Zipper Club rehab advice wanted

[Mika]

I am interested in any rehab advice from fellow Zipper Club members that may be out there. Specifically what did you do to get ready to ride again and or what do you wish you had done?

I, very unexpectedly, joined the Zipper Club on Dec 27 with a quadruple by pass. I had no cardiac history and my numbers such as cholesterol, blood pressure and such were excellent. The rehab/ recovery have been going wonderfully to date. I have been a good patient and following instruction to the letter. I am setting goals for my rehab now and am wondering about the return to motorcycling.

My doctors and the people running my cardiac rehab are excellent. I have every confidence in them and what they advise. None are motorcyclists however.

I was a daily rider using my bike to commute. I also have been able to take one extended trip a year for the last few years. I want to get back to this level but am willing to take it very slow this season so that I may have many more good seasons of riding.

I know that waiting for the sternum to heal completely is a key benchmark at this point in the recovery. I am looking for advice from motorcyclists on rehab ideas to help me get back into the saddle once this point is reached.

[hlothery]

I have helped treat many patients over the years who have had bypass surgery, but can remember none who asked specific motorcycle questions. Once you are cleared by the cardiology folks for driving and a return to upper body exercises (weight lifting and such) you should be OK to return to limited riding. I think you'll find your endurance limited, and your ability to torsion your upper body to get a look behind you may hurt a bit. Rotational stretches, as soon as you are cleared may help that resolve in minimal time. Just be prepared to take it slow at first, listen to your body. Glad you are doing well after the surgery.....that stuff can sure sneak up on you. Wishing you well for the future.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

First of all I am glad that you are doing well. :clap
To build up stamina again you may want to continue the exercises that you are doing now.Continuous strength training targeting your upper body is not a bad thing. The nice part is that you don't need heavy lifting to achieve this.
You get to buff up a bit while getting ready for riding season.
I have clients who have undergone the same procedure and are living life like before. If you already don't have one, you may have to get a bike with a more upright position, so you are more comfy on the road. (What an excuse to buy a new ride right?? :laugh )
In any case take care and hopefully we'll see you on the road. :thumb

[bmw_rider]

A few years back my father-in-law discussed it with the Cardioligist. His advise was once released for driving you are Ok to ride also, but build up the endurance. He did, and about 6 months after surgery we made the ride from Illinois to the Flagstaff rally. We put in some pretty long days (700 miles or more). After 3 of those in a row he did start to show signs of tiring. The time at the rally was spent taking it much easier, although was certainly filled with fun days. So go with what you body tells you, it is smarter than you think some times.

[Mika]

Thank you for the responses. My rehab people and I continue to work on a plan to work on endurance development now, and upper body strength once I have been cleared for weights. I am really up beat about the long run. I will keep you posted on my progress and warn you when I finally am able to get the Roadster back on the road where we belong.
:bikes