Resuming pre-ablation exercise...how long to wait?

[SMRM]

How soon to begin swimming/water aerobics after ablation? The EP said after a week I should be able to resume swimming. I've been very active up until my 2nd ablation on the 30th. I'm guessing that my body will know and let me know - just like this morning I knew that 1/2 mile walk was enough when generally I would be doing 2.5-3 miles.

Any thoughts from others about resuming pre-ablation exercising?? Thanks!

[Hidden]

As we so often say, EP’s rarely experience having an ablation so probably do not fully understand what it’s like to have one, particularly as they do not see patients 3 to 6 months after the procedure. This was the primary reason for producing the two factsheets, preparing for and recovering from having an ablation which were written by patients, not medics. If you haven’t already, check out the recovery one by clicking on the link below.

heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

If the entry wounds are bruised, then just imagine what the inside of your heart might look like. That said, gentle swimming (assuming you have access to a safe pool) is probably the best form of exercise but a week seems mighty quick to me.........

[CDreamer]

Everyone reacts and heals very differently and the key is pacing yourself and listening to your body - as you are doing! I found that swimming was the easiest exercise to return to, the most affective at building muscles without straining the body. I was certainly swimming at 10 days - 2 weeks after ablation.

Good luck.

[CliveP]

I was told the same thing after my ablation in 2016. I dismissed that advice and adopted a much more cautious approach.

Apart from walking the dog (Initially very slowly). I did nothing that raised my heart rate for almost 3 months when I re-started running. Initially very slowly and for very short distances. I wore a heart rate monitor and kept my effort low.

Over months I built up my pace and distance until I was back to a decent level.

I think this cautious approach helped contribute to my recovery and continued freedom from AF.

I love running and compete in both road and cross country races but I definitely think it’s wise to avoid stressing the heart while it’s recovering.

[LONDS7]

I had my Ablation on 7th July and still feel exhausted. Im in NSR which is good but unable to workout yet. I am a 46 year old ironman and triathlete so quite fit yet my body is telling me to still rest.

I think everyones journey is so different.

A 5k walk with the kids at the weekend wiped me out!!!

[SMRM]

Thanks for your replies; and I think our consensus is that we're each different and we need to use our common sense about what we can do safely. We're having to use that common sense & knowledge about safety issues on a daily basis these days. I put on my aquatic belt and floated around the pool today for the first time, doing some easy water aerobics and gentle swimming...felt so good! I'm so grateful for my health at 71.

[Beulah87]

Wait 3 months......don’t push it.