Get a Gator Frameworks Stool and sit down and do your gigs . I had three Stents put in a couple of months ago and I've been sitting for most of my gigs . I split time between stand/sit........sitting has been winning .
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When to get back to playing after Bypass Surgery?
- Thread starter aero58
- Start date
Glad you are doing good. No experience in this but please watch your weight limits. Bass may exceed initial limits. Also, do your rehab. Hang in there! Keep us up to date on progress.
Hope you're feeling well. Welcome to the bypass surgery club.
Had a quadruple in '09. If you're just sitting on a couch or edge of bed noodling you should be able to within a couple of weeks. You just have to be careful lifting anything over about ten pounds and also not straining and turning the wrong way while doing so.
The bypass grafts heal extremely fast, it's the sternum that has to mend back together with the surgical steel wire that takes time and of course the incision.
I myself didn't start gigging again till about 3-4 months and even then asked for help carrying my cabinets in and out.
Just watch your diet and do what your cardiologist says. You'll do great!
Had a quadruple in '09. If you're just sitting on a couch or edge of bed noodling you should be able to within a couple of weeks. You just have to be careful lifting anything over about ten pounds and also not straining and turning the wrong way while doing so.
The bypass grafts heal extremely fast, it's the sternum that has to mend back together with the surgical steel wire that takes time and of course the incision.
I myself didn't start gigging again till about 3-4 months and even then asked for help carrying my cabinets in and out.
Just watch your diet and do what your cardiologist says. You'll do great!
Metoprolol made my heart race and gave me migraines, on Losartan now.
Thanks for your comprehensive reply. I was thinking along the same lines, 3-4 months.Hope you're feeling well. Welcome to the bypass surgery club.
Had a quadruple in '09. If you're just sitting on a couch or edge of bed noodling you should be able to within a couple of weeks. You just have to be careful lifting anything over about ten pounds and also not straining and turning the wrong way while doing so.
The bypass grafts heal extremely fast, it's the sternum that has to mend back together with the surgical steel wire that takes time and of course the incision.
I myself didn't start gigging again till about 3-4 months and even then asked for help carrying my cabinets in and out.
Just watch your diet and do what your cardiologist says. You'll do great!
Hey, I had my CABGx3 one year ago. I had a two month wait between my non STEMI and my bypass. I actually played a gig the Saturday before my Monday operation.
Afterwards, I was only in the ICU for two days and was then sent to an excellent rehab center for eleven. When I got home, I was told I would be on sternal precautions for three months. That means no lifting of anything over five pounds, and no oppositional force using both arms. Doing something like opening a sealed jar too soon after this operation can separate your sternum or give you a hernia in your chest. Also, you are not supposed to drive or ride in the front seat of a car. An airbag impact before you are fully healed can do you some mischief!
I didn’t play in rehab, but I wanted to as soon as I got home. My Jerry Jones was on a floor stand and I was able to sit next to the stand and get it into my lap without lifting it, but it was awkward. Lifting my Jazz was out of the question. I wound up calling my bud at the local music store and bought a Kala over the phone, he brought it to me that night, so I could get my noodle on! A uke bass is light enough to lift and pretty low stress to play.
While I was in rehab they taught me how to get in and out of bed, and a car, without using my arms. Again, whenever your pectoral muscles flex, you can be doing damage, depending on how fast you’re healing. I’m overweight, but I was told not to start any weight loss regime or restrictive diet until getting off the sternal precautions. You need to be eating plenty of everything (except salt) in order to heal properly. I started walking indoors at a track near my house and quickly worked up to two, then four miles a day. I couldn’t walk outside in the cold weather because my lungs couldn’t take it, but you definitely need to be exercising ASAP. Get used to using the automatic handicapped doors. They were put there for you.
I literally started gigging three months after my operation. I’m lucky enough to be in a cover band that works most weekends, and the boys were happy to have me back. For the first month or two, I let them move my cabs for me. Fortunately, I have nice light stuff.
