RIC0

Anyone on here have open heart surgery and if so how long was it before you got bike on the MTN bike?? I've been on the road bike putting in some miles but that doesn't jar the chest like off road riding does. 200 miles so far on the roadie but really want to be on the mountain bike.

It's been almost 4 months since I had the surgery.

Charlie Foxtrot

Your surgeon should be the one giving this advice. The last thing you want it to put too much stress on your sternum before it's ready, though it typically only takes 6-8 weeks for it to heal. If he already gave you the go ahead to ride, I'd say just take it easy at first and work your way up to where you were before on the trails.

*edited to add that I was a cardiovascular recovery ICU nurse for 4 years not long ago, so I do have some familiarity with open heart surgery. Sternal healing is variable in different patients depending on any other health problems, which is why your doc would probably have the best advice for you. Complete sternal healing takes about 3 months for the average patient.

osco53

The fresh air of the trails will heal you faster than you think, and feed your soul

Go forth Into the flats and ride softly for a time leaving the roadies behind to choke on exhaust fumes

The Single Track to salvation is narrow and as difficult to ride as a razor edge !

You are closer than you think.......

RIC0

Well the Dr listed me able to do just about anything at 3 months and that was July 1st. Yes the sternum is still a little tender but I'm sure it will be for several more months. I was actually on my road bike riding at 2 months post surgery, don't tell my Doc. What can I say I was and am in good shape.

With that said I did get out on the MTN bike yesterday for the first time since Feb 14th and yes it was a nice breath of fresh air. No pain today, no pain yesterday and I did much better than I thought. almost 1000 ft of climbing and 15 miles of smiles.

tjkoko

This thread is a real relief for me as I'm looking at CV surgery within a year or so (pulmonary hypertension).

RIC0

I had some mild and I mean mild soreness in my chest 2 days after my ride. I did a road ride that day just to state it wasn't sore enough. I have 9 inch scar down my chest with wire holding my sternum together. I think I feel pretty dang good for being 4 months out on Aug 1st.

I've put in almost 300 miles since my surgery on the road. Not everyone heals the same but I'm 42 and healthy.