Hi, I am 4 1/2 months post septal myectomy done in Vancouver BC by a surgeon trained at Mayo Clinic. I was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago and found it traumatizing. I am very active and couldn’t absorb there was something wrong with my heart of all things. So had to stop cycling, kayaking, horseback, cut down on weights and avoid walking hills. Kept up walking, yoga and light weights until surgery to stay fit.
After surgery, there were moments I felt too weak to even move a hand. My 91 year old mother would take my arm to help me walk. I was able to do self-care and light chores most days but gaining strength and endurance was difficult and took discipline. Activities I normally enjoy were a test of determination but I felt the only way to progress was to keep doing them.
Two months after surgery I was discouraged, thinking I should be more advanced and tired of feeling like my body was somebody else’s, not working properly. My GP said I would really start to improve in the next 2 months and she was right. Starting back on weights and yoga recently was humorous, just so weak and literally shaking. But persevered and now am close to my usual routine. Today I enjoyed yoga for the first time. It wasn’t just a struggle to get to the end. Went up 6 flights of stairs cautiously but with ease.
I still have palpitations so not all I had hoped for but the stamina is amazing. Looking back I realize stamina had gradually been eroded for quite some time.
My message is that despite being fit, the surgery was more difficult than I realized to bounce back from. I felt like I had been transplanted into someone else’s body for a few months. Perseverance, time and an understanding partner were key to gradual progress in regaining strength, endurance and flexibility. It is exciting when it starts to happen.
We worked up to walking at least 10,000 steps most days. Really recommend increasing the walking as you are medically able.
To anyone who likes being active, I hope my experience will be helpful to you.