The struggle I had was getting back into singing. I had COVID for two weeks before my heart attack, and basically lost my ability to sing, or even raise my voice without having a coughing fit. The damage in my heart was mostly on the left side, which can interfere with breathing. I didn’t regain my ability to sing again until late in the summer (8+ months after my operation). My lungs still aren’t 100%, and may never be, but after a round of cardiac rehab and a lot of practice, I’m hitting some high notes.
I haven’t played upright since my operation, and honestly, my incision still bothers the hell outta me- not necessarily painful, but really itchy and uncomfortable. It’s not too bad when I play electric, but leaning the upright into me puts it right on it- no way I can do that for three hours. It’s still healing and scarring over, though, so I ain’t selling yet.
The day after I came home from rehab a friend took me shopping at a small grocery store. I got in and out of the car, did my shopping, everything went great, but my shoe came untied. I was feeling fine, and was decently flexible, (all things considered) so I put my foot on a chair, and tied my shoe. Man, when I pulled those loops, I felt the pain right in my sternum ! That little bit of force was all it took! I really took the precautions to heart after that!
You’ll probably be feeling good enough to resume activities after 6 weeks, but… you’re better off if you can rest the full twelve. Again, everyone is different. I bounced back quickly because I’m relatively young, but I was in no hurry to be doing heavy lifting, either professionally or otherwise. Unfortunately, you will lose some mass and strength from your shoulders and arms, but you have the rest of your life to build it back. Good luck!
Afterwards, I was only in the ICU for two days and was then sent to an excellent rehab center for eleven. When I got home, I was told I would be on sternal precautions for three months. That means no lifting of anything over five pounds, and no oppositional force using both arms. Doing something like opening a sealed jar too soon after this operation can separate your sternum or give you a hernia in your chest. Also, you are not supposed to drive or ride in the front seat of a car. An airbag impact before you are fully healed can do you some mischief!
I didn’t play in rehab, but I wanted to as soon as I got home. My Jerry Jones was on a floor stand and I was able to sit next to the stand and get it into my lap without lifting it, but it was awkward. Lifting my Jazz was out of the question. I wound up calling my bud at the local music store and bought a Kala over the phone, he brought it to me that night, so I could get my noodle on! A uke bass is light enough to lift and pretty low stress to play.
While I was in rehab they taught me how to get in and out of bed, and a car, without using my arms. Again, whenever your pectoral muscles flex, you can be doing damage, depending on how fast you’re healing. I’m overweight, but I was told not to start any weight loss regime or restrictive diet until getting off the sternal precautions. You need to be eating plenty of everything (except salt) in order to heal properly. I started walking indoors at a track near my house and quickly worked up to two, then four miles a day. I couldn’t walk outside in the cold weather because my lungs couldn’t take it, but you definitely need to be exercising ASAP. Get used to using the automatic handicapped doors. They were put there for you.
I literally started gigging three months after my operation. I’m lucky enough to be in a cover band that works most weekends, and the boys were happy to have me back. For the first month or two, I let them move my cabs for me. Fortunately, I have nice light stuff.
The struggle I had was getting back into singing. I had COVID for two weeks before my heart attack, and basically lost my ability to sing, or even raise my voice without having a coughing fit. The damage in my heart was mostly on the left side, which can interfere with breathing. I didn’t regain my ability to sing again until late in the summer (8+ months after my operation). My lungs still aren’t 100%, and may never be, but after a round of cardiac rehab and a lot of practice, I’m hitting some high notes.
I haven’t played upright since my operation, and honestly, my incision still bothers the hell outta me- not necessarily painful, but really itchy and uncomfortable. It’s not too bad when I play electric, but leaning the upright into me puts it right on it- no way I can do that for three hours. It’s still healing and scarring over, though, so I ain’t selling yet.
The day after I came home from rehab a friend took me shopping at a small grocery store. I got in and out of the car, did my shopping, everything went great, but my shoe came untied. I was feeling fine, and was decently flexible, (all things considered) so I put my foot on a chair, and tied my shoe. Man, when I pulled those loops, I felt the pain right in my sternum ! That little bit of force was all it took! I really took the precautions to heart after that!
You’ll probably be feeling good enough to resume activities after 6 weeks, but… you’re better off if you can rest the full twelve. Again, everyone is different. I bounced back quickly because I’m relatively young, but I was in no hurry to be doing heavy lifting, either professionally or otherwise. Unfortunately, you will lose some mass and strength from your shoulders and arms, but you have the rest of your life to build it back. Good luck!
