Exercise following open heart surgery

Eleven weeks ago I had open heart surgery to remove a large atrial myxoma. I would now like to start getting back into exercise as I’m feeling much better though still have some soreness around my sternum. I would particularly like to get back into yoga to build up my strength and suppleness. Has anyone had any experience of starting back to yoga classes around this post operative time frame?

[Thesnowman51]

I had a CABG I November and have been walking regularly since. I now walk 35-40k/week and hope to increase this when it stops raining so much. I used to do pilates prior to my op twice/week and with my cardio nurse and physio’s approval restarted it 13 weeks post op. All going well, I just have to watch pressure against the sternum when I’m lying on my stomach - hard floor! Give it a try

[Hidden in reply to Thesnowman51]

Thanks for your reply The Snowman. I intend to take it very easy to start with and build up. I don’t want to undo all the good work!

[DWizza]

Hi, I had Nstemi and quadruple bypass on 25th July 2023. Was doing 2 classes a week after of very challenging yoga prior. I started back in class on the 30th October 2023 , obviously using regressions , going to knees for plank etc. I just had to find my way back in. I found that my left shoulder had an issue of mobility and pain , probably from being pinned back during surgery . It was identified by my physio as internal rotation deficit, bloody painful too. Working on it since Feb this year. Yoga helping to get strength and mobility back . It is so challenging 🥵. Love it . I shake like Elvis 🤦🏼

[Hidden]

Hi DWizza, thanks for your reply, I think I’m going to start off with restorative yoga and take it steady, then seeing how I go will progress on to a normal class when I feel ready. Due to my symptoms prior to my surgery I haven’t really attended too many yoga sessions so need to build up slowly, but looking forward to getting back to normal and full fitness and mobility.

[Nepthys74]

Hi There I had open heart surgery in June 24 to remove a 10cm Myxoma from my left chambers of my heart. 8 weeks later and I have days where I feel energetic and want to do more but then my pain levels increase. I have signed up to the cardio rehab course on the bhf page and hoping this will help - good luck in your recovery ❤️