Cardiac Rehabilitation & Pump

[Worldcrzr]

I start my cardiac rehabilitation on 8/6/07 and was wondering how to handle my pump settings. The workouts will last any where from one to three hours and can be easy or very strenuous. Each session will be medically supervised in a hospital outpatient environment. Since I've had my pump, the hardest exercise I've been able to do due to my heart condition was walking. I didn't really make any changes since the walks were limited. I had bypass surgery on 6/1/07 which changed everything in my life including my insulin requirements.

I have the Cosmo which has been upgraded.

Any suggestions from folks who have gone through this type of rehab would be appreciated.

[It Ain't Over]

Have never gone through that, but have rehabed after a stroke and some injuries. I find that the problems with lows have come very quickly. With the first day of exercise I have had some severe lows that came on fast and hard. After a few days they seem to lighten up as your body gets started up.
You should (1) check bg's every 1/2 hour once the action starts (2) lower basal rates and take in carbs to compensate.
Lowering basal with a temp basal is easiest. Always watch the bg's in the hours that follow exercise. They can take another dive then.
Good luck, and enjoy the exercise. It will make you feel years better.

[Worldcrzr]

Surgery was 8 weeks ago today. I'm still getting a lot of lows. I find I have to underestimate my carbs and take about 10% less insulin than before. And, with the exercise, the lows come even faster. My nutritionist said I wasn't eating enough complex carbs so I have added more back into my diet. I start cardiac rehabilitation on 8/6/07 and the hospital staff will exercise me more than I have been able to do for years. Along with the exercise, they have nutrition and emotional health segments so am hoping someone is familiar with the pump.

Even with adding the additional food, I am slowly losing weight which is what I want to do. My husband and I walk about 30 minutes each evening after dinner after the heat of the day drops to a comfortable level. The only physical problem I have is recovery from the vein graph areas of my body. I have read that it may take months for the pain to go away in my legs. The pain keeps me awake most of the night which I understand is normal too...and will go away in a few months.

[kgm0612]

I can't offer any help.......just wanted to wish you GOOD LUCK!

Karen

[Worldcrzr]

Thanks for your good wishes.

To date, I have lost over 10 pounds since surgery. I have been following a heart healthy, diabetic diet. I have been trying to limit my carbs to 45 gms or less per meal. Sometimes I have to add a snack if my blood sugar goes low and I add accordingly. I read in one of my magazines that many Type 2's gain weight when they start taking insulin. I can see where it would be easy to gain if the carbs and calories aren't kept in check.

I am still having problems with my ankles and legs where the vein harvesting was done and I"m hoping that the cardio rehab team can help me with that. I can't wear tennis shoes yet and I am going to have to wear them for the treadmill and the other equipment that therapy uses. Right now, I'm wearing slip on sandals. I even wear them when we do our half hour walk each night but they are not comfortable.

Blood sugars great. Last Hba1c was 4.7..........but I think that was because I didn't have much of an appetite after surgery. I would be interested in taking another test soon to compare the difference.