Yes, think about it AFTER you're done with Cardiac Rehab. Your sternum was saw'd open and thoracic cage spread apart. Regain the strength in your arms and chest. No need to rush things.
Glad they found the problems and that you're doing better. Stay on the mend. Something to be said about a strong, even heartbeat and keeping time and syncopation with your bass. YMMV.
Glad they found the problems and that you're doing better. Stay on the mend. Something to be said about a strong, even heartbeat and keeping time and syncopation with your bass. YMMV.
Excellent explanation of what it's like to undergo bypass surgery and recovery.Hey, I had my CABGx3 one year ago. I had a two month wait between my non STEMI and my bypass. I actually played a gig the Saturday before my Monday operation.
Afterwards, I was only in the ICU for two days and was then sent to an excellent rehab center for eleven. When I got home, I was told I would be on sternal precautions for three months. That means no lifting of anything over five pounds, and no oppositional force using both arms. Doing something like opening a sealed jar too soon after this operation can separate your sternum or give you a hernia in your chest. Also, you are not supposed to drive or ride in the front seat of a car. An airbag impact before you are fully healed can do you some mischief!
I didn’t play in rehab, but I wanted to as soon as I got home. My Jerry Jones was on a floor stand and I was able to sit next to the stand and get it into my lap without lifting it, but it was awkward. Lifting my Jazz was out of the question. I wound up calling my bud at the local music store and bought a Kala over the phone, he brought it to me that night, so I could get my noodle on! A uke bass is light enough to lift and pretty low stress to play.
While I was in rehab they taught me how to get in and out of bed, and a car, without using my arms. Again, whenever your pectoral muscles flex, you can be doing damage, depending on how fast you’re healing. I’m overweight, but I was told not to start any weight loss regime or restrictive diet until getting off the sternal precautions. You need to be eating plenty of everything (except salt) in order to heal properly. I started walking indoors at a track near my house and quickly worked up to two, then four miles a day. I couldn’t walk outside in the cold weather because my lungs couldn’t take it, but you definitely need to be exercising ASAP. Get used to using the automatic handicapped doors. They were put there for you.
I literally started gigging three months after my operation. I’m lucky enough to be in a cover band that works most weekends, and the boys were happy to have me back. For the first month or two, I let them move my cabs for me. Fortunately, I have nice light stuff.
The struggle I had was getting back into singing. I had COVID for two weeks before my heart attack, and basically lost my ability to sing, or even raise my voice without having a coughing fit. The damage in my heart was mostly on the left side, which can interfere with breathing. I didn’t regain my ability to sing again until late in the summer (8+ months after my operation). My lungs still aren’t 100%, and may never be, but after a round of cardiac rehab and a lot of practice, I’m hitting some high notes.
I haven’t played upright since my operation, and honestly, my incision still bothers the hell outta me- not necessarily painful, but really itchy and uncomfortable. It’s not too bad when I play electric, but leaning the upright into me puts it right on it- no way I can do that for three hours. It’s still healing and scarring over, though, so I ain’t selling yet.
The day after I came home from rehab a friend took me shopping at a small grocery store. I got in and out of the car, did my shopping, everything went great, but my shoe came untied. I was feeling fine, and was decently flexible, (all things considered) so I put my foot on a chair, and tied my shoe. Man, when I pulled those loops, I felt the pain right in my sternum ! That little bit of force was all it took! I really took the precautions to heart after that!
It was a life changing event for me and most likely everyone else here that has gone through it. The sternum pain can be brutal at times in the beginning, but as it slowly heals you'll start feeling a little adventurous to do things. Take it really slow. Don't try to pry open windows and don't try to open a jar of pickles. Lol
You can also feel numbness in the center of your chest where the sternum was separated and wired back together. The skin could feel numb to the touch from those nerves being severed. Takes time for them to reconnect.
You will do well.
