retired

[toung1]

How long does the sternum take to heal if there are no complications?  I had quad. by pass two months ago and want to play tennis.  Bad Idea or okay 70 yrs old.

[kenkeith]

My-brother-in-law had problems for about a year.  I have provided the URL for  a long thread that relates to the subject. I agree tennis may be something in your future, but might be a little strenuous for at least a year.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Heart-Disease/Sternum-pain-after-By-pass-Surgery/show/252480

[twopack]

The first step is to get the OK from your cardiac surgeon and cardiologist.  Once you have that you will need to build up gradually rather than jump right into a high intensity/impact activity like tennis.  A cardiac rehab program might be able to guide you along the best path to build your strength and endurance.

[ed34]

Bone tissue generally takes 6 weeks to knit together. However, there are muscles and nerves obviously involved too and these feel sore for much longer. I remember the Cardiologist telling me I would be able to life heavy objects after three months but I really think he should experience a bypass for himself to get an idea of how much he is dreaming. My worst discomforts lasted about 4 months and total loss of discomfort didn't occur until exactly 12 months.