Hi!
I’m a few months post kidney transplant and loving getting back into my yoga practice. Anyone been through this? How long did it take you to be able to lie on your stomach comfortably/without too much pain to do poses like cobra/seal? (I’m thin with a huge new kidney that sticks out!).
And secondly, it hot/heated yoga healthy after a kidney transplant? I’ve never done it because of previous bp issues. Any advice on this? Doctors don’t really seem too helpful when it comes to yoga!
Thanks!
You should wait a minimum of six months before returning to yoga. Hot yoga isn't advisable because the heat fools your body into thinking you can extend further than your body should. Also, the surgical site is still vulnerable to micro tearing. Take it easy and start slow.
Hi there. I am 3 and a half months post second kidney transplant and also a naturopathic nutritionist and yoga teacher. It is always about tuning into your own healing and body. Everyone is different which is why context and nuance are always relevant - the awakening of your inner physician as I call it. For example, keep in mind yoga ultimately means integration and the asana practise, namely the physical aspects of the practise, is just one element of what yoga is. It is a path within to truly know oneself. Therefore the breath is so helpful so doing 20 minutes of 6/6 breathing will help hugely. As will meditation which is also yoga. Hot yoga best avoided. It can also over-stimulate the immune system which is not appropriate at this early stage. Seated poses are likely to be fine. I am currently doing a 50 squats a day challenge I set myself to build strength back up however that is my context so keep listening to your own needs and biofeedback. Up until about 6 months, deeper abdominal work is best avoided. You might also explore yin yoga to dive into healing of the nervous system and integrating the great gift of your new kidney. You can hear more about yin as you wish on this podcast - buzzsprout.com/246643/950678
Best,
Ciara
Thanks, it’s really helpful to hear from people who have been or are going through similar experiences. I’ve definitely started slowly with yin and gentle yoga classes - it’s been just over 5 months since my transplant and I’m starting to try new poses and regain my core strength and strengthen my leg where the nerve was compressed. Really appreciate you sharing your journey and advice, especially about the hot yoga! I’ll definitely avoid that for now, although my studio doesn’t heat the classes as much as others I’ve looked at - looking forward to seeing what it’s about at some point.
Wishing you the very best with your recovery.
You're so welcome. Do know you can reach out anytime. Sounds like you are well in tune with your own body and its specific needs. Well done. Remember to self congratulate and pat your own back along the way! You're worth it!
Keep cultivating that deep listening to your own self. Our bodies are always communicating to us. Enjoy the journey.
Very best,
Ciara
Ooh and also I didn't come back to you on your specific question in your original post on lying on belly for back bends. I haven't done any yet. I have lain on my belly for massage but not for deeper opening of the front body. You might find it fine as you are 5 months, just sense and feel - perhaps start with a softer sphinx pose first before a deeper cobra. You could also try standing cobra first to gauge - standing with feet hip distance, interlace your hands behind your back and gently ease into a small back bend to see how opening the front body feels. Remember you will likely have muscle memory and somatic memory in your body from having practised prior to your surgery.
I am 8 months out and my biggest issue is having lost lots of strength on upper body and core. Chataranga is a "no way" right now. However, I can comfortably bend forward, do down and up- dog (without transition), and a gentle backbend. I still avoid bridge or any serious backbend for now. Wish there is miracle way to get my muscles strong again!