When did you start ‘bouncing’ again?

[QuadroVEINia]

I was just wondering about others experience of how long after a bypass they were able to start running, jumping or using a skip rope? In particular the risks to sternum if starting too early. (I’m 52 and had Quad 6 weeks ago). Would be great to hear your experiences. Thank you.

[080311]

Hi,Told it takes between 8-10 weeks for the sternum to heal, when I saw my surgeon 6 weeks after op had had an X-ray prior to seeing him and he was showing me the before and after X-rays the wires that hold us together were plainly visible I asked about how strong my sternum was, he said 18 months after surgery it would be stronger than his as new bone grows over the wires. He told me to take care for the next 6 months. The problem seems to be that if we break any of the wires the sternum can slip and causes us lots if problems including being opened up again to fix the problem.

Pauline

[QuadroVEINia in reply to 080311]

So it’s 6 months?? That’s a long time. Does age have any bearing on this?

[080311 in reply to QuadroVEINia]

Think if you want to start lifting weights yes, but if your eager to start doing more than the norm when you see your surgeon for your post op check ask him/her. After all we are all different and heal at different rates.

[QuadroVEINia in reply to 080311]

Asking about aerobic exercise, NOT weights. Will be asking Consultant when I speak with him next but wondered of general experience out there. Thanks for your input.

[Smudgebuttonjessie]

Hiya. I would say try more subtle exercises and build up to more strenuous exercises over a period of a few weeks. Just remember you have had major sand don’t want any setbacks. Wishing you well for your recovery x

[QuadroVEINia in reply to Smudgebuttonjessie]

Hi. You’re quite right. Definitely not planning anything strenuous... was just wondering when others were able to start running etc. to manage my own expectations. At the moment I’m sticking to very light subtle stuff... thank you for your message. Hope you are doing well too.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I had a transplant in July, it was 10 weeks before I was told I could drive to let the sternum heal, more in case of an emergency stop that could split the wires or worse my reluctance to do one, have you been offered re hab yet,I found it very beneficial even though its only online at the moment, I spoke to a nurse, physio and a dietitian they were brilliant at telling me what type of exercise to do and how to build up to getting back to normal without over doings it as I was terrified I would do any damage, mabe an excuse not to do the house work hehe, they told me no more excuses I was good to go, much to the delight of my son, I am 62 definitely not looking to go to gym or anything just walking etc, doing fine for now, I hope you have a lovely festive season and get back to full fitness in the new year take care char

[QuadroVEINia in reply to Thanksnhs]

Thank you for sharing. I cannot even begin to imagine what you have gone through with a transplant, from your message you have a great spirit. Yes, I’m in contact with the rehab team albeit over the phone and by email. At the moment I am keeping to their instructions but was just curious to understand how quickly others have recovered and when they have been able to start running. I’m not there yet, still a few weeks away I expect. Have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow and stay strong and I wish you good health for the future! ATB.

[IanGordon]

Not a bypass but full sternotomy to replace my aortic valve. Rehab consisted of regular walking of increasing duration and gradients, monitoring heart rate and listening to my body; rest days when it said 'ease up, buddy'. Resumed tennis at week 10, albeit 'doubles' and carefully. Cycled again at week 12. Undertook some quite strenuous walks and cycled in the heat of Spain at week 14 without any issues. Now two years on, regularly exercise to peak heart rate with no real discomfort. My activities are recreational rather than competitive and lack any weight training which I need to add to my regime to address muscle wastage which occurs with age. I had my surgery over 2 years ago at 66.As others have said, be aware of not stressing the rejoined sternum for the first 3 months and you should be fine.

[QuadroVEINia in reply to IanGordon]

Thank you Ian that is really helpful. Tennis at 10 weeks and cycling at 12 is amazing so well done you. I am hoping to start at the 12 week mark providing I get the Rehab Teams blessing... to your point in muscle wastage, there is a lot of research out there which has proved football is an amazing activity for sustaining and gaining muscle tone, and additionally also benefits with bone density/strengthening for older patients. I run a community based fun and fitness group which is football based and have seen first hand the results with players in their 70s. If I can share anymore info let me know. Have a great Christmas and ATB for the new year.