Recuperation

[BessieMartha]

Hi

I had a qaudruple heart bypass on 03 December 2021, it's now almost twelve weeks since the surgery and I feel fit and well. I walk regularly between 12,000 to 15,000 steps each day.

I'd like to start playing double tennis again, but I'm a little concerned how it might affect my sternum.

Is there anybody who can advise.

Thanks

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

After similar surgery my surgeon discharged me back to the local cardiac unit at eight weeks. At three months I felt pretty good bar problems with the ulnar nerve in my right arm. At that stage I was using 2.5 to 3 kg dumbells. I didn't really push it till six months as at rehab I met someone with a "loose" sternum. Trust me you don't want to go there. I would give it another 12 weeks with maybe the occasional knock about to keep your eye in. 🎾🎾🎾

[BessieMartha in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for your reply, definitely something to bear in mind

[Nimble1965]

Morning and welcome .I am also a quadruple bypass patient who is now 5 months post procedure .

We all mend at different speeds depending on age , natural health and fitness and mind set . I was discharged by my specialist after 8 weeks but with a warning to not overdo things and consult the cardio nurses with regards to exercise . I was told to concentrate on walking for first 12 weeks .

I now visit the gym 4 times a week but my sessions are designed to build my strength up and give me movement. Weights are bilateral as to not put undue pressure on one side of the upper body . I am swinging a golf club and have played one round of golf albeit I was sore and stiff afterwards . Another beckons next week !. I was very fit prior to my unexpected heart disease and exercising or playing golf 6 times a week.

So my advice is to ease yourself back in to things slowly , however frustrating it may be , it takes up to a year for your sternum to fully knit back . We are all blessed to be healthy again so manage it wisely and patiently .

Hope this helps

[BessieMartha]

Thanks for your reply, as you mention it is frustrating, but I'll carry on gradually increasing my exercise