Rehab after bypass surgery.

[Carl]

As I have told you, my mother had triple bypass surgery on April 1. The surgery supposedly went extremely well. However, she seems to be getting weaker instead of stronger as each day goes by. She is currently in rehab, but misses most of the sessions of pt because she tells them that she is too weak to participate. Has anyone experienced this? Did the person finally regain their strength? This is getting very discouraging for both me and my mother. Please continue to pray for us.

 

[Dan Murphy]

No ideas from me, Carl, but do hope mom makes progress. She got through a tough one there, let's keep her on track. My best and prayers.

 

[Pop Daddy]

dont know anyhting about it Carl, but I will pray. Maybe you should call the Doctor and ask Him.

 

[minniecarousel]

My Mom had a triple bypass in July, 2001. She was in rehab for about 10 days. They wanted her to stay longer, but since she was coming home with me, they let her go. She did have outpatient PT, to regain more strength (she was 84 at the time). Your Mom probably shouldn't cancel any of her PT & OT sessions, but attempt to do them. That way, the therapist can note in her chart if she is unable to do certain things. It takes a while for them to regain their strength. I was surprised that Mom had to almost "re-learn" to walk. She had no stamina! I gotta say, when she finally walked, unassisted, it brought tears to my eyes. I'll add your DM to my prayers. Hang in there Carl.

 

[arminnie]

Part of it depends on how old she is. My aunt had a bypass in January 3 years ago. She just kept getting weaker and weaker and by Christmas was in the hospital not expected to live.

She is 83 and we literally thought this was the end, but guess what she is back to her old self - driving, quilting and having a great life.

Like Pop Daddy says - pray and call the doctor. I know that the prayer helped but it also took a lot of medical care to get her turned around.

 

[mamajoan]

Carl.... ok.. your mom had a triple over a 2weeks ago and is still feeling weak? How old is she? Is she in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility?

Cardiac rehab is a progressive exercise program. Usually we start with the patient at bedside. Active Range of Motion exercises for arms and legs, then add walking, later on comes resistive exercises and treadmill/bike. All ex. is charted along with heart rate increases and decreases. Please speak to her doctor and PT tomorrow, ask why she is not gaining endurance and strength.
When a patient is evaluated for a cardiac rehab program, goals are set with the patient, doctor and PT. If there is a medical reason that she is not making progress it is noted too.
Is she depressed? This is not uncommon for cardiac patients.
It may need to be addressed.
Encourage her to try to do some of every exercise when the PT comes to her room. The PT will adjust the program so that your mom will be able to participate. If she DECLINES her PT every time they come to get her, she loses out physically. Some PT's may have to decrease/discontinue her PT due to her lack of participation.
Hope she perks up soon.
Joan

 

[Catzeyes]

I had triple bypass 2 years ago at the age of 41. I felt like total crap for the first 4 weeks after. I was sure I was dying it was that bad. I started my out patient rehab about 4 weeks after the sugery and the beginning was very tough. It did not take long after that though for my energy level to get back to normal. My prayers are with your mom!

 

[Deb & Bill]

My 86 yr old mother had a single bypass in early March. However, she developed pneumonia and a bacteria infection. This lead to a trach. She is still getting over the pneumonia and has been moved to an acute care long term care facility. She's been in the hospital now about 6 weeks. Now her heartrate is great, excellent blood pressure and she is starting to beat the pneumonia. It may just take your mother some time.

 

[browneyes]

I don't have any advice. Good luck to your mom. What has her doctors said about her weakness?

 

[Big V]

Keeping your mom in my prayers Carl.

 

[Planogirl]

Adding my prayers for your Mom too. I do agree that it might be best to discuss this with her doctor. Best wishes, Carl!

 

[Micca]

No advice Carl but I will be thinking of you and your mother.