I had CABGx4 plus a valve replacement 4 years ago at 68 years old. I was surfing in La Jolla and had a heart attack out in the water. I paddled in, walked out of the water and dropped dead on the beach. But had the good fortune to fall at the feet of a young nurse who had been surfing also. She was a D-1 volleyball player and a real stud. She pounced on me and gave me cpr until the lifeguards got there and put the paddles on me and got my heart started again. I was dead for 8 minutes. I woke up a few days later and every single nurse was telling me I was the luckiest ______ in the world. LOL. Only about 10% of people survive a widowmaker heart attack outside of a hospital setting. So yeah, I was lucky. As far as playing again, it took me about a month before I picked up a bass. But after that I spent many hours playing. Between that and my treadmill that's all I did for about 6 months. Stayed in my home studio and just vegged out. Got my mind and priorities straight. It was the best therapy. Good luck on your recovery.
I'm 72 and just had a quadruple bypass Nov 13, 2024. Don't be fooled. You're body has to heal. I started playing one hour gigs at the senior's centre this month, that's about 8 weeks post op. They always tell you to let your pain be your guide. True, and definitely no heavy lifting. Take care my friend.
Glad you are doing well. Thanks for your comprehensive write up!Hey, I had my CABGx3 one year ago. I had a two month wait between my non STEMI and my bypass. I actually played a gig the Saturday before my Monday operation.
Afterwards, I was only in the ICU for two days and was then sent to an excellent rehab center for eleven. When I got home, I was told I would be on sternal precautions for three months. That means no lifting of anything over five pounds, and no oppositional force using both arms. Doing something like opening a sealed jar too soon after this operation can separate your sternum or give you a hernia in your chest. Also, you are not supposed to drive or ride in the front seat of a car. An airbag impact before you are fully healed can do you some mischief!
I didn’t play in rehab, but I wanted to as soon as I got home. My Jerry Jones was on a floor stand and I was able to sit next to the stand and get it into my lap without lifting it, but it was awkward. Lifting my Jazz was out of the question. I wound up calling my bud at the local music store and bought a Kala over the phone, he brought it to me that night, so I could get my noodle on! A uke bass is light enough to lift and pretty low stress to play.
While I was in rehab they taught me how to get in and out of bed, and a car, without using my arms. Again, whenever your pectoral muscles flex, you can be doing damage, depending on how fast you’re healing. I’m overweight, but I was told not to start any weight loss regime or restrictive diet until getting off the sternal precautions. You need to be eating plenty of everything (except salt) in order to heal properly. I started walking indoors at a track near my house and quickly worked up to two, then four miles a day. I couldn’t walk outside in the cold weather because my lungs couldn’t take it, but you definitely need to be exercising ASAP. Get used to using the automatic handicapped doors. They were put there for you.
I literally started gigging three months after my operation. I’m lucky enough to be in a cover band that works most weekends, and the boys were happy to have me back. For the first month or two, I let them move my cabs for me. Fortunately, I have nice light stuff.
The struggle I had was getting back into singing. I had COVID for two weeks before my heart attack, and basically lost my ability to sing, or even raise my voice without having a coughing fit. The damage in my heart was mostly on the left side, which can interfere with breathing. I didn’t regain my ability to sing again until late in the summer (8+ months after my operation). My lungs still aren’t 100%, and may never be, but after a round of cardiac rehab and a lot of practice, I’m hitting some high notes.
I haven’t played upright since my operation, and honestly, my incision still bothers the hell outta me- not necessarily painful, but really itchy and uncomfortable. It’s not too bad when I play electric, but leaning the upright into me puts it right on it- no way I can do that for three hours. It’s still healing and scarring over, though, so I ain’t selling yet.
The day after I came home from rehab a friend took me shopping at a small grocery store. I got in and out of the car, did my shopping, everything went great, but my shoe came untied. I was feeling fine, and was decently flexible, (all things considered) so I put my foot on a chair, and tied my shoe. Man, when I pulled those loops, I felt the pain right in my sternum ! That little bit of force was all it took! I really took the precautions to heart after that!
Wow - what a miracle and blessing you experienced! Incredible, and glad that you are doing well....And I'm not going to rush things, but I am getting a bit antsy and wanting to get the bass back in at least my lap while seated soon. But like I said, I'm not going to rush it.
