions which was something I was really nervous about.

The support of the rehabilitation team has been so helpful in my recovery.