"Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme"

I have just completed the six week cardiac rehabilitation programme offered by St Peter’s for patients following heart surgery and can highly recommend it.

Before my (open heart) surgery I was fairly fit, had no symptoms, was not particularly over weight and was a non-smoker. Following my operation I made a good recovery so was sceptical about the value of the programme. However, I signed up and I am pleased I did.

The member of staff who runs the programme, and the team are very professional, supportive and give excellent advice. After an initial assessment they design an exercise programme tailored for your needs. Through monitoring and adjustments to your personal regime they bring your levels of fitness up. You exercise in a group; this is not a heavy gym session and is not at all intimidating, you are all made to feel welcome, and there is no completion. I also found it somehow comforting to be in a group with others who had recently gone through similar surgery with shared experiences.

After six week, I have lost weight and my fitness has improved. I also think my mental well-being has improved - I am far more positive and less stressed than when I started.

My advice is if you are offered the programme you should take it. Even if you feel it is not for you I would say give it a chance. I am glad I took that chance.