how long after surgery can you start running?

[akshay_m]

its been 3 months since my surgery.
i still do not feel comfortable running..
i feel a little pain only on my right side chest area.  which is still slightly bigger than the left.
is 3 months too soon to start running?
anyone can pls share their experiences.

[dab84]

I'm 8 weeks post-op. I started running/working out after 6 weeks.

First 2-3 times I ran it felt very strange. It didn't hurt, but it felt uncomfortable being able to feel my chest move again. I took things very steady to begin with.

Now it feels relatively normal. Still taking things steady. I do notice swelling after I run etc, but I expect to. I'm tending to ice up and/or wear my compression garnet afterwards. Only for 30 mins of so to help swelling. Seems to work.

I guess my advise would be listen to your body. Whilst I'm working out again I am NOT anywhere near the intensity I was pre-op and I don't think I will be for another few weeks.

[George Pope, M.D.]

Usually by 6 weeks after surgery, if you have healed without issues (hematoma, seroma, etc), you can run. If it's still uncomfortable to run several months after surgery, try wearing a tight compression shirt.

Dr. Pope, MD

[akshay_m]

thanks for the advice.
yeah i guess uncomfortable would be the correct word.  it doesnt hurt, just feels wierd
will try it out slowly and steadily.

[dab84]

Yeah the first time I ran I immediately stopped after 30 seconds. The feeling was so alien!

Back up to 5k now and, aside from swelling, it feels totally fine.

Good luck! Noting like getting back into running after such a long stint off!!

[barbarney]

thanks for the post, I had the same question.